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how bacteria could prevent radioactive materials from absorbing into soil through chemical reactions. This provided important information on the process, which could help keep waste from further spreading into the environment. Although these studies do not always


give us practical benefits right away, they can show us how we are negatively affecting our planet and provide us the opportunity to start working toward specific solutions.


Applications Research can also be applied to create solutions. Just this past year there was a study done by an international team of researchers that used hollow lasers to divert lightning strikes in a storm by sending particles that would attract the strikes into the clouds. The idea was to prevent them from striking trees and starting forest fires. There has been much research into this in the past, but we are now coming to a time when it is being learned that smaller handheld lasers can have the same success, and can therefore be more easily implemented.


Another thing that we can hope to see


more of is robots using lasers in crop fields to zap weeds! A robotics company from Seattle has created this machine as an alternative to pesticides and says it can remove 100,000 weeds per hour.


If technologies like this become more commercial and accessible to farmers in the future, it could mean a significant reduction in harmful chemicals being put out into the environment through pesticides. It does not always have to be so


elaborate, however. Lasers have shown that they are very versatile when it comes to going green in common industries as well.


“Robots can now use lasers in crop fields to remove 100,000 weeds per hour”


There are now many instances in which laser applications can be used to better the environment by being implemented in different industries as alternative solutions to outdated processes, which themselves can harm the environment. For example, laser cleaning is becoming more popular in many industries. This is the process of using lasers to strip paint or other coatings off of surfaces as opposed to chemicals that are harmful for the environment. Lasers are also a great way to reduce ink usage, which is often made with non- renewable resources and can ‘contaminate’ certain products like food. Instead of printing on items using ink, laser engraving


is now an option that can be used to mark directly onto a product itself. Another alternative to ink that lasers provide is in using laser printing. Although inkjet printer cartridges can be recycled, it is safe to say the majority of them still end up in the trash. With laser printing, this harmful waste does not exist to find itself having a negative impact by ending up back in the environment. There are simpler changes to better


the environment. Something as simple as switching old light sources for LED lighting can make a difference in the usage of energy, especially around the holidays. For decorating houses around the holidays specifically, there are now laser lights that project onto the side of houses and perhaps replace some of the traditional string light decorations, being more energy-efficient for both the decorator and the planet.


Looking to the Future While much change still needs to be seen in the way we handle the earth, the positive changes that have been already made can still be recognised and celebrated. It will take a lot of work from corporations, governments, and individuals to truly start making a difference on our planet, but there is no doubt that lasers will continue playing a vital role in recognising challenges and offering solutions.


Professor Jyotirmoy (Jyoti) Mazumder in memoriam (July 9, 1951 – April 10, 2021)


LIA looks back on the extraordinary life of one of its past presidents and his great legacy


Professor Mazumder is sadly missed by many, including LIA, and we would like to pay tribute to him for his everlasting legacy. He was a devoted member of LIA and


many of us had the pleasure of working with him on various occasions, experiencing his enlightening personality and benevolent spirit. He was an excellent mentor and was respectful and kind to all. He served LIA in various capacities, including as the general chair of ICALEO, and was always available when called upon. He was a past president of LIA, editor-in-chief of LIA’s flagship publication, Journal of Laser Applications,


22 LASER SYSTEMS EUROPE SUMMER 2021 @LASERSYSTEMSMAG | WWW.LASERSYSTEMSEUROPE.COM


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