https://www.laserfocusworld.com/home/article/14302686/2023-in-review-laser-focus-worlds-top-10-most-read-stories

Every December, we at Laser Focus World take a look back on what interested you, our audience, the most. In doing so, it not only shines a light on what stories were the most popular—it also helps to guide us on topics where we can expand our coverage in the future.

View each most-read story, all of which were published in 2023, below:

1. Now is the time to ‘semiconductorize’ photonics

Here, POET Technologies describes how photonics can help the semiconductor industry move at the speed of light.

2. ‘On-the-go’ high-energy laser weapon system counters drone threats

Raytheon’s latest high-energy laser weapon system is fully ruggedized and designed to be palletized/easily portable, but its real secret sauce is in its beam director.

3. Basics of ultrafast lasers: Part 1

This article is part one of a three-part series focused on ultrafast lasers.

4. Northrop Grumman Space Systems talks high-energy lasers

In this Q&A, Northrop Grumman Space Systems answers our questions about the evolution of high-energy lasers.

5. High-performance chip-scale lasers have arrived

Researchers at Columbia University have created the first tunable and narrow linewidth chip-scale lasers for visible wavelengths shorter than red—opening the door to an insanely impressive range of applications.

6. Lockheed Martin works to scale high-energy laser weapons to 500 kilowatts

In this Q&A, Lockheed Martin’s Tyler Griffin and Eileen Eberley answer our questions about making high-energy lasers more powerful.

7. Silicon photonics: Is it witchcraft?

During Laser Focus World’s Executive Forum at SPIE Photonics West 2023, a lively panel discussion explored the current state of silicon photonics and what needs to happen to advance the field.

8. MEMS mirrors: The next big wave in MEMS technology

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirrors are making their way into new applications after decades of intensive development efforts.

9. How thinking ahead shaped the fiber-optics industry

Jose Pozo, Optica’s CTO, talks to Michael Lebby, CEO of Lightwave Logic, about his distinguished career and what gets him fired up today.

10. David Belforte: Mourning the loss of an industrial laser legend

David Belforte, founder and editor-in-chief of Industrial Laser Solutions magazine and a longtime contributor to Laser Focus World, passed away on August 7, 2023. He was an internationally recognized authority on industrial laser materials processing and had been actively involved in this technology for more than 50 years.