Read article: Our favourite pictures of 2011 Ultracold matter News Our favourite pictures of 2011 From Batman under the microscope to dancing black holes
Read article: Physics World reveals its top 10 breakthroughs for 2011 Telescopes and space missions Research update Physics World reveals its top 10 breakthroughs for 2011 Work on the fundamentals of quantum mechanics take the top gong
Read article: Laser puts a new spin on light Transport properties Research update Laser puts a new spin on light Ultrafast pulses could boost optical telecoms
Read article: Laser gyroscope measures the Earth’s ‘wobble’ Planetary science Research update Laser gyroscope measures the Earth’s ‘wobble’ New method would be cheaper and simpler than astronomical measurements
Read article: Nanowire laser could boost data storage Transport properties Research update Nanowire laser could boost data storage Tiny devices could probe biological cells
Read article: Physicists create a living laser Lasers Research update Physicists create a living laser Device based on live biological material is a first
Read article: Optoelectronics: a green explosion Optical physics Feature Optoelectronics: a green explosion "Green" photonics is good for the planet and for profits, discovers Richard Stevenson
Read article: Quantum probe beats Heisenberg limit Ultrafast science Research update Quantum probe beats Heisenberg limit Ultra-precise measurements could help brain imaging and astrophysics
Read article: Laser heats up fusion quest Nuclear physics Research update Laser heats up fusion quest World's largest laser creates conditions for "ignition"
Read article: Physicists create ‘anti-laser’ Lasers Research update Physicists create ‘anti-laser’ Time-reversed lasing and near-perfect absorption
Optics & Photonics Briefing This issue explores lasers and detectors, solar power, medical imaging and high-resolution displays