Advancements Come from Many Directions

Rodd M. Pedrotti rodd.pedrotti@photonics.com

The Sourcebook sections that debuted this year within the pages of BioPhotonics have been very well received. Each Sourcebook is a guide to resources focused on a specific core technology including new product information, a manufacturer and distributor directory, and archival resources and events listings. In this issue, we’re pleased to present our latest Sourcebook, which focuses on imaging.

These technologies have come a long way in a short time, and their advancements have not been restricted to the development or refinement of physical equipment. Case in point: Researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., have developed a unique fluorescent ink that is invisible when viewed in normal lighting conditions but can be seen clearly when viewed with the aid of UV lighting. One of its primary applications is anticounterfeiting. In this issue’s “BioScan” section, you’ll read about how this technology will have very transparent uses.

Political affairs also can play a role in scientific advancements. Sometimes, politics affects just one technology, while at other times it may have an effect on an entire scientific field. Photonics is no exception. As of May 5, the U.S. Department of Commerce opened a 60-day comment period on proposed revisions to Category XII of the U.S. Munitions List. Category XII governs the commodities covered by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and covers many of the optics and photonics commodities and components that ITAR controls. SPIE has indicated that the proposal has broad implications for the U.S. optics and photonics industry. This is one of several news items of interest in this issue’s “RapidScan” section.

Different scientific fields can serve to complement one another. For example, advancements in electron microscopy (EM) have been considerable, and one EM-based technique is being used to generate 3-D reconstructions of biological samples with isotropic-resolution image quality. What does this have to do with photonics? Well, the key is that the technique works best when used in tandem with light microscopy (LM). In this issue’s cover story, FEI’s Emine Korkmaz explains how LM makes the most out of this method in the feature, “SBF Imaging – Using SEM and LM to Create High-Resolution 3-D Reconstructions,” beginning on page 24.

Also in this issue:

“Optimizing Experimental Conditions for STED and g-STED Microscopy,” by Karl Beeson, Mary J. Potasek and Evgueni Parilov, Simphotek Inc., beginning on page 28; and, “Lasers Make Their Marks on Skin and Tissue Procedures,” by contributing editor Valerie Coffey, beginning on page 32.

Please enjoy the issue.