The most rewarding aspect of working on Laser Focus World is the fact that photonics science and technology are always evolving—and we have the pleasure of writing and editing articles about the latest developments, trying to answer the questions, "what's new?" and "what are the opportunities?" Our issue this month is no different, starting with the cover story from Jenoptik Optical Systems about objective lenses for high-power laser materials processing (see page 28). As the researchers write, there are significant optical challenges to be overcome as disk and fiber laser systems become more powerful, yet solid research has resulted in better-designed and optimized lenses for the new generation of industrial lasers.
The cumulative R&D into zinc oxide (ZnO) described in an article from researchers at Nanovation (see page 33) has resulted in a material that is enabling new capabilities for ultraviolet emitters and detectors, which in turn will impact applications ranging from photovoltaics to displays, LEDs, and environmental sensors. That makes the field of ZnO devices very exciting.
Advancing technology for high-speed communications is the topic of two other articles this month. In the first, contributing editor Jeff Hecht describes how electronic dispersion compensation marks a new stage in the evolution of very high speed optical signal transmission (see page 40). And engineers at Attochron show how ultrashort pulse lasers can provide reliable free-space optical communications within 4G cellular networks (see page 47).
Even more on the frontiers of photonics are articles about an optofluidic light switch for reconfigurable solar lighting, the first tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy system incorporating VCSELs for water vapor measurements in internal-combustion engines, quantum-cascade lasers in a new standoff hyperspectral molecular-imaging system, and a new swept laser source to boost optical coherence tomography image quality. Notice how the word "new" keeps appearing in these descriptions of photonics systems—it's all part of living on the edge.
Conard Holton
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.