Brochures and fact sheets

	Focus on Biophotonics: Applications of photonics-based techniques in surgery and medicine continue to increase rapidly. This is mainly due to the fact that such techniques hold a series of inherent advantageous properties compared to more conventional medical techniques.

	Focus on lidar: Lidar (light detection and ranging) is one of the most powerful techniques for active remote sensing of the earth’s atmosphere. Lasers offer great advantages over conventional light sources.

	Focus on laser systems: The CSIR’s laser systems group actively engages in current and cutting-edge research in the field of diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser sources. The use of novel laser architectures and gain media is investigated to optimise the laser performance.

	Focus on CSIR Rental pool programme: The CSIR provides researchers at tertiary education institutions the opportunity of engaging in laser-based research using a collection of state-of-the-art lasers and laser diagnostic equipment. This brochure elaborates on this programme.

	Focus on CSIR research in laser hardening: This fact sheet explains laser hardening and its advantages.

	Focus on CSIR research in laser welding: Information is conveyed about laser welding as a joining technology for industry. The advantages are explained, available laser welding equipment outlined and the role of the CSIR National Laser Centre in respect of laser welding described.

	Focus on CSIR research in laser cladding: This process of depositing any weldable material on the surface of a metal substrate using a laser beam, is outlined in this fact sheet.

	Focus on CSIR research in laser cutting: Laser cutting is the first and, to date, the most successful machining application to evolve from the invention of the laser. This fact sheet outlines the CSIR's capability and support in the manufacturing of certain categories of laser cutting equipment.

	ScienceScope Lasers, photonics, optronics: ScienceScope is the quarterly publication of the CSIR. This 2006 edition reported on some of the laser research undertaken at the CSIR.

	Raising the awareness of laser science - introducing Pulse: This flyer elaborates on an initiative, targeted at the South African public – especially learners and students, to raise awareness about lasers and their applications.