Lasers energise fusion research
A new way of kick-starting fusion could allow scientists to harness the powerful energy source
Ion strings make brilliant beams
Preventing collisions is the key to super-stable ion beams
Light strings draw together
Self-focusing occurs at high intensities in transparent media when the refractive index is proportional to the intensity. The change in refractive index causes the medium to act as a lens that focuses...
Quantum pulses pinpoint position
Quantum effects could improve the accuracy of positioning systems
Read article: X-rays light up chemical reactions
X-rays light up chemical reactions
The motion of oxygen molecules is revealed by ultra-short laser pulses
Nikolai Basov 1922 – 2001
The pioneering Russian physicist whose work led to the invention of the laser dies at 78
Ultraviolet light to squeeze in the data
Short-wavelength light will increase the capacity of devices like CDs and DVDs
Optical clocks look up
Visible radiation from metal ions is used to create the word's most accurate clock
Read article: Elastic laser spans the spectrum
Elastic laser spans the spectrum
Fibre optics could benefit from a stretchy laser that changes colour
Read article: Laser jocks reach the big time
Laser jocks reach the big time
Optoelectronics is flourishing in Scotland with new firms spinning off from local universities every month. Valerie Jamieson finds out why it is boom time for the region
