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Light-based processing and machine learning featured heavily in San Diego at the 2024 SPIE Optics + Photonics conference. Enthusiasm was coupled with questions related to the real-world applicability and the merits of linear vs non-linear, and all-optical vs hybrid, approaches.
The field of plasmonics continues to show its potential scientific and technological impact, as new companies exploiting plasmonics beyond sensing applications emerge.
Although three-dimensional laser nanofabrication has become an established and widespread technology, research towards achieving higher resolutions, higher speeds, lower costs, mass production, more material availability and more functionality for this technology continues.
Novel optical components that withstand high-power laser irradiation and micro light-emitting diodes capable of full-colour emission were highlights of the Japan Society of Applied Physics Spring Meeting.
With many exotic electromagnetic effects, metamaterials are now being exploited in real-world biomedical applications, with expected impacts in healthcare.
