Limited visibility - p257

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.57

Full Text - Limited visibility | PDF (173 KB) - Limited visibility

Gloomy outlook ahead - p259

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.63

Full Text - Gloomy outlook ahead | PDF (104 KB) - Gloomy outlook ahead

Our choice from the latest literature - pp260 - 261

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.58

Full Text - Our choice from the latest literature | PDF (242 KB) - Our choice from the latest literature

Beating the downturn - pp262 - 263

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.59

Laser systems manufacturer Trumpf believes it can survive in the current economic climate with its strategy of diversification in both the laser technologies it is able to offer clients and the wide range of end-user applications that it serves. Nadya Anscombe finds out more.

Full Text - Beating the downturn | PDF (289 KB) - Beating the downturn

Laser sintering: Layer by layer - pp265 - 266

Christof M. Stotko

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.60

With its intense power and flexibility, the laser has revolutionized sintering technology and made possible the rapid manufacture of prototypes and components from electronic data.

Full Text - Laser sinteringLayer by layer | PDF (283 KB) - Laser sinteringLayer by layer

Surface treatment: Shock tactics - pp267 - 270

Richard D. Tenaglia & David F. Lahrman

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.61

Laser shock peening is a surface treatment process for increasing the strength and reliability of metal components. Traditionally applied to aircraft parts, the technology also shows great potential for automotive and medical applications.

Full Text - Surface treatmentShock tactics | PDF (442 KB) - Surface treatmentShock tactics

Welding: Welding plastic with lasers - pp270 - 272

Manuel Sieben & Frank Brunnecker

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.62

Laser welding of plastics is now a convenient and flexible technique that is proving popular for joining automotive parts and medical equipment as well as consumer products.

Full Text - WeldingWelding plastic with lasers | PDF (448 KB) - WeldingWelding plastic with lasers

Fibre lasers, photovoltaic processing and beam shaping - p275

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.64

Full Text - Fibre lasers, photovoltaic processing and beam shaping | PDF (143 KB) - Fibre lasers, photovoltaic processing and beam shaping

Combining fire and water - p276

Interview with Alexandre Pauchard

doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.65

Swiss company Synova is commercializing an innovative materials processing technique that uses a water-guided laser beam to allow 'cold laser cutting'. Nadya Anscombe talks to the company's chief technical advisor, Alexandre Pauchard, to find out more.

Full Text - Combining fire and water | PDF (140 KB) - Combining fire and water