Scientific Lasers Secondary sources are used to create x-rays and particle beams using lasers. While increasingly well known for their use in large-scale scientific applications, secondary sources also offer application potential in the medical and industrial sectors, as well as for highly precise test and measurement. Yet despite their application potential, only a small number of companies offer such systems -- at a time when research on laser modules for fusion will result in sophisticated lasers for secondary sources long before the establishment of fusion power stations. Contributing editor Andreas Thoss identifies these science applications, including laser-based fusion, that rely on secondary sources. With consideration to industrial applications, this article will also overview which laser types are needed to enable the functionality of different secondary sources. The article will further discuss technical considerations, such as crystals and diodes arrays, for different laser systems. Replacing large accelerator schemes is just one aim of secondary source technology. Quality analysis for batteries, or for scanning nuclear waste barrels, for example, present a range of additional opportunities. Key Technologies: Secondary sources (ultrafast-pulse femtosecond lasers) Lidar Increasing the number of active regions is an effective approach for scaling optical output power in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). Lidar applications using Time of Flight (ToF) mapping methods require power efficient VCSELs with high throughput and fast rise times for achieving high spatial resolution and longer detectable ranges. This article overviews and interprets the significance of recent advances in the development of high power multijunction VCSELs with up to eight active junctions, lasing at the wavelength range of 850-940 nm. The short pulse characteristics of these devices measured at room temperature and wider temperature range show their reliable performance and demonstrate their suitability for integration in variety of lidar and other sensing applications. Key Technologies: VCSELs, lidar (VCSELs and other sources), in-cabin lighting for automotive, bandpass optical filters, 3D sensing, tunnel junction diodes, beam shaping optics, time-of-flight sensing Photonics Workforce Contributing editor James Schlett profiles the Central Florida optics and photonics landscape and Florida Photonics cluster with an eye on workforce and professional development trends. Associate-, bachelors-, masters-, and doctorate-level programs offered by institutions in the region prepare graduates for a range of career opportunities at all levels of the optics and photonics value chain. Schlett aligns industries and careers with training types and degree-awarding institutions in this exploration of one of the U.S.' preeminent photonics hotbeds. Additional focus is placed on the companies and technologies under the optics/photonics umbrella that flavor and distinguish the region, and how programming and economic development initiatives prepare new members of the workforce and prospective employers for localized success. Key Technologies: Photonics workforce, education Laser Fusion Sources In this technology "roadmap" toward the commercialization of fusion energy, Leonardo spotlights the multi-institutional initiatives that have formed since the December 2022 breakthrough at NIF, as well as the technical, commercial, and regulatory environments in which laser fusion innovation exists in the U.S. and globally. This article will explore the advances behind the most recent efforts, as well as the collaborative and modular approach that has led to new milestones. In the move toward commercialization, this article will share the areas of R&D focus to overcome significant cost and footprint barriers. Key Technologies: Laser fusion, high-power diodes, optics for laser fusion (windows, mirrors, lenses) Design and Simulation As innovative optical technologies -- freeform optics, diffractive optics, and metasurfaces, for example – increasingly find their way into product designs, heightened focus is place on the nano-, micro-, and macroscopic optical components constructed from these advanced technologies, which must perform well under all operating conditions. Designing optical and optically enabled products for robust manufacture thus requires system-level engineering, and successful designs are only possible with the aid of multiscale, multiphysics simulation. In this exploration of the complex world of optical design, Ansys uncovers the critical role of simulation in the design process. This artilce will overview factors important in modern product design, a summary of current simulation techniques, and a review of common simulation tools used by industry. Practical examples leveraging multiscale, multiphysics simulation will then be presented for applications in autonomy, data communications, and consumer electronics. Plus, exploration of the future of simulation and how it might be influenced by evolving requirements for next generation products and from advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Key Technologies: Optical design and simulation, optical design software, optical fabrication Laser Safety: Class 4 Laser Systems Laser safety officer Ken Barat writes on ANSI Z136 Laser Safety Standards, with particular focus on Class 4 lasers and system access. Traditional versus contemporary systems, the meaning and implementation of new standards, and user control are among the considerations Barat discusses in this quarterly column. Key Technologies: Lasers Industry Insights: Photonics Education-to-Workforce: K-12 Extensive resources and programs have been developed to introduce photonics to postsecondary students and to retrain existing workers into photonics jobs. However, tremendous opportunity for the photonics industry to grow its workforce exists at the K-12 level, where the pool of candidates from which to recruit workers in much larger compared to the pool after K-12. As it has been documented that most K-12 students self-identify into STEM or non-STEM pathways around grade 8, efforts have begun to arise to address the K-12 population. Spark Photonics’ Kevin McComber identifies these initiatives, as well as their catalysts, and discusses why it is imperative that the photonics industry initiate and sustain impactful efforts to engage students in K-12, especially prior to grade 8, and provide clear pathways for students to continue to pursue these interests through grade 12 and into various options after graduating high school. This extends more broadly to the semiconductor industry as well as advanced manufacturing at large. Key Technologies: Education, photonics workforce Download Media Planner hbspt.forms.create({ region: "na1", portalId: "4478512", formId: "cd1ac50f-b2fe-4ef7-a540-91a3e1782991" });