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

How Standards Will Help the United States Retain Global Tech Power

By: NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - The development of technical standards is an often overlooked, but is an essential element in global technology leadership. The United States must be proactive to develop these standards, in addition to technology research and innovation, to stay ahead of our top competitor, China, according to Ananmay Agarwal, an expert at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

In a recent podcast, Agarwal discussed the need for the U.S. to pay attention to technology standards; although standards are not mandatory, they may be widely adopted and are often incorporated into domestic laws or regulations. Taking the lead in technical standards will ensure that AI and other emerging technologies embody American values and support U.S. interests, Agarwal said.

The U.S. relies on private sector leadership and innovation, with regulations asking agencies to develop consensus standards. Globally, international standards development organizations (SDOs), such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) facilitate development of standards through consensus.

In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) coordinates federal efforts in developing standards while providing technical expertise, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) oversees compliance with federal standards policy, Agarwal said.

By contrast, China takes a centralized, top-down approach to standards and prioritizes AI, autonomous platforms, robotics, and telecommunications, said Agarwal. “By influencing standards early, China is positioning itself to embed its own technologies and protocols into global standards, giving its companies a competitive edge and ensuring Chinese products are interoperable across global markets,” he said.

During the first Trump administration, the U.S. successfully developed standards on emerging technologies such as post-quantum cryptography and pushed for leadership in AI standards through the American AI Initiative and Executive Order 13859.

During the second Trump administration, continued attention to technology standards is needed, Agarwal said. He urged federal agencies to prioritize collaboration with industry to develop and promote technology standards, and to strengthen partnerships with international allies and international standards bodies. “The United States should offer competing standards to ensure developing countries are not locked into China’s standards,” Agarwal added.

In addition, a proliferation in Chinese-led standards could increase China’s leverage in global supply chains and networks and jeopardize national security by enabling espionage, data theft, and strategic dependencies, said Agarwal.

“The race for standards-setting is about more than just technology; it's about the future of global governance, national security, and economic power,” Agarwal said in his podcast. “By strengthening alliances, enhancing public-private collaboration in strategic areas, and promoting transparent standards, the United States can safeguard its technological leadership and foster a global technological environment that supports innovation, security, and shared prosperity,” he said. 

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

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.