Many great sources of information exist for keeping track of developments in photonics technologies and products. In this issue, for example, if you want to know about fast-emerging technologies such as phased arrays of optical nanoantennas, our cover story about recent work at MIT is eye-opening (page 17), as is our feature by senior editor John Wallace on novel optical fiber designed for high-speed home networks (page 57). For information about potentially disruptive, high-brightness direct laser diode technology, read our feature by contributing editor Jeff Hecht (page 39). And if you want to learn about the more prosaic technologies in full-body scanners at airports, see our Photonics Applied feature by senior editor Gail Overton (page 45).
In addition to magazines and web sites like Laser Focus World, tradeshows and conferences rank as premier sources of information about photonics. Nothing beats talking to a colleague or hearing from a renowned speaker for learning about a development or solving a problem—and the same goes for actually handling a product and asking questions of a product manager.
OFC/NFOEC in Anaheim, and LASER World of Photonics China in Shanghai, both held the week of March 18, promise to deliver exceptional value. SPIE Defense, Security + Sensing in Baltimore, starting April 29, will be the venue to see the best in related products and technologies—and to learn what impacts the ongoing US budget struggles may have on the defense markets.
The largest and most widely anticipated show will take place in Munich in mid-May, where LASER World of Photonics will be celebrating its 40th anniversary and expecting 1,100 exhibitors and 28,000 visitors. And just before the Summer solstice in June, CLEO takes place in San Jose, where the OSA and Laser Focus World will present their annual Innovation Awards for outstanding new products and services.
Of course we'll be at all these shows and hope to see you there.
Conard Holton | Editor at Large
Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.