Laser Munich will focus on image processing, from products and systems to manufacturing and applications. Image processing and laser systems are ever-present in modern manufacturing. The 2015 Laser World of Photonics conference and trade fair, sponsored by Messe München International, gives visitors the chance to explore the diversity of photonics in manufacturing applications. The biennial Laser Munich showcases innovations, products and ideas from companies and organizations around the world. Researchers and industry professionals will come together to promote the development of optical, laser and related technologies. It is touted as one of the world’s leading trade fairs and conferences covering the laser industry. With a focus on image processing, the 2015 Laser World of Photonics Munich trade fair features technology like this wire inspection system, which can image wires at 40,000 fps. ‘Startup World’ An innovation platform for young photonics companies, the Startup World exhibition allows fledgling organizations to showcase their pioneering products and technologies to a wide industrial audience. It also offers a forum in which to meet potential investors. “Startup companies are an important source of innovative ideas. There is a real transfer of knowledge on platforms such as these,” said Falk F. Strascheg, founder of the Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship in Munich and a sponsor of this initiative. “Established photonics industry players also have the opportunity to meet highly talented potential employees.” The program also serves to connect startup companies directly with industrial partners and sponsors. “After the founding phase, market access is a critical milestone for young companies,” said Strascheg, who also serves as chair of the competition’s jury panel. “The Laser World of Photonics is the ideal platform for such companies to develop an industry network and attract potential investors.” Image processing systems, such as this inline, noncontact tetrahertz layer-thickness measurement system, are a growing trend in the industrial photonics market. Anwendungszentrum Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO) is a collaborator on the Startup World initiative. The company specializes in developing and cultivating international innovation networks, and in supporting product innovations. “With our startup initiative, we and Messe München are targeting our support at helping young photonics companies to enter the market,” said Thorsten Rudolph, AZO’s CEO. “In particular, what we are doing with the new innovation platform is fostering a global dialogue between company founders and industrial contacts.” Awarding innovation Part of the Startup initiative is the Photonics Innovation awards competition, which recognizes the best new products by companies that are less than 5 years old. There are two categories in which entries are judged; finalists in each category will exhibit their innovations and solutions at Laser Munich. The Photonics Technologies award covers the entire optical technologies sector – namely, lasers and optoelectronics, imaging, security, biophotonics, energy, sensors and optics manufacturing. The 3-D Printing award recognizes the best innovative solutions for additive manufacturing. “The LIGHT2015 awards focus on the two particular areas of promoting young entrepreneurs and women in photonics, two priority areas of both the European Commission and Photonics21,” said John Dudley, the IYL2015 Steering Committee chair. First-place winners in each category receive a €5000 grant (about $5338), a free exhibition stand at Laser Munich, and a comprehensive marketing package provided by AZO and Messe München, as well as professional coaching and business support, and the chance to pitch their products at the Photonics Innovation awards ceremony on June 24. Forums, panel discussions and exhibition Interactive lectures will cover several topics – Biophotonics and Medical Applications, Lasers and Optics, Industrial Laser Applications, and Optical Metrology and Imaging. These interactive “practice-oriented lectures” feature industry representatives discussing the challenges in the field, as well as solutions and best practices with various optical technologies. Specific applications targeted in these sessions include diagnostics and medical technology, industrial manufacturing, metrology and imaging, and developments in laser sources. Also to be discussed in the sessions will be printed photovoltaics, laser printing of nanoparticles, ultrafast laser techniques and micromachining. An industry forum on laser technology for those in business management, investment, marketing and distribution will focus on the international market for laser materials processing. Discussions will be held on the latest developments in the world market and in key regional markets; the latest trends in laser technologies and their industrial applications also will be discussed. Application-oriented panel discussions will cover topics under the umbrellas of biophotonics and medical applications, industrial laser applications, optical metrology and imaging, and lasers and optics. Specific sessions include Laser Advanced New Methods for Diagnostics and Therapeutics; Laser Applications and Optical Diagnostics in Ophthalmology; Lasers in Microelectronics: The Smart World Approaching; Advanced Applications of Ultra-Short Pulsed Laser Systems; Contact-Free 3-D Measurement Methods Ranging from Laser-Scanning to Imaging; Terahertz Spectroscopy and Inspection in Industrial Applications; and CW (and Long Pulse) Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers and Fiber Lasers: Status and Prospects. A wide spectrum of the industry will be represented at Laser Munich, in numerous exhibition sectors. From components and systems to industrial applications and services, these sectors will cover a wide range of photonics solutions. • Lasers and Optoelectronics: beam sources, laser components, safety in relation to laser radiation, optomechanics and software; • Optics: crystals, lenses, optical fibers, diffractive optics and raw materials; • Manufacturing Technology for Optics: optical coatings and materials, optical manufacturing equipment, and adhesives for optics; • Sensors, Test and Measurement, and Optical Measurement Systems: optical sensors, test and counter systems, and measurement instruments; • Imaging: cameras and camera systems, monitors and displays, and pattern recognition; • Lasers and Laser Systems for Production Engineering: laser systems for micro- and macro-processing, laser-aided product design, and cooling systems; • Optical Information and Communication: fibers, cabling and connectors, active and passive optical components and subsystems, and process and assembly equipment for fiber optic applications; • Biophotonics and Medical Engineering: solutions for spectroscopy, microscopy and imaging, and applications for biophotonics research, medicine and biotechnology; • Illumination and Energy: LEDs and OLEDs, adaptive illumination systems, photovoltaics, laser coating technology, and manufacturing equipment for organic solar cells; and • Security: applications in aviation and aerospace, shipping, transportation and defense technology, and modules for modern security technology. Additionally, a Machine Vision Pavilion will exhibit complete imaging systems, as well as new solutions and suppliers. Laser World of Photonics June 22-25, 2015 Munich Trade Fair Center, Munich