Laser World of Photonics — sponsored by Messe München International — provides a spotlight for promising newcomers, industry veterans and innovative companies. And with tens of thousands of people from countries around the globe attending the show, that spotlight is huge. “Laser World of Photonics has an international focus. [It] covers the entire market of optical technologies — from components to systems — and addresses a huge number of industries,” Katja Stolle, executive director of Laser World of Photonics, told Photonics Media. “By attending the show, visitors gain an overview on the developments of the whole industry.” A focus this year will be on the intertwining of medical advancement with photonics techniques and technologies. Light-based technology works well in the imaging and study of living cells, neural brain processes or medically altered tissue. Also scheduled for discussion at Laser Munich are optical techniques (notably laser technology and imaging) that assist in diagnosing diseases, surgical treatment determinations and medication developments. Optical techniques are being used in the development of miniaturized biochips and fabrication of customized 3D-scanned and 3D-printed implants, too. Practice-oriented educational application panels will examine these and other optical technologies, research and trends. Among these tracks are Photonics-Based Methods in Microscopy and Modern Operation Theaters, Laser Applications and Optical Diagnostics in Ophthalmology, Visions for Future Diagnostics (Imaging), and Laser Evolution Drives Innovation in Life Sciences and Bioinstrumentation. Another focus at Laser Munich is in the industrial sector, particularly laser technology and sensor advancements that currently drive manufacturing and production. According to Messe München, there exists great potential for digital production, specifically in cold material processing using ultrashort laser pulses. Traditional lasers can physically impact materials (metals, plastics, glass, etc.), while newer devices that use concentrated light work without contact, eliminating the risk of corrosion. Application panels covering the industrial sector will focus on such technology; these sessions include Industrial Success Stories for Applications of Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Systems, Lasers in Microelectronics: The Smart Connected World Approaching, 3D Printing: Laser-based Additive Manufacturing for Metal Parts, and Laser Processing of Dielectric and Brittle Materials. The World of Photonics Congress is also slated for this week, as it’s colocated with Laser Munich. It offers the latest developments in research, technology and emerging applications. In 2017, digital optical technology is an overarching conference theme, with design, fabrication and functionality in focus. Discussions will emphasize numerical algorithms to help devise novel optics from macroscopic (used in freeform optics) to nanoscopic (used with metamaterials and plasmonics) scales. Also examined will be novel digital lithography and freeform mold diamond-turning techniques, as well as computational techniques to enhance functionality in imaging and display, and digital switching, tuning and reconfiguration of optics functionality. Among other sessions slated for the 2017 Congress are Lasers in Manufacturing, EOS Optical Technologies and Optical Metrology. The European Conference on Biomedical Optics (ECBO) is also part of the Congress, and will be held this year in conjunction with the ninth scientific meeting of the Head and Neck Optical Diagnostics and Intervention Society (HNODIS). Rounding out Laser Munich is its large exhibition. All sectors of the industry are represented, from imaging, sensing and metrology to lasers and laser systems, biophotonics and manufacturing. Companies showcase new products and innovative technologies. A full list of exhibitors is available at www.world-of-photonics.com. The biennial Startup World program puts innovation at center stage during Laser Munich. It offers a platform on which young companies (under five years old) can present their products and novel work in front of industry professionals. For exhibitors, potential sponsors and financial backers, connecting with companies turns Startup World into an innovations marketplace. As with the Startup World initiative, the Photonics Award is a place for innovation to shine. This competition recognizes the best new products in all optical technologies from startup companies. Award entries are evaluated based on business potential, level of innovation, usability, technical feasibility and product availability. For more information about Laser World of Photonics, the World of Photonics Congress and more, visit www.world-of-photonics.com.