Laser World of Photonics

Twisting Light to Move More Data for Faster, More Secure Communications 🌀 ✴️ 📈 What if you could add extra lanes to the information superhighway? New research from University of Melbourne and Hanyang University shows how that can be done just that by twisting light into powerful, spiral-shaped beams called optical vortices. The researchers used a surprisingly simple and cost-effective method: Ultra-thin van der Waals (vdW) materials. These materials naturally convert normal light into a vortex beam, creating a new, more efficient way to encode and transmit massive amounts of data. This findings could pave the way for faster, more secure optical communications, from high-speed internet to satellite systems. Peking University Jaegang Jo Sujeong Byun Munseong Bae Haejun Chung Sejeong Kim #optics #MaterialsScience #LaserTechnology #photonics #OpticalCommunications #DataTransfer [Image: Seok Woo Yun - Passing cicularly-polarised light through certain van der Wals materials causing the beam to spiral.]

An Alternative to LASIK? ✴️ 👀 💯 What if you could reshape the cornea and correct vision without a single laser or incision? Researchers from Occidental College and UC Irvine have developed an innovative technique called electromechanical reshaping (EMR) that uses a low electric potential to change the pH of the cornea, making it malleable enough to be reshaped. In initial tests on animal tissue, the cornea was able to be molded to a new, corrected shape in about one minute—the same amount of time as #LASIK, but without the high costs, extensive equipment, or potential risks of cutting tissue. This research could lead to a safer, more accessible, and even reversible alternative to traditional eye surgery. Mimi Chen Daniel Kim Sannath Mathapathi Michelle Chen Wei Jin Zhongping Chen Brian Wong Michael Hill #LaserMedicine #MedTech #ophthalmology [Image: Daniel Kim and Mimi Chen - The electromechanical reshaping technique successfully flattened this rabbit cornea, shown in a cross section, from its original shape (white line) to a corrected one (yellow line).]

Cracking the Code of Invisible Magnetism: How a New Laser-Powered Technique Unlocks Hidden Magnetic Secrets in Copper and Gold ✴️ 🧲 👑 New research is shedding light on the invisible: A team of scientists has developed a groundbreaking way to detect subtle magnetic signals in everyday metals like copper and gold, using a simple laser. For years, the scientific community knew a phenomenon called the optical Hall effect existed, but the signal was too faint to measure. By refining a technique called the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) and using a special blue laser, the team was able to "turn up the volume" on these magnetic whispers. Their method allows them to pick up on signals in non-magnetic materials—a feat previously considered nearly impossible. This isn't just a scientific curiosity. This new, wire-free approach offers a non-invasive way to study magnetism and electron behavior, which could lead to significant advances in: 🚀 Faster processors 💯 More energy-efficient systems 💎 Quantum computing The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Weizmann Institute of Science Penn State University The University of Manchester Nadav am-shalom Amit Rothschild Nirel Bernstein Michael Malka Benjamin Assouline Daniel Kaplan Binghai Yan Igor Rozhansky Amir Capua #photonics #LaserTech #physics #MaterialScience #QuantumComputing [Images: # 1: Paz Roth - Optical Hall Measurements of the Silicon Wafer | # 2: Nadav Am-Shalom et al./ DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61249-4 - Schematic illustration of the OHE and the experimental setup. (a) Analogy between the ordinary Hall effect, AHE, MOKE, and OHE. (b) Ferris MOKE experimental setup. Inset: illustration of the magnetic field lines of a single magnet. (c) Schematic illustration of the induced transverse polarization due to the linearly polarized optical field and the externally applied magnetic field. (d) Measured temporal profiles.]

Step Inside the World's Leading Photonics Event: Laser World of Photonics 2025 🚀💡 Missed out on Laser World of Photonics 2025? Or just want to experience the excitement all over again? Our highlight video takes you inside the premier event for the photonics industry. Mark your calendars - #LaserWorldOfPhotonics will be back 📆 from June 22-25, 2027 📍 in Munich! This June, Munich was the center of innovation, community, and forward-thinking conversation. With 1,398 exhibitors and 44,000 visitors from around the globe, this year's show was our biggest and most dynamic yet. 🤖 The atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, with experts buzzing about the latest advancements and the bright future of the industry, with topics like #biophotonics, integrated photonics, and #AI. 🏵️ The #WorldOfPhotonicsCongress featured inspiring talks from global leaders and even two Nobel laureates, Prof. Anne L'Huillier and Prof. Ferenc Krausz. 🤝🏼 We were proud to once again co-locate with World of Quantum and automatica, showcasing the powerful synergy of technologies that are shaping our future. ––What's one thing you're excited to see at the next event? Let us know in the comments! #photonics #laser #LaserTechnology #optics #tradefair #tradeshow

Robust New Photonic Crystal Laser for Autonomous Vehicles and Free Space Communication 📡 ✨ 🛻 New research from The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is expanding the possibilities for photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs). By swapping air holes for a solid dielectric material, the team has created a new PCSEL design that improves on current technology and opens up new avenues for applications in defense. These PCSELs are useful for defense applications such as #LiDAR, a remote sensing technology used in battlefield mapping, navigation, and target tracking. This innovation could pave the way for advancements in autonomous vehicles, laser cutting, and free space communication. Air Force Research Laboratory United States Military Academy at West Point Erin Raftery Devon Lee Brad Thompson Kai Wing Chow William North Minjoo Larry Lee #laser #LaserTechnology #LaserSensing #photonics [Image: # 1: Erin Raftery et al. DOI: 10.1109/JPHOT.2025.3561087 | # 2: The Grainger College of Engineering. Showing Prof. Kent Choquette.]

Happy 50th birthday to productronica! 🥳 ✴️ ⚙️ We at Laser World of Photonics want to give a huge shout-out to our sister trade fair for five decades of shaping the future of electronics manufacturing! Our shared focus on high-tech innovation, particularly in the fields of photonics and electronics, makes us strong partners at Messe München in shaping the future of manufacturing. productronica has been a vital platform for innovation, connecting experts, and showcasing the latest advancements in the industry since 1975. This year's anniversary is an outstanding sign of the trade fair's continued success and its critical role in advancing the electronics industry. From one industry leader to another, we are proud to share a heritage with such a remarkable event and celebrate your incredible milestone. 💙 Here's to many more years of innovation and success! #50yearsproductronica #productronica #tradefair #LaserManufacturing #LaserWorldOfPhotonics #MesseMünchen

Optimizing Laser Treatment for Enhanced Precision Dermatology: Novel Approach to Safer, More Effective Discoloration Therapy ✴️ 🫱🏼 💯 New research from Osaka Metropolitan University is set to transform how skin discoloration treatment is approached, particularly for conditions like Nevus of Ota. For years, setting the right laser irradiation conditions has been a challenge, with existing meta-analyses often muddied by cases of over- and under-irradiation. The team now has developed the EICF (Excessive Setting Index of Clinical Fluence). This innovative in-silico mathematical model allows for the precise determination of appropriate laser irradiation conditions, leading to significantly more accurate evaluations of treatment efficacy. Yu SHIMOJO #LaserTreatment #MedTech #MedicalPhysics #medicine #dermatology [Image: Osaka Metropolitan University - Laser treatment for scars and discoloration: The newly emerging picosecond and nanosecond lasers are commonly used in treating nevus of Ota.]

From Chips to Quantum Devices: Advancing the Nanofabrication Frontier with Ultrafast Lasers 🏭 ✴️ 🔬 Ultrafast laser nanofabrication is pivotal in pushing the boundaries of manufacturing, essential for everything from advanced chip production to revolutionary quantum devices. A study by scientists from Beijing University of Technology (北京工业大学) and National University of Singapore highlights how ultrafast lasers are addressing the industry's relentless pursuit of miniaturization, moving beyond the limitations of traditional methods. The work explores both near-field and far-field laser techniques, showcasing incredible advancements. While near-field methods have achieved astonishing 11nm feature sizes, their practical application is limited. However, far-field techniques, once constrained by the diffraction limit, are now enabling features as small as tens of nanometers through innovations like Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) and multiphoton absorption. Even more exciting, strategies like dual-beam overlapping are hinting at a sub-10nm future. Despite these breakthroughs, challenges remain, particularly in achieving high-aspect-ratio processing and overcoming the nonlinear threshold instability. But with ongoing research into new laser sources and pulse-shaping technologies, the path to high-resolution, high-efficiency, and large-scale nanofabrication is clearer than ever. #UltrafastLasers #photonics #nanofabrication #LaserManufacturing [Image: Zhenyuan Lin, Lingfei Ji, Minghui Hong - ASOM: adaptive scanning optical microscope.]

Boosting Safety & Efficiency of Water Treatment with 3D Laser Precision – Smart Defect Inspection of Filters using Multidimensional Data 📡 💧 ✅ An innovation is set to enhance water treatment facilities worldwide: Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Circular Water Solution, LLC have developed a multi-dimensional data interpretation framework that enables non-invasive, real-time identification of defective water treatment filters. This method combines 3D laser scanning technology with advanced SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) sensor data analysis to detect subsurface structural defects without any operational disruptions. Key improvements: ✔️ Significant reductions in inspection time and labor costs. ✔️ Elimination of operational interruptions for filter checks. ✔️ Enhanced public health protection through consistently effective water filtration. This framework uses upside-down 3D #laser scanners to capture precise geometric changes on filter surfaces, integrating roughness, curvature, and other features with time-series sensor data. Tested extensively at the Shenango Water Treatment Plant (Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.), this system accurately identifies problematic filters by revealing surface deformations and operational anomalies that point to issues like uneven gravel beds or mud ball formation. This work not only safeguards #WaterQuality but also paves the way for smarter, more efficient infrastructure monitoring. The applications extend beyond water treatment, inspiring innovations in pipeline inspection and other industrial filtration systems. – Discover how #LaserTechnology is driving a safer, more sustainable future for #WaterTreatment: at Laser World of Photonics 2027 (June 22–25)! 🚰 ✴️ 💯 Jinghua "Jing" Xiao, PhD, PE (IL, NJ, OH, PA, VA) Pingbo Tang, Ph.D., P.E. [Image: Pengkun Liu, Pingbo Tang/ both Carnegie Mellon University, Jinghua Xiao/Circular Water Solution LLC - Compact filter defect detection: This framework integrates 3D scanning, SCADA data, and CFD for non-invasive detection of subsurface structural defects in water filters. It enables automated monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimized backwash in smart facilities./ Caption summary by AI]

Precision Laser Treatment: AI-Powered System Elevates Enhanced Dermatological Diagnostics ✴️ 🔎 🙂 Research from Kindai University in dermatological diagnostics and laser treatment planning: The team has developed an AI-based classification system for facial pigmented lesions that significantly surpasses the diagnostic accuracy of dermatologists. The study demonstrates the system's potential to support more optimized, precise diagnoses and safer more effective laser treatment decisions. –Key highlights: * Superior diagnostic accuracy: The AI system achieved diagnostic accuracies of 86-87% for five types of facial pigmented lesions, outperforming experts (80%) and non-experts (63%) alike. * Optimized treatment decisions: By accurately identifying lesion types like melasma, ephelides, and even critical cases like lentigo maligna melanoma (100% sensitivity), the system helps supports appropriate therapeutic choices, reduce the risk of mistreatment. * Addressing a critical need: This research fills a gap in AI diagnostics for benign and malignant facial pigmented lesions directly relevant to laser planning. Kyoto University Sapporo Medical University Shigeto Yanagihara #LaserTreatment #LaserAI #AIinMedicine #MedicalAI #DeepLearning #healthcare [Image: Prof. Atsushi Otsuka/ Kindai University - A typical image preprocessing workflow. The facial image is corrected for white balance with Python's OpenCV. A square region of interest (ROI) containing the main lesion is cropped. ROIs from five lesion types (ADM, Eph, Mel, Sen, LM/LMM) still show natural variation in skin tone and pigmentation. Only images with sufficient clarity (Laplacian variance ≥ 10) proceed for CNN analysis.]