Laser World of Photonics 2025 Forum program

The forum will provide an up-to-date overview of the latest developments in this exciting and rapidly evolving field of biophotonics. Participants will gain insight into how laser technologies are transforming medical diagnostics and applications and learn about some solutions for new, available and potential applications for better patient monitoring and treatment and tissue detection. Innovative advances in laser technology (e.g. fs fiber lasers, FDML, VCSEL, ...) are driving new applications in healthcare. Used in multimodal microscopic and endoscopic developments, they enable new ways of tissue differentiation and identification. Non-contact remote monitoring using speckle analysis enables the monitoring of biomedical parameters. Novel multi-channel portable devices with integrated ultra-compact semiconductor lasers offer the possibility to monitor vital parameters non-invasively and remotely. Innovative fiber probes enable in vivo diagnostics over large spectral ranges.

Medical robotic systems have been established in various areas of medicine, particularly in interventional procedures ranging from laparoscopy to stereo tactical surgery. They already enhance diagnostics and therapy today, and ongoing development initiatives indicate a growing importance of these systems in the future. Many of these medical device systems employ specialized optical modules for precise control, position detection, and recording additional information about the patient’s body. Additionally, some systems utilize lasers for microsurgical applications, achieving precision that is beyond manual capabilities. All successful medical robotic systems share the common feature of utilizing the specific technical capabilities of what we generally refer to as 'robotics' to provide relevant clinical benefits to patients. The contributions to this application forum will present the implemented optical technologies in selected medical systems and applications, and highlight concepts for future innovations in this field.

Biophotonics is revolutionizing healthcare with advanced laser and light-based technologies in diagnostics, imaging, and therapy. This session at the LASER World of Photonics Fair highlights innovations enhancing patient care. Topics include cutting-edge diagnostic tools for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and analyzing host responses, enabling faster, more accurate medical insights. Advances in laser-assisted histopathology will demonstrate high-resolution, automated tissue analysis, improving efficiency and precision. The panel will explore imaging, laser-based histology, and data-driven technologies that clarify complex biological processes, along with applications of plasma, lasers, and hydrogel-based degradable optical waveguides for targeted phototherapy. Attendees will gain insights into how biophotonics transforms medical applications, showcasing laser-powered solutions reshaping patient care.

Biotechnology is an ever increasing global focus. Whether driven by the emergence of new infectious diseases or by the demand for new therapies Photonics represents an enabling element in many new solutions and applications. This applies all the way from fundamental research to clinical applications, often supported by specific photonic innovations. Whether these are new laser sources or a new generation of miniaturized assemblies, together with progress in reagents their ultimate purpose is to help people enjoy a healthier and better life. An aging population is also driving the increased focus on neuroscience applications, where imaging is providing new insights in neural functionality. The workshop highlights the synergistic interaction between the various stakeholders in innovation.

Laser-based manufacturing processes are gaining increasing importance due to their advantages in speed, contact-free operation, and digital adaptability—key attributes for modern production. In this evolving landscape, the influence of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow. While these technologies are well-established in areas like marketing and logistics, their application in manufacturing presents both promising success stories and challenges, particularly for critical processes.

Electromobility is a cornerstone of the green transition in the mobility sector, leveraging renewable energy to power vehicles. Yet, the path to a truly sustainable future requires a greater focus on scalable, efficient, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Laser material processing plays a pivotal role in enabling such sustainable production.

This industry panel explores how laser technology, alongside advancements in optics and sensor systems, is driving innovation in electromobility, paving the way for greener, more efficient manufacturing solutions.

For several years now, a dynamic trend has been observed in which an increasing number of technically unsafe laser machines are entering the European market. These machines do not meet the European directives and safety standards, even though they bear a CE marking. It is not always done with bad intentions, but simply out of ignorance on the part of the manufacturers. On the other side, national market surveillance organizations in Europe do not have sufficient resources to control the laser market and advise manufacturers on how to comply with the European regulations. This leads to the unfortunate situation that many unsafe laser machines are currently in use, endangering operators and distorting fair competition. Therefore, this application panel is designed to highlight the current situation and thus raise awareness of the problem, clarify the legal framework, and identify possible solutions.

The generation of micro-structures on small and increasingly large components is important for a wide range of applications and markets. They generate added value, for example in microelectronics, medicine and aerospace, but also in new energy generation. This application panel focuses on manufacturing techniques to produce microstructures and the functionalization of surfaces of small and large components that are difficult or costly to produce using conventional methods.

The aspect of the economic efficiency of these micro-structuring processes is emphasized. Lowest cost means using the right laser in combination with appropriate beam delivery systems, although the shortest pulse is not always the best solution. Advances in scaling laser power and intelligent process strategies now enable applications that were not industrially feasible just a few years ago. The presentations include examples with lasers ranging in pulse duration from femtoseconds, picoseconds to nanoseconds.

The 17th International Laser Marketplace is the leading symposium on the industrial laser and laser system market. Worldwide leading experts discuss international markets and trends as well as new applications and technologies. First held in 1992, the event attracts decision makers and industry professionals across the laser industry, from component manufacturers to laser manufacturers, system integrators, end users, and investors. This year’s Marketplace features presentations on the global market, major geographic markets, as well as on key applications of lasers in material processing and beyond. The 17th International Laser Marketplace will take place as an Application Panel at the Laser Materials Processing Forum.

Laser-based additive manufacturing enables the tool-free production of highly complex metallic components and has therefore developed from prototyping to an increasingly established industrial manufacturing technique. Against this background, innovations in laser technology such as new laser beam sources and optical systems for laser beam shaping as well as software for adapted process control provide potential for increased productivity and robustness in metal additive manufacturing.

During the session component and system suppliers as well as industrial users of additive manufacturing and experts from the field of applied research will report on technological innovations in metal additive manufacturing.