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View Laser Focus World Magazine, March 2008

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FEATURES
61 OPTOELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS: NANOPHOTONICS
Silicon photonics sets the stage for optical datacom
Nanoscale techniques are yielding chip-level modulators, transceivers, VOAs, and even lasers—all made from silicon. KATHY KINCADE

65 BIOPROCESS MONITORING
Photonics takes a new look at bioprocesses
Optically based monitoring of bioprocess reactors enables real-time, noninvasive interrogation of the bioprocess state, bringing the promise of signifi cant improvements in process reproducibility and yield. MARK SELKER AND BARB PALDUS

69 ADAPTIVE OPTICS
Optical fuse protects intracavity laser components
An adaptive-optics phase-correction mechanism combined with a specially designed fi lter can prevent catastrophic
damage to critical optical components in a high-intensity laser system. XAVIER LEVECQ

75 HIGH-POWER DIODE LASERS
High-power diode lasers boost power-beaming competition
Improved effi ciency of diode lasers and the growing photovoltaic market have accelerated interest in power beaming (wireless power transfer). The NASA-sponsored Space Elevator competition is currently the most popular application of power beaming. GEORGE TREUSCH, TOBIAS KOENNING, AND BEN SHELEF

80 PHOTOMULTIPLIERS
Hybrid detector combines PMT and semiconductor-diode technologies
Originally developed for particle-physics experiments, the hybrid photodetector offers low-light detection with better pulse height resolution than a PMT, fast time response and excellent timing resolution, with very low to no afterpulses. MOTOHIRO SUYAMA AND MARIDEL LARES

85 HOMELAND-SECURITY IMAGING
Microdisplays advance military imaging
Transmissive liquid-crystal technology based on singlecrystal silicon backplanes enables ultralow power consumption, wide operating-temperature range, and “instant-on” performance in the next generation of microdisplays. HONG CHOI AND TONY BACARELLA

89 PHOTONIC FRONTIERS: EYE-SAFE LASERS
Retina-safe wavelengths benefit open-air applications
Shifting to wavelengths not transmitted to the retina relaxes eye-safety requirements for applications that require beam transmission through open air, but corneal safety remains a concern. JEFF HECHT

Download Laser Focus World Magazine, March 2008

Pdf format, 18mb, 129pages.

MONA paints picture of nanoscale world

While the role of nanotechnology in many recent photonics advances may be intuitively obvious, a recently released report from the EU offers an unusually comprehensive look at the broader impact of combining “opto” and “nano” technologies—nanophotonics. Although the focus is Europe’s current status and future competitiveness in nanophotonics, the MONA (Merging Optics and Nanotechnologies) report includes technology roadmaps and market information that are relevant globally. The MONA roadmaps identify key nanomaterials likely to have the strongest impact in nanophotonics, the equipment and processes that are crucial for improving performance of nanophotonic devices, and key devices for major applications.

One recommendation is that Europe should maintain its current level of R&D for datacom/telecom— specifi cally for further integration of optical and electronic chips—and its competence in optical interconnects to compete with the USA where DARPA, large microelectronics companies, and startups are already very active (see www.ist-mona.org).

Two of these large companies named in the report are Intel and IBM. Both companies have recently reported advances in nanoscale photonics aimed primarily at optical communications and/or interconnects. In one example, IBM’s new silicon-based Mach-Zender modulator that’s depicted on this month’s cover is up to 1000 times smaller than previously demonstrated modulators of its kind (see page 61).

Larry’s VC View

Serial entrepreneur and long-time LFW Editorial Advisory Board member Dr. Larry Marshall is transitioning from running photonics startups to funding them. He recently completed the fi rst IPO of a Silicon Valley company on the Australian exchange, and is now a Partner at the fi rst Australian fi nanced Venture fund to operate in Silicon Valley.

Read about his foray into the world of funding photonics fi rms in his new blog at laserfocusworld.com. Larry shares his experiences, lessons, and mistakes with fellow entrepreneurs seeking venture funding.

Stephen G. Anderson
Associate Publisher/Editor in Chief

Laser Focus World Magazine Official Website

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