There is a hardly a day on which no new, highly interesting applications in Optical technologies are presented. This applies especially to laser technologies. It might, for example, be possible to "sew" airbags and other technical textiles with lasers in the future. In 2013 the European Space Agency ESA might be able to measure the surface of mercury with super-robust diode lasers. These new and diverse applications document the great innovative force behind laser technologies and constantly establish new target groups for the industry of Optical Technologies. This is why the increased user-orientation of the recently concluded LASER 2007. World of Photonics was at the pulse of time ...

At the leading trade fair worldwide for Optical Technologies international exhibitors displayed more applications then ever before - much appreciated by the highly interested audience of experts. The official exhibitor and visitor survey of LASER. World of Photonics 2007 revealed the broad support of the increased user orientation at LASER 2007. World of Photonics. About 88 per cent of the exhibiting companies rated this aspect as good to excellent.

From the side of the visitors, 90 per cent welcomed this trend to present more Optical Technologies in specific applications. 54 per cent of those surveyed work in the industry sector, especially in the business lines optics, electro-technology / electronics and fine mechanics / mechanical engineering. 19 per cent came from universities and 11 per cent from other research institutes. Most of them are involved in application-oriented research and development, in fundamental research, production, the building sector or in R&D management.

The next LASER. World of Photonics, which will take place in two years' time from 15 to 18 June 2009, will again present more applications of Optical Technologies. For example the above-mentioned laser-supported process of airbag welding by the Laser Centre Hannover, which is designed to also increase the automation and flexibility of the production process of other technical textiles, such as filter materials as well as sports and functional wear. It will also feature the diode laser module of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen, which will have to reliably survive some tough space travels and that without the classic water cooling when it is time to map mercury.