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