Solid 2020 revenue numbers are expected for lasers across many photonics markets, as you will read in this Report on the 32nd annual Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar. However, these forecasts should be tempered by shifting macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainties such as trade disputes and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 virus in China and beyond.
Like last year’s Seminar, the format this year blended a variety of presentations, interviews, and panel discussions so that the audience could hear direct answers to questions and not rely so much on slide decks. For example, I interviewed Akira Hiruma, President and CEO of Hamamatsu Photonics and laser market analyst Allen Nogee after their presentations. And after lunch, I was on stage talking to John Lee, President and CEO of MKS Instruments, in a discussion about how he operates amidst uncertainty, among other things.
Two panels engaged the audience in different ways on very different topics: photonics business and vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The photonics business panel analyzed technologies and markets and featured participants from II-VI Inc., Trumpf Inc., Excelitas Technologies, and Tarkas Ventures, while VCSELs were discussed in depth by panelists from II-VI Inc., Vixar/Osram, Array Photonics, and Yole Développement.
We also heard from SPIE's Government Affairs Director on export controls, and U.S.-China trade negotiations. A discussion of the new demands placed on optics by emerging laser applications was followed by an overview of recent advances in solid-state and fiber lasers that combine the precision of the ultrashort-pulse laser with the surface throughput of cutting and welding lasers, which open up new applications in the large-area machining of ultra-hard materials, and in photovoltaic and battery manufacturing.
I trust this Report gives you a sense of the Seminar and the information presented. The Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar remains the leading event where you can network with colleagues as you hear about developments in our markets and consider the implications for your business. I hope to see you there next year.
