Every year, over 1,200 exhibitors and over 20,000 visitors are drawn to the trade fair in San Francis-co, in order to learn about the latest research findings and discover the newest devices and systems in optics and laser technology, including state-of-the-art medical technologies. This year, 40 exhibitors from Thuringia were represented, which was also the biggest German contingent. The exhibitors from Thuringia presented a broad spectrum of technologies, ranging from infra-red technology and lab instruments to laser optics, laser technology, measurement technology and optical instruments, right up to optical measuring instruments and sensor technology. (cdo)