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.

Medical technology is one of the largest and at the same time most multifaceted application fields of the German photonics industry. Almost all photonic technologies such as lasers, optical fibers, LED illumination, imaging systems and optical sensors are used in a wide range of applications in hospitals, by doctors in private practice and in the home. Short presentations of innovative concepts and products for medical technology will give numerous ideas of what is possible with photonics in this field.

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.