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
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
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
Pedrottis’ Introduction to Optics, Fourth Edition
A revised textbook that showcases the ubiquity and the utility of optics in modern technology.
17 April 2025
Far-UV photo of Earth
On 21 April 1972, NASA’s Apollo 16 mission took a far-ultraviolet photo of Earth with an ultraviolet camera.
18 April 2025
May 2025 Issue
LATEST NEWS
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 2025
Lattice Strain Boosts Solar Cells
Researchers discovered a strategy to improve the stability and efficiency of wide-bandgap perovskites.
10 April 2025ADVERTISEMENT
EDITOR'S PICKS
Finding the Right Ph.D. Advisor
You already know the science, but there’s also an art to selecting a Ph.D. supervisor who is the best fit for you.
01 February 2025
The First Diffraction Gratings
Close, equally-spaced grooves on a surface can disperse light, separating the frequencies. This simple tool launched spectroscopic science and more.
01 January 2021
William A. Eddy and His Aerial Vistascope
Eddy’s kite-borne camera obscura allowed real-time imaging.
01 July 2023
Colorful Scattering
The scattering of light creates vivid colors in 12,479 hanging fibers representing 12,479 famous ancient Chinese paintings.
01 June 2024ADVERTISEMENT
Far-UV photo of Earth
On 21 April 1972, NASA’s Apollo 16 mission took a far-ultraviolet photo of Earth with an ultraviolet camera.
18 April 2025
The Ins and Outs of Technical Proposals
Motivate reviewers to support your idea by highlighting its importance and grabbing their attention.
01 May 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 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