Scientists have used an ultrafast laser to study a photosynthetic complex — arguably the most important bit of organic chemistry on the planet — in its complete functioning state. When sunlight strikes a photosynthesizing organism, energy flashes between proteins just beneath its surface until it is trapped as separate electric charges. These tiny hits of energy are literally the sparks of life, eventually powering the growth and movement of all plants and animals. 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After the initial spark of interest, lasers were for a while categorized as “a solution waiting for a...Photonics HandbookIndustrial Lasers: An Introduction to Process Qualification: The step from successfully demonstrating a new laser process on a limited number of samples under laboratory conditions, to scaling that process up for high-volume industrial use is a big one. In particular, it’s necessary to determine how variations in process parameters affect end results, so that acceptable process input and operating ranges can be determined.Materials processing with lasers is actually a broad term for a diverse range of applications. The major categories of these uses, and the lasers that service them, are summarized Table 1. At one...Photonics HandbookLaser Measurement Systems: Best Practices: When purchasing a laser, learning how to apply, troubleshoot, and evaluate that device is very important.Given the pace at which technology advances, there always seems to be a learning curve. 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OZ Optics manufactures its products in three locations, Ottawa (Canada),...Photonics Buyers' GuideCASTECH INC.CASTECH is a recognized leading supplier of nonlinear optical crystals, laser crystals and precision optical components for laser, telecom, medical, analysis and detector markets. Products...Photonics Buyers' Guide