Optics & Photonics News

Optics & Photonics News Magazine
June 2009 Issue

Feature Articles

Green Silicon Photonics

Silicon photonics has shown great promise in overcoming communications bottlenecks and providing low-cost components for the Internet—but can it help “green” the industry as well? Harvesting the optical energy lost to two-photon absorption in silicon devices may pave the way toward reduced optical losses and the simultaneous generation of electrical power.

by Bahram Jalali, Sasan Fathpour and Kevin Tsia

Photonic Crystal LEDs

LEDs that have photonic crystals etched on them can direct the emission of light at preferred angles and enhance brightness without consuming more power. These devices have the potential to revolutionize the lighting industry—and spur widespread adoption of environmentally friendly lighting solutions.

by Faiz Rahman

Lidar in Space: From Apollo to the 21st Century

Over the last four decades, spaceborne lidar instruments have evolved beyond their original application—altimetry—to tracking glacier melting, gauging wind speeds and spotting snow on Mars.

by Patricia Daukantas

Lord Rayleigh: A Scientific Life

John William Strutt, also known as Lord Rayleigh, is well recognized as a pioneer in light scattering and other areas of optics. But he was also a master of iterative mathematical techniques for solving complex physical problems.

by Barry R. Masters

Departments and Columns

Scatterings

Exploring Age-Related Farsightedness

Using a non-invasive light-scattering approach from materials science, a team from Ohio State University sheds light on presbyopia.

Scatterings

In-Vivo Images of Retina’s “Dark” Cells

A team at the University of Rochester (N.Y., U.S.A.) has taken the first images of this layer of so-called “dark cells” in a living retina.

Scatterings

Did You Know?

Targeting malaria-carrying mosquitoes with laser light.

Optics Innovations

Riding Out the Recession

The photonics industry is hanging tough in the recession. In fact, many companies are still experiencing growth, although it may be subdued compared to 2008. Mark Crawford relays tips from the experts on how to survive—and thrive—during tough times.

Policy Matters

Solar Energy: A Global Perspective

Germany, Spain and Japan are leading the world in integrating solar technologies into their energy policies. Now, the United States is starting to make solar a priority as well. Here, Alex Fong reviews solar policies around the globe and highlights successes and challenges.

Conversations in Optics

OPN Talks with Federico Capasso

Our conversation with Federico Capasso, laser pioneer and CLEO/IQEC speaker.

Conversations in Optics

OPN Talks with Alain Aspect

Our conversation with Alain Aspect, quantum optics pioneer and CLEO/IQEC speaker.

Education

EDay a Green Day

Last year, secondary school teachers and administrators from throughout the Rochester area learned how to incorporate optics into simple experiments, activities and lesson plans at OSA’s annual Educators’ Day. The 2008 event had a special focus on the role of optics in the environment.

The History of OSA