We in the laser community have been on a well-documented mission for some time now. Using these powerful — some might say miraculous — tools, we have revolutionized manufacturing, medicine, communications and even entertainment.
Recognition of our efforts has been steadily growing in this young century as governments around the world mark significant investments in photonics initiatives. But perhaps the most notable acknowledgement of the work of photonics professionals is the U.N. General Assembly’s declaration of 2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015). Continue reading