Read article: Intense terahertz pulses cause DNA damage and repair Structure and dynamics Research update Intense terahertz pulses cause DNA damage and repair Pulses show potential for medical therapy
Read article: Holographic imaging technique looks through flames Optical physics Research update Holographic imaging technique looks through flames Method could be used by firefighters, as well as in biomedical monitors
Read article: What’s in store for 2013? Ultracold matter News What’s in store for 2013? Celebrate the turn of the year with our predictions of the key physics events of the next 12 months
Read article: Laser pulse makes insulator conduct like a metal Ultrafast science Research update Laser pulse makes insulator conduct like a metal Ultrafast switching could lead to faster circuits
Read article: Light bends itself round corners Optical physics Research update Light bends itself round corners Beams travel along parabolic and elliptical paths
Read article: First room-temperature maser developed Ultrafast science Research update First room-temperature maser developed Prototype only works at pulsed mode
Read article: Photon shape could be used to encode quantum information Ultrafast science Research update Photon shape could be used to encode quantum information New technique may allow transmission of secure data
Read article: Frequency comb helps kill dangerous bacteria Lasers Research update Frequency comb helps kill dangerous bacteria Spectroscopy technique monitors decontamination
Read article: Frequency combs to join the hunt for exoplanets Ultrafast science Research update Frequency combs to join the hunt for exoplanets Method could help find Earth-sized bodies
Read article: Cloak-on-a-chip unveiled Transport properties Research update Cloak-on-a-chip unveiled New microcloak array could be used as a biosensor
Optics & Photonics Briefing This issue explores lasers and detectors, solar power, medical imaging and high-resolution displays