Uncertainty and turmoil in global markets is raising economic concerns, but for investors in and members of the photonics community the long-term value of photonics remains clear. The forthcoming “Harnessing Light” report, to be introduced at the SPIE Optics+Photonics Conference in San Diego (August 12–16), will be an opportunity to describe to the public and policy makers the critical roles that we know optics and photonics play in our economy, security, and personal lives.
The report is published by the US-based National Academies and written by photonics researchers and business leaders. If the companies, research groups, and professional societies in the photonics community work to advance its findings, then real progress could be made in priorities such as ensuring competitive strength, meeting workforce needs, and continuing to build a sound research and manufacturing infrastructure.
For our part, the staff of Laser Focus World will continue to bring our worldwide audience articles on the most recent technology developments, market trends, and products. Our cover article reports on work by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that uses gradient field microscopy to help change clinical pathology (page 41). Other reports show advances in green laser diodes for highly efficient displays (page 20) and the growing use of optical fibers for sensing in harsh environments, such as oil and gas wells (page 27). And contributing editor Jeff Hecht summarizes many of the recent developments in quantum-cascade lasers, which are enabling exciting applications that range from sensitive measurement devices to military countermeasures (page 53).
As photonics entrepreneur and investor Jan Melles writes in this issue’s Market Insights column (page 37), the investment of sufficient funds for R&D is critical to ensuring the success of individual companies. We urge a similar way of thinking when it comes to photonics and the future.
