NEWS & ANALYSIS
20
DEPARTMENTS
THE COVER
The massive Walgreens electronic
billboard in New York's Times Square
contains 12 million energy-efficient LEDs
spanning 17,000 square feet, earning it
bragging rights as the largest in the nation.
New York-based D3 LED, the designer of
the hi-tech hardware and software for the
spectacular, used 10,987 modules, each
containing 1024 to 1600 pixels. This
month’s cover was designed by Photonics
Spectra Art Director Lisa N. Comstock.
March 2009
t
TABLE OF CONTENTS
18 | PAST PARTICLES
by David L. Shenkenberg, Features Editor
Before Newton there was Alhazen ibn al-Haytham, “the first scientist”
20 | TECH NEWS
Protecting aircraft with photonics technology
Night-vision goggles no longer just for military
Controlling a computer with a gesture
Product reviews in the palm of your hand
Industrial lasers shine at Photonics West
Next-Gen researcher
Teleporting a step closer to quantum computing
An underground fiber optic fence
33 | FASTTRACK
Business and Markets
Flat panel displays: Green expectations
Expansion seen for UV LED market
Searching for a smoother ride
39 | GREENLIGHT
by Anne L. Fischer, Senior Editor
Light pollution: the good, the bad and the just-too-bright
by Caren B. Les, News Editor
Looking for light in all the wrong places
by Anne L. Fischer, Senior Editor
Greening the great white way
Environmental signage: the great oxymoron
66 | SLICES FROM THE BREADBOARD
It’s All About Patents
by Amanda D. Francoeur, News Editor
Beware patent trolls
10 | EDITORIAL
12 | LETTERS
70 | BRIGHT IDEAS
80 | HAPPENINGS
84 | PEREGRINATIONS
Pretty in optical fibers
