Read article: Metasurfaces help shape laser beams Devices and structures Research update Metasurfaces help shape laser beams New approach allows vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) to produce beams with made-to-order wavefront shapes
Read article: Laser combo opens up futuristic terahertz technology Lasers Research update Laser combo opens up futuristic terahertz technology A compact, widely tunable terahertz laser could enable development of futuristic communications, security, biomedical and astronomical imaging systems
Read article: Crack-free ceramic welding at room temperature is a first Lasers Research update Crack-free ceramic welding at room temperature is a first Ultrashort laser pulses prevent damage to components
Read article: Smartphone market pulls VCSELs into the mainstream Business and innovation Interview Smartphone market pulls VCSELs into the mainstream As demand for this formerly niche type of semiconductor laser rises, companies making the equipment used in their manufacture need to adapt, says Ajit Paranjpe
Read article: X-ray diffraction reveals switching mechanism in phase-change materials Advanced materials Research update X-ray diffraction reveals switching mechanism in phase-change materials New observations will be important for designing improved PCMs in the future for next-generation non-volatile memories
Read article: Multiphoton laser therapy can close a single blood vessel Emerging therapies Research update Multiphoton laser therapy can close a single blood vessel Multiphoton photothermolysis under real-time image guidance enables precise closure of single blood vessels
Read article: Ultrafast spin laser could boost optical data transmission Lasers Research update Ultrafast spin laser could boost optical data transmission Modulating light polarization could improve telecoms energy efficiency
Read article: Optical frequency comb fits in your back pocket Lasers Research update Optical frequency comb fits in your back pocket Tiny device offers low power consumption by using ultralow-loss microresonator
Read article: Supersymmetry boosts beam quality of laser arrays Lasers Research update Supersymmetry boosts beam quality of laser arrays “Super-supermodes” allow laser light to be focussed to a small spot
Read article: Laser-driven radio transmitter has a vintage sound Lasers Research update Laser-driven radio transmitter has a vintage sound Technology could be adapted to operate in the terahertz range to boost wireless data capacity
Optics & Photonics Briefing This issue explores lasers and detectors, solar power, medical imaging and high-resolution displays