World of Photonics Congress – Facts and Figures
Six conferences, organized by the leading scientific organizations and practical presentations on lasers and photonics in application provide a unique insight at the World of Photonics Congress into the current research and areas of application for optical technologies.

World leading researchers to speak at CLEO®/Europe-EQEC 2009
The European Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics and the XIth European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO®/Europe-EQEC) has announced an exciting programme of invited and keynote speakers. An international array of leading scientists will present their latest breakthrough results in a wide range of frontier research domains.

LASER World of PHOTONICS China – Call for Presentations for LPC Conference until November 30
Laser material processing procedures, laser components as well as current developments and trends in optical technologies will be presented at the two-day conference "4th International Conference on Laser Processes and Components“ during LASER World of PHOTONICS China 2009. Experts from optical technologies, who would like to speak about these topic areas, are invited to submit abstracts by November 30.

Highly dynamic laser systems for greater flexibility The ROFIN Laser MACRO Group is setting new benchmarks in the area of remote welding with the RWSflex. With a new control unit from ABB and more flexible programming, the high-speed welding system opens up new possibilities for creating laser-stepwelding of any geometry. Read more

Single cutting head strategy reduces equipping times and sources of errors The new TruLaser Series 5000 from Trumpf distinguishes itself mainly through its improved processes, higher dynamics and shorter non-productive times. This enables even faster and better quality processing than you are already used to with the Trumpf laser cutting machines. Read more

New compound: Laser produces electrically conductive structures Global innovation in the form of a new polypropylene (PP) based compound allows injection moulded interconnect devices (MID) to be produced by an altogether new method and much more simply than before. Read more

Laser-assisted joining of plastics and metal Plastic-metal hybrid components could be manufactured using a variety of techniques. The LIFTEC laser-assisted joining process developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT offers an efficient solution. Read more

Diode laser system – Key wavelength for bioanalytics using direct single-mode diode
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Integrated laser driver systems, 630 - 690 nm, up to 4 W
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New turnkey platform for high-power lasers
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3D video multi-sensor measurement technology for the manufacturing of precision plastic parts
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Light from plastic – OLEDs light up the future
The illumination of the future will be shining bright, luminous and flexible – and will consume little energy: lighting plastics, Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs for short), will make this happen.
Passive terahertz imaging for security technology
While the Europe-wide use of full body scanners at airports is still being very controversially discussed because of gross infringements into the privacy sphere, the Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT) in Jena is currently developing a terahertz security camera that can detect potentially dangerous objects, without recording anatomical details.

New irradiation method for medical technology and biotechnology
Medical products and biotechnology components make special demands on joining technology used in production. Joining should be performed with as little fillers as possible, and should cause absolutely no dirt and have no effect on the respective materials. The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) has now developed a new laser-supported process for the contour welding of high-grade weld seams, which meets these requirements.
Industrial producer prices down by 0.2% in both euro area and EU27

Volume of retail trade down by 0.2% in euro area - down by 0.1% in EU27

How eliminating waste will increase your profits
California Manufacturing Technology Consultants (CMTC) offers the following advice for increasing your competitive edge:
The importance of bonus schemes during recession
Innecto Group consulting argues that whilst the Banks bonus schemes played a part in creating the present financial woes it could well be that bonus schemes can provide part of the solution to get businesses back on track.

How to measure, rate, and improve customer acquisition & retention
Acquisition & Retention is a step-by-step guide created by Debra Ellis of Wilson & Ellis Consulting. It provides detailed information on calculating acquisition, retention, and costs.

The most cost-effective 6 ways to online wealth
Here are the reasons why web marketers go gaga over affiliate marketing as a form of Internet advertisement.

Commission approves new programme to break down e-barriers
The Commission today approved a proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on a new programme for the period 2010–15: "Interoperability Solutions for European Public Administrations" (ISA).

Don't talk to strangers – especially phishers
Phishers create phony emails, web sites, and lottery email scams. They pretend to be someone they're not, and lure you into advancing cash, or revealing your passwords and personal information. Yahoo! Mail fights back hard against phishers and offers tips to help you avoid phishing.

New book explores the science of happiness
A new book on happiness might surprise some of those hoping to find more of it. “Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth” affirms that lasting happiness is attainable and desirable, but it also dispels some common myths about what makes people happy and whether the pursuit of happiness can go too far.