The booming Chinese market's demand for industrial laser and photonics systems is continuously increasing. Consequently, the industry has record high growth potential. Laser World of Photonics China 2008, which was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) from March 18 to 20, reflected the rapid growth of the optoelectronic industry in China.
Both domestic and international companies presented their latest technologies in China. These included TRUMPF, Rofin, Schott, Coherent, IPG, Newport, nLight, GSI, Oerlikon, Osram, Laservall, Telesis, Han's Laser, Wuhan Chutian, Wuhan Huagong, North China Research Institute of Electro-Optics, and Shengyang Dalu. This year the show made history with an exhibition area of 11,500 sq meters, 30% more than in 2007. It attracted 206 exhibitors from 16 countries, 52% of whom came from outside China. 18,428 trade visitors attended the show, an increase of 100% compared to last year. Reportedly, there was a noticeable increase in both the expertise of visitors and their regional and international proportion.
Two conferences focusing on laser technology were held concurrently with the show: the Third International Conference on Laser Processes and Components (LPC 2008) and Optics Frontier—2008. Laser Technology Forum provided information on laser processing technologies and future developments and challenges in laser technology. The conferences attracted more participants who numbered nearly 400 in total.
The next Laser World of Photonics China will be held at SNIEC from March 17 to 19, 2009.