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The realization of compact and reliable diode-pumped solid-state lasers that emit UV light is now opening the door to new industrial applications. Neil Savage describes the uses of the technology and a round-up of products in the area.
Nichia of Japan pioneered the development of gallium nitride blue LEDs and lasers and is now turning its attention to UV devices. Adarsh Sandhu reports from Tokushima, where he interviewed senior executives from the firm.
As everything else seems to get faster, why are scientists trying to slow light down? David Gevaux spoke to Fengnian Xia and Yurii Vlasov at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center to find out.
Electronics firms, fashion houses and medical-equipment suppliers are all busy developing textiles that blend photonics technology with materials science. Duncan Graham-Rowe reports on the striking results of their endeavours.