Quantum Connectivity for Scale
As today’s quantum devices remain limited in range and size, entanglement-based optical networks are emerging as the key to building larger, more capable quantum systems.
01 February 2026
Science and Tech Program Planning at a Federal Lab
Joseph N. Mait shares lessons learned from his time as a US government program manager in the physical sciences.
01 February 2026
Congratulations to Optica's 2026 Fellows, who will be recognized throughout the year for scientific contributions, industry leadership and service.
01 February 2026
Metasurfaces Could Enable Large-Scale Quantum Computing
Researchers show how the artificial materials can create extensive arrays of optical tweezers to trap neutral atoms.
21 January 2026
Low-Cost Lenses Deliver Super-Resolution Images
Fabricating high-quality optics with a 3D printer offers new options for customized imaging solutions.
22 January 2026
2025 Photo Contest Honorable Mention: The curved surface of a glass of tea and the liquid within refract and focus sunlight to create a caustic.
16 January 2026
February 2026 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Low-Cost Lenses Deliver Super-Resolution Images
Fabricating high-quality optics with a 3D printer offers new options for customized imaging solutions.
22 January 2026
Metasurfaces Could Enable Large-Scale Quantum Computing
Researchers show how the artificial materials can create extensive arrays of optical tweezers to trap neutral atoms.
21 January 2026
X-ray Diffraction Technique Reveals Tiny Structures in Record Time
Researchers leverage the Swiss Light Source to study biological materials in unprecedented detail.
15 January 2026
Photonic Camouflage, Like an Octopus
Researchers created a programmable polymer film that can change its surface texture and color on demand.
14 January 2026
Vitrealab Raises US$11 Million to Bring Quantum Light Chips to AR Displays
The Austrian spin-off is betting on vertically integrated PICs to deliver more efficient light engines for AR and VR headsets.
13 January 2026EDITOR'S PICKS
Hydrogel Optical Fibers
Researchers are working to coax a class of superbly biocompatible polymer–water hybrids into light-guiding channels for sensing, optogenetics and more.
01 November 2024
An Attosecond Pulse Beyond the ‘Water Window’
High-harmonic generation tabletop experiment could unlock new details about electron dynamics.
24 December 2025
Switchable Privacy Displays for Safe Driving
Optical measurements are important to ensure that vehicle passengers can view dedicated displays without distracting the driver.
01 October 2024
Confocal image of a fruit fly retina expressing a toxic form of the RdgB protein, leading to degeneration.
01 May 2025
Tea Glass Caustic
2025 Photo Contest Honorable Mention: The curved surface of a glass of tea and the liquid within refract and focus sunlight to create a caustic.
16 January 2026
Charting a Path Through the Stars
Strojnik discusses her work developing an autonomous system for optical navigation of air- and spacecraft.
01 January 2026
“Optics in 2025” Cover Art
For its December 2025 “year in optics” feature, OPN received numerous submissions for cover art. Here are a few of our favorites—which cover would you choose?
01 January 2026CAREERS
Building the Optics-Professional Pipeline
Kipkemoi Elvis Samuel discusses his work in removing obstacles for students to get an optics education in Kenya.
28 October 2025
My Congressional Fellowship: A Career Door-Opener
Eager to work toward solving big societal problems like climate change, Claire Cody left the lab for the world of scientific policy.
21 October 2025
Journeys in Optics: Falko Schmidt
Falko Schmidt discusses his career trajectory, cofounding a startup and sustainability in the lab.
16 September 2025
Journeys in Optics: Winnie N. Ye
Winnie Ye talks about overcoming challenges she faced during her career and the importance of diversity, collaboration and mentorship in research.
26 August 2025
AI-Generated Podcasts for Science Communication
Researchers found that artificial intelligence could help disseminate scientific studies in a clear, easy-to-understand format.
30 June 2025