With new partners and a focus on new topics, the biennial Laser Optics Berlin trade fair taking place March 19-21, 2012, will feature a combination of optical and microsystems technologies. The international congress at the industry event will for the first time be held in cooperation with the prestigious Optical Society of America (OSA), and, as of 2012, Laser Optics Berlin and microsys Berlin will take place under one roof, creating a new business platform that mirrors the products and services of both photonics and microsystems. Exhibitors at Laser Optics Berlin will show off their latest products. Here, a representative from OEG GmbH of Germany demonstrates a product. Images courtesy of Messe Berlin. Laser Optics Berlin includes not only the international congress but also an exhibition and special forums. The subject matter of the displays at the exhibition ranges from basic technology to applied laser systems and scientific innovations as well as international projects and joint ventures. The focus is on optical measurement and testing systems, analysis, high-performance materials processing, optical communication systems, optical technologies for medical and biotech applications, optical technologies for the semiconductor industry, lighting systems, sensors, security and microsystems technology. Each of the three individual conferences of the OSA Optics and Photonics congress will examine current research areas in optics and optical technologies. Topics will include high-intensity and high-field phenomena; quantum information processing; and the ultrafast dynamics of molecular and crystalline structures. “At OSA congresses, leading researchers from highly specialized optical fields meet to discuss and exchange views on the latest research findings which deal with a broad range of issues,” said OSA President Christopher Dainty. The exhibition at Laser Optics Berlin will feature products, demos and other wonders from a range of companies, including Avantes BV of the Netherlands, whose booth from the 2010 show is pictured here. Berlin represents the third-largest concentration of microsystems technology in Germany. Around 250 mostly small and medium-size businesses dealing with sensors, measurement systems, module production, micro-optics, optoelectronics and laser technology have established themselves in the Berlin/Brandenburg region. When photonics companies are added in, the number rises to some 400 regional companies representing the optical technology and microsystems industries, according to TSB Innovationsagentur Berlin GmbH. “Combining microsys and Laser Optics Berlin means that, in the future, we will be able to offer visitors a concentrated display of the industry’s capabilities in the optical technologies and systems sector, which has always been very well established in this region,” said Prof. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Lang, director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration. “Displays will include lasers, LED systems, micro-optics and key optical microsystem technologies, which will enable visitors to take an in-depth look at the entire manufacturing and value-added chain. Visitors will also find numerous examples of new developments in measurement systems, lighting and information technology being put to use.” Forums at Laser Optics Berlin will deal with special applications and technologies, and also will feature industry meetings, recruiting days and advanced training events. A career center will offer career coaching, special papers and a job-vacancy board. Students and young academics will have an opportunity to present their diplomas and dissertations to industry professionals. Laser Optics Berlin is organized by Messe Berlin in association with TSB Innovationsagentur Berlin GmbH with its partners Max Born Institute, OpTecBB, Wista-Management GmbH and Laser-verbund Berlin-Brandenburg eV.