Researchers develop printable lasers

A way of printing lasers using everyday inkjet technology has been created by scientists. The development has a wide range of possible applications, ranging from biomedical testing to laser arrays for displays. This simple process can form lasers on virtually any surface, rigid or flexible, and can potentially be applied using existing printing and publishing equipment." - The research is reported in the journal "Soft Matter" and the full article can be found at: http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2012/SM/C2SM26479J A laser is a characteristically "pure" form of light, occupying a very narrow wavelength range, or colour. Laser devices are already ubiquitous in modern life; they are used to read data from Blu-Ray discs and deliver high-speed internet around the world, for example. In science and technology, lasers are similarly versatile - being employed for a wide range of purposes such as medical treatment and testing, or space-based remote sensing. Today, most lasers are made on silicon wafers using expensive processes similar to those used to make microprocessors. However, scientists have now designed a process to "print" a type of organic laser on any surface, using technology very similar to that used in the home.