The annual PhAST/Laser Focus World Innovation Award honors the most timely, groundbreaking products in the field of laser science. It is sponsored by Laser Focus World and PhASTthe Photonic Applications, Systems, and Technologies conference, which is collocated with the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO) and the Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference (QELS), all managed by the Optical Society of America (OSA; Washington, D.C.).
To be considered for the award entrants described how their technology, application, service, or product (launched between February 2007 and February 2008) met several criteria, including impact on the photonics industry, overall excellent functionality and long life expectancy, secure patent position, and above all, an exceptional level of innovation. In addition to the award-winning entry, five others received an honorable mention. The award was presented on May 5 at the CLEO/QELS plenary session.
INNOVATION AWARD WINNER
Coherent(Santa Clara, CA)
Coherent was presented with top honors for its OPSL-577-3, an optically pumped semiconductor laser that provides a tailored laser wavelength for treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Its 3 W yellow output at 577 nm is matched to the main absorption peak of oxygenated hemoglobin, providing a higher degree of tissue selectivity than any previous laser wavelength for photocoagulation treatment, the prescribed first-choice intervention method for wet-form macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which affect up to 250,000 people annually in the U.S. The OPSL-577-3 also supports emerging applications in dermatology. Visit www.coherent.com.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Amplitude Systemes(Pessac, France)
The Tangerine 20 W diode-pumped ultrafast fiber amplifier offers both a high energy level and a high average power. The Tangerine is available in either 10 ps or less than 700 fs versions and can also be customized and tailored to special requirements. Tangerine is an ideal tool for ultrafast micro- and nanomachining, nonlinear, nanophotonics, and life-science applications. Visit www.amplitude-systemes.com.
ColdQuanta(Boulder, CO)
The RuBECi ultracold-matter cell is the first commercial instrument designed to enable the production of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) and related forms of ultracold matter. These BECsthe atom equivalent of a laserare already having a substantial impact on frequency standards, clocks, and inertial sensing, including gravimetry. Visit www.coldquanta.com.
Edmund Optics(Barrington, NJ)
The TECHSPEC Aspherized Achromats are the first color-corrected aspherical components. A molded polymer aspheric surface bonded to a standard achromatic doublet simultaneously reduces spherical aberration inherent in achromatic lenses and chromatic aberration inherent in aspheres. The aspherized achromats are ideal for broadband, high-numerical-aperture applications such as fiber-optic focusing or collimation, image relay, inspection, scanning, and low-light-level imaging. Visit www.edmundoptics.com.
Holochip(Albuquerque, NM)
The APL-1050 adaptive polymer lens is a variable-focal-length fluidic singlet lens for research and engineers. It provides a 10 mm aperture, continuous adjustability of focal power over a 50 diopter range. By allowing the modification of focal length without having to change the location of the lens, the APL-1050 can augment or replace a box of conventional static lenses, accelerating the prototyping process and increasing the design flexibility of optical systems. Visit www.holochip.com.
Picometrix(Ann Arbor, MI)
The T-Ray 4000 time-domain terahertz product is a transportable terahertz system that is precise enough for manufacturing, process control, or data collection. Operating in either reflection or transmission mode, the interchangeable fiber-coupled sensor heads deliver a picosecond-duration terahertz pulse, allowing high-speed spectroscopy and easy production of scanned images. Visit www.advancedphotonix.com.