As the integration of optics into laser and imaging systems grows, and the demands for optics-based scientific, medical, industrial, and security applications become more complex, engineers need a dedicated technical resource where end-users and the designers and builders of optical components and systems can share information. This is especially true for the many challenges (or "pain points") they all face and the potential benefits of good optical design and execution.
Which leads us to the Optical Engineering Exchange and the cover of this issue. The editors of Laser Focus World place great importance on delivering to our audience useful and accurate technical information. In the field of optical engineering, we felt and our readers confirmed that there is a need for even more of a "how-to" focus on the practical challenges of working with optical components and systems. With this in mind, please see our introduction to the Optical Engineering Exchange (see page 23), the articles in that section, our new topic center on the web, and new community forum.
This issue also contains many articles unrelated specifically to solving optical design challenges. But our intent to provide technology solutions is clear, from an article on motion systems that improve image stability (see page 37) to an article on practical consideration for advanced microscopy (see page 49). We look to future technology solutions with articles on 3D imaging (see page 20), the business of silicon photonics (see page 72), and improvements in FTIR spectroscopy (see page 45) and medical stent processing (see page 57).
Laser Focus World has a diverse readership, with multiple reasons to read any given article, from seeking a technical solution to finding a market opportunity. Please let me know how we are doing in our quest to serve these goals, and what other challenges you see for us.