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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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

1 Volatile Stock to Target This Week and 2 That Underwhelm

SHCO Cover Image

A highly volatile stock can deliver big gains - or just as easily wipe out a portfolio if things go south. While some investors embrace risk, mistakes can be costly for those who aren’t prepared.

These stocks can be a rollercoaster, and StockStory is here to guide you through the ups and downs. That said, here is one volatile stock with massive upside potential and two that could just as easily collapse.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Soho House (SHCO)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.17

Boasting fancy locations in hubs such as NYC and Miami, Soho House (NYSE: SHCO) is a global hospitality brand offering exclusive private member clubs, hotels, and restaurants.

Why Do We Think Twice About SHCO?

  1. Sluggish trends in its members suggest customers aren’t adopting its solutions as quickly as the company hoped
  2. Cash-burning history makes us doubt the long-term viability of its business model
  3. High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 5× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens

At $8.83 per share, Soho House trades at 9.7x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why SHCO doesn’t pass our bar.

U.S. Bancorp (USB)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.24

With roots dating back to 1863 and a presence across 26 states primarily in the Midwest and West, U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) is one of America's largest banks providing lending, deposit services, wealth management, payment processing, and merchant services to individuals and businesses.

Why Are We Wary of USB?

  1. Sizable revenue base leads to growth challenges as its 4.9% annual net interest income increases over the last five years fell short of other banking companies
  2. Inferior net interest margin of 2.7% means it must compensate for lower profitability through increased loan originations
  3. Large asset base makes it harder to grow tangible book value per share quickly, and its annual tangible book value per share growth of 2% over the last five years was below our standards for the banking sector

U.S. Bancorp’s stock price of $48.54 implies a valuation ratio of 1.3x forward P/B. If you’re considering USB for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

One Stock to Buy:

Hamilton Lane (HLNE)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.24

With over $100 billion in assets under management and supervision, Hamilton Lane (NASDAQ: HLNE) is an investment management firm that specializes in private markets, offering advisory services and fund solutions to institutional and private wealth investors.

Why Are We Backing HLNE?

  1. Market share has increased this cycle as its 21.1% annual revenue growth over the last five years was exceptional
  2. Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 23%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last two years
  3. Stellar return on equity showcases management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures

Hamilton Lane is trading at $143.78 per share, or 30.1x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

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