This week, LIA was at the Lasers for Manufacturing Event (LME®) in Atlanta, Georgia. Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to LME®, covering the exhibition, showcase, and peer reviews of years past here: http://blog.lia.org/what-is-the-lasers-for-manufacturing-event-your-comprehensive-guide

On the topic of conferences and networking events, be sure to check out our reflection on the Lasers for Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM®). LAM® took place March 2-3, in Kissimmee, Florida, hosting over 170 attendees from 14 countries. The post gives an in-depth look at a handful of presentations from the event. LAM® brings industry leaders and researchers in the areas of 3D printing, cladding, and rapid manufacturing. The exhibitor reception gives attendees ample opportunities for networking. See photos and more from the event here: http://www.laserstoday.com/?p=5015

Missed the Lasers for Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM®)? Were you unable to attend the Lasers for Manufacturing Event (LME®)? Get the most out of your next laser technology event by brushing up on how to expand your laser technology network. The post is packed with plenty of tips to help you prepare for your next conference or other networking event. The tips can be found here: http://blog.lia.org/how-to-expand-your-laser-technology-network-at-conferences-and-trade-shows

Be sure to also check out our tips on Saving Time and Money and Manufacturing. From making sure you are up to date with current laser safety standards, to keeping up to date with the world of additive manufacturing, there are a number of ways to cut costs and save time in your manufacturing efforts. Read up on our tips here: http://blog.lia.org/how-to-save-time-and-money-on-manufacturing

Could lasers be the answer to ending cell phone use in theaters? In a few Chinese theaters, this using lasers to “shame” attendees with poor theater etiquette. Rather than having an usher advise guests to put their phone away, often causing a bigger disruption than the phone itself, the theater staff shine low-powered laser pointers at the device of the offender. While the practice has proven to be effective, there are a number of people expressing concerns about the use of lasers in a theater environment. Find out more here: http://www.laserstoday.com/?p=4860

As most internet providers brag about having the fastest download speeds, researchers at University of California, San Diego are working on creating a faster, more efficient internet using lasers. Expanding upon existing fiber optic technology, the team recognizes the limits of electricity and our current data storage limits. Read more about how lasers may usher in an era of faster, cleaner internet service here: http://www.laserstoday.com/?p=4868

Read about the “Photon Factory” at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Here, Dr. Cather Simpson is trying to “bring the rich versatility of high tech ultrashort laser pulses to New Zealand academic and industry innovators.” The space is used currently for contracts, grant work, and as a testing space. Learn more about the development of the facility, and work performed on site here: http://www.laserstoday.com/?p=5010

Could lasers be an answer to reducing the required time for space travel? Using directed energy propulsion and a small, “wafer-thin” spacecraft, we may be able to reach Mars, and nearby star systems, in fractional amounts of time. While the tiny spacecraft is far from an option for manned missions, reducing travel time between destinations could be groundbreaking in terms of data collection, when exploring beyond our world.  Curious? Find out more about the research behind the use of lasers in experimental space travel here: http://www.laserstoday.com/?p=4823

This Thursday, we took you back to the origin of the laser scalpel. Find out what types of lasers are used for specific medical procedures, as well as the laser scalpels rise from experimental equipment to an industry standard tool here: http://www.laserstoday.com/?p=4893

Last, but certainly not least, is an article by Wilhelm Pfleging, Melanie Mangang, Yijing Zheng, Peter Smyrek and Johannes Pröll. Learn about ultrafast laser processing in the development of Lithium-Ion Batteries, as well as the creation of new processes to generate 3D electrode designs. The post can be found here: http://www.laserstoday.com/?p=5012