Laser World of Photonics Lures Leading Lights from Industry and Research

Visitors from 80 countries gathered in Munich, Germany on May 23–26 to attend the Laser World of Photonics conference. Because optical technologies are considered emerging technologies, the event focused on “Lasers and Laser Systems for Production Engineering,” “Green Photonics,” and “Biophotonics and Life Sciences.”

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) unveiled its promotional package “Photonics Research Germany” on the trade fair’s opening day. Dr. George Schütte, secretary of state at the BMBF, announced the allocation of one billion Euros over the next ten years to promote research and development in the photonics sector.

According to Günther Braun, CEO and president, Rofin-Sinar Technologies, represented sectors in strong demand at the event included electronics, photovoltaic, and automotive. Growth areas indentified were in medical technology, biophotonics, renewable energies, and electro-mobility.

At the event’s World of Photonics Congress, 3,250 international participants attended six conferences, exchanging ideas among scientists, students, and users from diverse countries.

The 20th event saw an increase in visitor numbers to 27,500, with more than 1,100 exhibitors and represented companies. The last time the trade show was held in Munich was in 2009, where 24,000 visitors mingled and met with 1,040 exhibitors.

The top five visitor countries apart from Germany were France, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Japan, and the USA.

The next Laser World of Photonics takes place June 17–20, 2013. For more information about Laser World of Photonics 2011 and the World of Photonics Congress, visit www.world-of-photonics.net/press