Squeezing on a Chip
Bulk optics gives us light beyond the quantum limit, but integrated photonics promises an extended reach—from biological imaging to quantum computing.
01 May 2025
Topological Light Waves: Skyrmions Can Fly
Harnessing an emerging class of structured waves as counterparts of localized topological quasiparticles could revolutionize information technology.
01 May 2025
Early Laser Research Funding
Looking back at large, federally funded laser projects half a century later shows the impact of such efforts on the optics industry.
01 May 2025
Spiral Waveguides Multiply Amplifiers' Bandwidth
New chip-based devices might remove bottleneck in telecommunications and boost medical imaging.
15 April 2025
Photonic Chips Go Nonlinear
A programmable processor that uses light to perform nonlinear operations could deliver faster systems for machine learning.
23 April 2025
Paths of LightÂ
Light passing through prisms and beam splitters is broken down into a spectrum of visible colors.
25 April 2025
May 2025 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Gunshot Residue Gets a Glow-Up
Converting lead particles into perovskite, which glows green under UV light, could aid forensic investigations.
24 April 2025
Photonic Chips Go Nonlinear
A programmable processor that uses light to perform nonlinear operations could deliver faster systems for machine learning.
23 April 2025
Detecting Nanoplastics in Bodily Fluids
Researchers combined Raman spectroscopy and optofluidic force induction to see if intraocular lenses shed nanoplastics.
23 April 2025
A New Twist on Optical Vortices
A vortex beam that can grow or decay continuously mimics a growth pattern often found in nature.
17 April 2025
Spiral Waveguides Multiply Amplifiers' Bandwidth
New chip-based devices might remove bottleneck in telecommunications and boost medical imaging.
15 April 2025ADVERTISEMENT
EDITOR'S PICKS
Thermoradiative Photovoltaics
Devices that operate like solar cells in reverse can generate power even in the absence of sunlight, offering an alternative route for energy production.
01 November 2024
A Scientist Abroad
When cultural heritage meets international collaboration and science.
01 October 2021
Sourcing Lithium
A look at the global distribution of lithium—a critical component in the rechargeable batteries that power electric vehicles and many of today’s electronics.
01 March 2024
Infrared ultrafast laser
An intense infrared ultrafast laser focuses in a low-vacuum dusty plasma chamber. The formed supercontinuum light then scatters off the dust in the background.
01 July 2023ADVERTISEMENT
Paths of Light
Light passing through prisms and beam splitters is broken down into a spectrum of visible colors.
25 April 2025
Quantum in Africa
Yanne Chembo discusses his hopes for quantum science on the African continent in the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
01 May 2025
Real-Time Diagnostics, Without the Lab
At CLEO, Laura M. Lechuga will talk about emerging biosensing technology for use at the point of care.
01 May 2025CAREERS
Journeys in Optics: Milana Kendrisic
Kendrisic discusses her motivations as a researcher, receiving the Deutsch Fellowship and why she chose a career in academia.
01 April 2025
Journeys in Optics: Alejandro Velez-Zea
Velez-Zea discusses his career in academia, his research project that won the Optica Foundation Challenge and offers advice for students and early-career professionals.
05 November 2024
Ambassadors and Chapters Driving Optics Education and Career Advancement
Ana Karen Reyes talks about her work as an Optica Ambassador supporting optics and photonics education and professional development.
29 October 2024
A Career in Subsea: The Final (Fiber) Frontier
The Optical Fiber Communications Workshop, hosted by an Optica/SPIE Student Chapter, showcased career opportunities in the burgeoning field of subsea communications.
18 October 2024
Journeys in Optics: George Dwapanyin
Dwapanyin talks about his time as an Optica Ambassador, his involvement with Optica’s 2020 DEI Rapid Action Committee and the role community has had in his career.
15 October 2024