Laser World of Photonics made its much anticipated comeback in Munich last month from 26 to 29 April, three years since the last in-person version of the event took place.
More than 1,300 exhibitors from across the global photonics industry were in attendance, including companies and research institutes of all sizes.
The main topics that were discussed in the exhibition halls include laser systems for industrial production, laser and optoelectronics, optics, sensors, measuring and testing technology, and optical engineering.
New for 2022 was the World of Quantum, which occupied its own hall, dealing with an incredibly exciting field in photonics: quantum technology and its various potential applications. This provided a platform for academia and industry to network and present initial examples of this future technology being applied in fields such as computing and cryptography, sensors and imaging, communication and medicine.
Show review
See our sister title Electro Optics' roundup of the latest products that were showcased at the Laser World of Photonics 2022 Exhibition.
World of Quantum
Electro Optics also spoke with the UK quantum hub for imaging ‘QuantIC’ – one of the exhibitors in the newly established World of Quantum hall – to learn if now is indeed the right time for quantum to be given its own place among the other sectors at one of the world's largest photonics exhibitions.
On the first day of the show, Dr Peter Leibinger, CTO of Trumpf, called for a joined-up strategy on quantum technologies and said growth in quantum will be a ‘very long race’ that will require political support.
The Innovation Award
SI Stuttgart Instruments won the €5,000 Innovation Prize at the show. The winners of the six Innovation Award categories were also announced, including Xarion Laser Acoustics, which won in the senors, test and measurement category for its laser-ultrasonic automated spot weld inspection system.
The Innovation Award was first launched in 2019 and recognises companies delivering the most innovative products. A panel of expert judges selected the six category winners from 17 finalists, which in turn were selected from a total of 50 entrants.
A series of webcasts highlighting the shortlisted technologies is running throughout May and June.
Watch an interview with award head judge Tom Hausken.
