By Matin Durrani

Research into optics, photonics and lasers is not only fascinating from a fundamental point of view. It’s also vital for technology, industry and applications in everyday life.

In the latest focus issue of Physics World, which is out now in print, online and through the Physics World app, you can find out about some of the latest research into optics and photonics – and how it’s being put to good use.

In our cover feature, take a look at some of the latest advances in invisibility cloaking – 10 years after first being demonstrated at microwave frequencies.

Elsewhere, you can find out about the optical systems underpinning NASA’s recently approved dark-energy mission WFIRST, explore a 5D optical memory that promises eternal data storage, and discover a new route to quantum computing based on optical frequency combs.

You can also catch up with two state-of-the-art laser centres nearing completion in Europe: CALA and the Extreme Light Infrastructure.

All full members of the Institute of Physics received a print edition of the focus issue along with their copy of the June issue of Physics World. You can also read the focus issue free of charge on your desktop or on any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet via the Physics World app, available from the App Store and Google Play.

I hope you find this focus issue stimulating; please do share your thoughts on it by e-mailing pwld@iop.org or leaving a comment below.