About Us

Photonics Media

Photonics is the technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. Applications for light-based technologies are growing every day and can be found nearly everywhere – from cell phone displays and cameras to lighting and cars that park themselves. Photonics utilizes lasers, optics, imaging and more to impact every area of modern life, from communications and information processing to lighting, agriculture and medicine, manufacturing, transportation, aerospace and much more.

Photonics Media publishes print and digital business-to-business magazines, buyers’ guides, websites and e-newsletters for individuals working with light-based technologies in the photonics industry. A pioneering publisher in the discipline of photonics, Photonics Media has built a large global audience comprising academics and researchers, manufacturers and end-users.

What We Publish

Photonics Spectra
Photonics Spectra^® is today's leading source of technological solutions and of news and information about photonics. It is the magazine referred to worldwide by the largest audience of photonics engineers, scientists and end users. Integrating all segments of photonics, Photonics Spectra is unique in that it provides both technical and practical information for every aspect of the global industry. For a free subscription, visit Photonics.com/subscribe.

www.Photonics.com
With 3 million page views annually, Photonics.com^® is clearly the first place industry professionals turn to when they need an authoritative, comprehensive source of photonics information.
Neal Award Finalist
Photonics.com reports on what's timely and of interest to the photonics community: news, technology advances, research, company changes and profiles, new products, feature articles and major industry events. The site also features the online editions (and archives) of the award-winning Photonics Spectra magazine, BioPhotonics magazine, and Vision Spectra magazine; online versions of the Photonics Buyers' Guide, the Photonics Handbook and Photonics Dictionary; video, webinars, white papers, and tradeshow coverage including a calendar of courses and events.

Photonics.com also publishes several e-newsletters to keep industry professionals informed of the latest developments in key technology areas.

BioPhotonics
BioPhotonics^® is designed to present the latest global developments and techniques from the photonics industry to those involved in the medical and biotechnological disciplines. BioPhotonics' buying audience is made up of people who use photonics technology in biotechnological or medical products and procedures, plus key researchers looking for new photonics techniques and products to improve methodology and solve problems.

Vision Spectra
Vision Spectra^® is geared especially for the vision community, with rich content from real-world case studies of vision in action to comprehensive feature articles and columns from experts in the field examining the trends that enable Industry 4.0. This global resource is referred to by systems integrators, designers, and end users in industries spanning food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, defense, and mass transit.

Photonics Buyers' Guide & Marketplace
Since 1954, the Photonics Buyers' Guide^® has been the most up-to-date international photonics buyers' guide and reference source for the optics, lasers, imaging, fiber optics, electro-optics and photonics component manufacturing industries. This publication provides engineers, designers and purchasing decision-makers quick and easy access to information about companies and products. It continues to be the most trusted reference in the industry with the most detailed and accurate company database in the world. Available in print and online at PhotonicsMarketplace.com.

Photonics Showcase
The Photonics Showcase^® offers a bimonthly opportunity for advertisers to present products and information resources in standard-format ad units to Photonics Spectra subscribers and attendees at major trade shows. The Showcase is also published online at PhotonicsShowcase.com.

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All Things Photonics Podcast
All Things Photonics^® is a biweekly podcast where top scientists discuss how lasers, spectroscopy, optics, and more are being used for planetary exploration, robotic design, and advanced diagnostics.

Photonics Media Press
As the leading publisher in the optics and photonics industry for 70 years, Photonics Media is known for publishing the periodicals, books and reference materials that industry professionals read and refer to throughout their careers. Through Photonics Media Press, we offer an exciting books and reference collection for the next generation of industry experts. Visit the Photonics Media Bookstore today!

Company History

The first Optical Industry Directory was published in 1954 by Dr. Clifton Tuttle, a retired Eastman Kodak physicist. At its inception, the directory was a small, single volume that would expand significantly, ultimately establishing itself as the "bible” of the photonics industry.

In 1962, Teddi Laurin joined the company as publisher, working closely with Dr. Tuttle to define the industry for the first time. Two years later, Teddi and her husband, Francis “Fran” Laurin, purchased and incorporated the company, which later became known as Laurin Publishing Company.

In 1967, in response to industry demand, Teddi founded and launched Optical Spectra, which soon earned its place as the industry's leading trade magazine.

As the business expanded, Fran joined the company as its president in 1973, devoting his efforts to growing the business. Tom Laurin, son of Teddi and Fran Laurin, would join the family business in 1978 after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

In 1982, Optical Spectra was renamed Photonics Spectra to reflect the growing influence of new light-based technologies. The term “photonics” encompassed the increasingly interrelated fields of optics, lasers, imaging, fiber optics, electro-optics, and photonics component manufacturing.

Today, the worldwide distribution of the magazine is over 100,000 copies. In addition to Photonics Spectra magazine, the company also publishes BioPhotonics and Vision Spectra, and maintains a thriving web presence with more than 3 million page views of its website annually.

After decades working in many departments, Tom Laurin became president and CEO in 2009, assuming sole ownership of the company. Over the past decade, third generation family members Kristina, Erik, and Matt have since joined the company’s executive team.

Laurin Publishing employs individuals who work at the company’s headquarters in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, contributing editors located around the world, and has a renowned editorial advisory board of industry experts.

Approaching seven decades, the company has fostered a tradition of innovation that has defined the industry. As its publications grow — following the technology into an ever-widening range of applications — the company adheres to a philosophy of editorial quality and integrity, maintaining an international reputation for leadership in photonics.

Through the years, the company’s mission has remained unchanged: “To actively encourage progress and not simply reflect it, for all of us in the photonics industry can best achieve success by sharing our knowledge, our insights and our visions for the future.”

Mailing Address

Photonics Media / Laurin Publishing Co., Inc.
100 West St.
PO Box 4949
Pittsfield MA 01202-4949
(413) 499-0514
fax: (413) 442-3180
e-mail: [email protected]
www.Photonics.com

Photonics Media maintains additional editorial offices in Europe, Asia and various locations in the United States. Press releases, news items and editorial inquiries should be directed to our main office.

To submit press releases, email [email protected] or use our online submission form at www.photonics.com/prsubmit.