Mapping Biology with Spatial Omics

A recent explosion of spatial profiling techniques—largely enabled by optics and photonics technologies—gives biologists an unprecedented view of single cells and tissues.

by Meeri Kim

Structured Colors with Dielectric Nanoresonators

Nano-optic features such as nanopillars, subwavelength resonators and Mie voids are all emerging as new tools for creating realistic, durable and environmentally sound alternatives to traditional pigments.

by Joel Yang, Hao Wang, John Chan You En, Mario Hentschel and Yuri Kivshar

The Sagnac Effect

The story of an experiment that might have kept Einstein awake at night—but that paved the way for the dawn of optical gyroscopes and that could enable future gravitational-wave detectors.

by Farhad Hakimi

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Optical Lagrange points / Compact biometrics / Quantum memory / Multifocal lenses / Large-format metalens / Industry news

Infographic

Structural Color in Nature

Much of the vibrant color present in nature results from the physical interaction of light with nanostructured materials—producing some of the beautiful displays of color seen here.

Profile

Inspiring a Better Future

Fabian Ruf, the 2023 recipient of the Optica Foundation’s Chang Pivoting Fellowship, is passionate about transforming the world through education.

Conversations

A Live Look at the Reproductive System

At the upcoming Optica Biophotonics Congress, Irina Larina will talk about dynamic optical coherence tomography for in vivo imaging of the fallopian tubes.

Market Report

The Two Biomedical Markets

The optics technologies used in both patient care and medical research provide an opportunity to help underserved populations.

President's Message

The Dream of Fusion Energy

It is remarkable that optics and photonics, like no other field, is paving the way for future technologies.

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

Interconnected computing; 3D imaging; a gigapixel superscope.

Optica in Focus

News from the Society

Photonics techncians / Optics Continuum editor-in-chief / Optica incubator / NAE inductees / Knight new Honorary Member / Corning scholarship / OFC Li Prize / Optica Fellow stories / CLEO diversity and inclusion / Career Accelerator / Thank you, editors and meeting chairs

In Memoriam

James C. Wyant, 1943–2023

Remembering a leader, engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist in optics.

Optica Foundation

Thank You to Our Donors

We fundamentally believe in the importance of cultivating the next generation of optics and photonics.

After Image

Galactic Tapestry

A view of superheated gas and magnetic fields at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.