See Rates Raman Imaging This article will survey leading spectroscopy instrument-makers to provide an update on the state-of-the-art for Raman imaging, including the component of laser and detectors used to define for readers the the technical limitations of current systems and how component advancements will enable Raman imaging to evolve new capabilities and applications. Key Technologies: Raman imaging, Raman microscopy, UV (diode, not excimers) and NIR lasers, including diode and fiber lasers, CCDs, Scanning stages Ultrafast Lasers This article will discuss the trend toward smaller, rugged, turnkey femtosecond laser systems operating at fixed wavelengths and how they are offering new solutions in four very different application areas: two-photon polymerization, multiphoton excitation microscopy, THz generation, and inspection of semiconductor wafers. Key Technologies: Titanium-Sapphire, Diode-Pumped, Fiber, and Mode-Locked Diode lasers can all achieve ultrashort pulses Scientific Cameras This article will examine developments in scientific cameras through the lens of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). Over the last decade, the use of CMOS technology has helped increase the number of SPAD pixels in a compact and scalable way, paving the way for SPAD arrays. Early generations of these arrays had low sensitivity, high noise, and a low fill factor. But more recent SPAD arrays have overcome these limitations to achieve sensitivities and noise levels comparable to single-pixel SPADs. PicoQuant will discuss how these new SPAD arrays are positioned to revolutionize not only confocal microscopy but also other fields that require improved spatial and temporal resolution out of its photon-counting detectors. Key Technologies: Single-photon avalanche photodiodes, s-CMOS cameras, scientific imaging, confocal microscopy. Laser Processing of EV Batteries EV batteries and the manufacturing lines that produce them employ a lot of volatile materials. So, it is not surprising that battery manufacturers should make safety a priority - a practice that extends to the laser materials processing systems they employ. This article details key concerns and best practices when applying laser processing tools to the fabrication of safety valves, rupture disks, and other battery components. Key Technologies:Industrial lasers (CO2, Nd:Yag, diode-pumped fiber lasers, blue lasers, etc.) especially those that apply to EV battery manufacturing