Here is your first look at the editorial content for the upcoming November issue of Photonics Spectra.



Lasers for Multiphoton Microscopy

While legacy Ti:sapphire laser technology can accommodate multiple fluorescent markers, it can be challenging to correct these lasers' optical alignment and adjust repetition frequencies. Chromacity and Scientifica will discuss how a new generation of ultrafast lasers are driving advances in multiphoton microscopy by penetrating deeper into biological tissue and generating higher-resolution images at a lower cost.

Key Technologies: multiphoton microscopy, ultrafast lasers, Ti:sapphire lasers, fiber lasers

Low-Power Laser Applications

Low-power lasers in the visible and infrared region deliver energy without thermal effects, and are demonstrating therapeutic value for patients confronting ailments from COVID-19 to chronic pain.

Key Technologies: pulsed lasers, low-power lasers, LED, photobiomodulation

Vision-Guided Robotics

Though immense progress has been made in 3D machine vision, one major challenge remains — the capture of moving objects and their 3D reconstruction in high quality, without motion artifacts. Applied to vision-guided robots, the choice is often between precision or speed. Photoneo's feature highlights a novel technology called “Parallel Structured Light,” which it claims puts an end to this compromise. The approach uses structured light in combination with proprietary CMOS sensor technology to improve robot vision in a number of end-applications including handling, picking, depalletizing, sorting, or quality control of moving objects.

Key Technologies: CMOS imagers, 3D imaging, structured lighting, vision-guided robots

Adaptive Optics

Adaptive optics are eliminating atmospheric effects for ground-based telescopes, helping to detect eye disease, and improving the throughput of laser-driven manufacturing. AO technology removes distortions in the wavefront of light, thereby ensuring the clearest possible imaging, the highest possible laser power, and maximum manufacturing efficiency. But AO technology faces challenges. Users want quicker wavefront corrections and the removal of finer aberrations. They also want lower-cost AO implementations. Technology suppliers are responding with innovative new solutions.

Key Technologies: adaptive optics, wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors, spatial light modulators, MEMS, free-space laser communications, ultrashort laser machining