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.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

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

Can You Trust Financial Advice You Find Online?

By: NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - Can you trust the financial advice you find online, including on social media? Nope. And a majority of people already don’t trust online financial advice. According to the CFP Board Consumer Sentiment Survey — Trust, But Verify, 71% of investors indicated little to no trust in the financial planning advice received from social media. There was also a high level of mistrust (51% of those surveyed) regarding advice from generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT and Google Bard. In addition, the survey found that while consumers are wary of online advice, they are far more comfortable acting on that advice if it’s been verified by a financial planner.

Psst! Want a Can’t Miss Stock Tip?

You don’t take investment tips from strangers on a street corner. And that’s what the internet is like: one big street corner full of strangers offering advice. They don’t know your financial situation, goals, age, or life stage. Online advice tends to be generic and one-size-fits-all, lacking customization to fit individual circumstances. Worse yet, you don’t know whether the online stranger has any expertise — or a secret financial incentive to steer you to one type of investment over another. The “advice” could simply be a lie.

Information vs. Advice

So, what’s the internet good for when it comes to financial advice? It’s a terrific tool to gather information as opposed to advice.

Here are three examples:

  • Learn the difference between various types of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds and their performance history — not which ones to purchase.
  • Learn the difference between insurance options — not which type to purchase, how much, or which company to buy from.
  • Learn about the different ways to invest for college or retirement — but not which path works for your circumstances.

No matter what information you are looking for, visit multiple online platforms and compare what each says. But don’t make decisions until you get personalized advice from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional.

The information you gather online can prepare you to ask more intelligent questions and understand your options when you sit down with a CFP® professional. Once these experts know you, your family responsibilities and the levels of risk with which you are comfortable, they’ll offer advice tailored to your specific needs and goals. CFP® professionals make a commitment to CFP Board to act as fiduciaries, which means they will always put your interests first when providing financial advice.

Five Tips Worth Taking

With countless influencers and self-proclaimed experts vying for your attention, it's crucial to approach online financial guidance with a discerning eye. With that in mind, check out these five tips from CFP Board’s Lets Make a Plan website to help you effectively navigate the digital realm of financial advice. Work with a CFP® professional when you need to verify financial strategies you heard of online or when making any significant financial decisions. Find your CFP® professional today.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.