Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

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Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

How to protect your home from hail damage before the next storm hits

(BPT) - Smart, simple steps can help homeowners avoid expensive repairs this hail season.

As hailstorms grow more frequent and severe across many parts of the country, homeowners are looking for ways to better protect their properties. Mercury Insurance is sharing practical, affordable tips to help people safeguard their homes and avoid the high cost of hail-related damage.

With decades of experience insuring homes in high-risk regions, Mercury is committed to helping homeowners stay prepared - before the first hailstone falls.

"Many people don't realize how vulnerable their homes can be until it's too late," said Steve Bennett, Senior Director of Climate and Catastrophe Science at Mercury Insurance. "Taking a few preventive measures now can save thousands of dollars in repairs and offer peace of mind."

Hail protection checklist for your home:

  • Inspect and reinforce your roof:
    Check for missing or damaged shingles. If you live in a hail-prone area, consider upgrading to impact-resistant roofing materials.

  • Consider a FORTIFIED Roof upgrade:
    These roofs use sealed decks, stronger nailing patterns, and high-impact shingles to better withstand storms.

  • Install hail-resistant window film or shutters:
    This can minimize the chance of breakage and reduce damage from flying debris.

  • Trim nearby trees:
    Remove weak branches and keep trees maintained to prevent falling limbs during a storm.

  • Protect your car:
    Park vehicles in a garage or under cover when hail is in the forecast.

Why It Matters:

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hail causes billions in property damage every year. And 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most active hail seasons on record.

Mercury encourages homeowners to review their insurance policies in advance and make sure they fully understand their coverage and deductibles.

To learn more about how Mercury Insurance can help you prepare for severe weather, visit www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources.

You can also get more hail storm preparation pro tips here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OAkTU8UN1HE.

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