Photonics News No 65
Photonics News Magazine - Issue 65
Editorial
PN #65
Dear Colleagues
We are all in surreal times. Since March with a countrywide shut down, lagging behind other countries suffering more from the coronavirus pandemic, Laser Components had to adjust. Within 2 days we re-organised our business to maintain, without hinderance, our services to our customers. This was possible due to the flexible nature of our communication systems, and the dedication of our staff. I extend a huge thank you to each and every one making the necessary adjustments. We are grateful too that no one has been affected directly by the virus and all employees remain healthy and continue to work full time.
Of course, we are far from seeing the back of this disease and we are further adapting to more changes that look set for some time to come. For example, we have noticed how much the exhibition community has been affected. With social distancing virtually impossible, all face to face trade shows have either been cancelled or organisers have braved a virtual experience. These digital alternatives are quite different to the real people events and having participated in on-line events as both ‘exhibitor’ and ‘visitor’, we see more work is needed to be attractive as this global menace runs its course. Just like with adjusting to home office environments I am confident these virtual tradeshows will find a successful way.
It is worth mentioning the impact on our business since our last newsletter. Whilst it is not surprising that there has been an impact, we have seen shifts with more medical application activity whilst there has been a reduction in academic interests. With schools and universities returning even as we speak there is already a clear sign of increasing business in this market sector. So, whilst overall there has been an impact we are confident the year will settle to an acceptable level of business, even if we do have to continue to be adaptable and work harder.
As our government continues to grapple with rules and policies to keep us all safe, and whilst in some cases the public has questioned some of these, like our business, the policy makers need to be flexible and adjust to the rise and fall of infections. If everyone pulls together and follows the guidelines, we should expect a better outcome even if COVID-19 is with us for a long time to come.
Keep safe - Yours sincerely,
Chris Varney
Managing Director, LASER COMPONENTS (UK), Ltd.
Keeping Tabs on Climate
Beyond Borders
How Perpetual is the Perpetual Ice?
The polar regions of our planet have special significance to the planet’s climate. It is becoming increasingly clear that spectacular changes are currently taking place there. The retreat of the sea’s ice is considered a classic indication of global climate change. However, in order to create meaningful climate models, scientists need reliable measurement data. But how do you gather such data in the hostile environment of the polar regions? Of course, resourceful researchers have already found solutions to this problem. While some are sending recording devices weighing several tons into the depths of the Arctic Ocean, others rely on a satellite that records the thickness of the ice layers thousands of meters above the earth. In both cases, optical technologies play an important role.
Renewable Energy Sources
Beyond Borders
Much More Than Just Air
With its “Green Deal,” the European Commission has set ambitious goals. Over the next ten years, it aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by half compared to 1990. By 2050, the entire EU should be climate neutral. An important step in this direction is to switch to renewable energy sources. In 2017, only 17.5 percent of the EU’s gross energy consumption came from renewable sources. In Germany, this share is already more than 34.9 percent of the gross electricity generated. The lion’s share – just under half – came from wind energy. To meet the Commission’s climate goals, this share must continue to grow. Not only through new wind farms, but above all through more efficient use of the existing infrastructure.
Environmentally Friendly Process
Beyond Borders
Clean without the Mess
Following the major scandals of the 1970s and 1980s, strict international approval procedures and safety regulations were introduced regarding environmentally harmful chemicals. But these are often very tedious. In addition, it is often the case that substances that were originally considered harmless do not turn out to be harmful until many years later. It is better to refrain from using such hazardous substances immediately. Thanks to alternative technologies, this is now also possible in industries in which the use of chemicals was long considered essential. A good example of this is the cleaning of materials and components in industry: Laser ablation is a “green” alternative that works completely without chemicals. The managing partners of Clean-Lasersysteme GmbH (cleanLASER) have already been honored with the Federal Environment Award for this development.
New Products
Beyond Borders
LASER COMPONENTS UK - Your competent partner for optical and optoelectronic components in the United Kingdom.
Welcome to LASER COMPONENTS UK Ltd., your expert for photonics components. Each product in our wide range of detectors, laser diodes, laser modules, optics, fiber optics, and more is worth every Pound (£/GBP). Our customized solutions cover all conceivable areas of application: from sensor technology to medical technology. You can reach us here:
Goldlay House, 114 Parkway
Chelmsford Essex CM2 7PR
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1245 491 499
Email: info(at)
