Optical Tweezers on an Integrated Chip
New device uses an optical phased array to manipulate particles from a greater distance than in previous experiments.
09 October 2024How the Laser Found Problems to Solve
While some initially wondered about practical applications for the laser, within a few decades after its first appearance it was offering solutions ranging from high-speed printing to crystal-clear music.
01 October 2024Photonics21 Study Spotlights Fusion Energy Markets
Report from European public–private partnership stresses the centrality of photonics as a fusion-enabling technology—regardless of the specific technical approach pursued.
10 October 2024Reactivating Spatial Memories with Light
Researchers leverage an optically enabled gene-expression technique to cause mice to seek out shelter even when one isn’t present.
10 October 2024Nobel Physics Prize Honors Roots of Modern AI
Recipients of the 2024 award made foundational contributions to artificial neural networks in the 1980s that continue to reshape both science and society today.
08 October 2024Liquid Crystal Droplets
In a monodispersed liquid crystal (LC) microemulsion, LCs surrounded by an immiscible medium form a spherical shape due to surface tension.
11 October 2024October 2024 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Reactivating Spatial Memories with Light
Researchers leverage an optically enabled gene-expression technique to cause mice to seek out shelter even when one isn’t present.
10 October 2024Photonics21 Study Spotlights Fusion Energy Markets
Report from European public–private partnership stresses the centrality of photonics as a fusion-enabling technology—regardless of the specific technical approach pursued.
10 October 2024Optical Tweezers on an Integrated Chip
New device uses an optical phased array to manipulate particles from a greater distance than in previous experiments.
09 October 2024Nobel Physics Prize Honors Roots of Modern AI
Recipients of the 2024 award made foundational contributions to artificial neural networks in the 1980s that continue to reshape both science and society today.
08 October 2024A Deeper View of High-Speed Impacts
Laser-driven microballistic experiments and a polymer material that fluorescently “self-reports” on damage combine to provide a subtler picture of deformation below the surface.
07 October 2024ADVERTISEMENT
EDITOR'S PICKS
Integrated Spectral Sensors
New approaches that mimic the functioning of the human eye are enabling embedded, portable alternatives to conventional spectrometers.
01 November 2022Growing an Optics and Photonics Economy
Optica’s Tom Hausken writes about what makes a successful economic center.
01 April 2023XFEL Light Sources
Here we look at the setup for the world’s six most powerful X-ray free-electron laser facilities.
01 May 2024Axicon Light
A diffractive axicon under LED illumination produces a system of colorful rings that form nearly Bessel beams.
01 May 2023ADVERTISEMENT
Liquid Crystal Droplets
In a monodispersed liquid crystal (LC) microemulsion, LCs surrounded by an immiscible medium form a spherical shape due to surface tension.
11 October 2024Switchable Privacy Displays for Safe Driving
Optical measurements are important to ensure that vehicle passengers can view dedicated displays without distracting the driver.
01 October 2024Global Paths to Fusion
A look at public and private experimental fusion efforts that are planned, under construction or in operation worldwide.
01 October 2024CAREERS
Journeys in Optics: Jason Adams
Adams discusses the genesis of his career in optics, his previous career as an audio engineer and the role of travel in his work.
03 September 2024Celebrating the Legacy of the Siegman School
Considering the impact and future of Anthony Siegman’s namesake program on its 10th anniversary.
30 August 2024Journeys in Optics: Brandon Buscaino
Buscaino discusses his time as president of the Stanford Optical Society, his experience as an Optica Ambassador and why he chose a career in industry.
06 August 2024Journeys in Optics: Agata Azzolin
Azzolin talks about what motivates her as a graduate student, her experience as part of an Optica technical group and her work in attosecond science.
09 July 2024Standing in Our Potential
Janet Fender writes about how the inaugural Optica Women Scholars Conference provided opportunities to encourage the career growth of young women in science.
25 June 2024