Optofluidics: A Light Stream Interface

Through the burgeoning field of optofluidics, researchers are using fluids to create adaptive optical systems at the microscopic scale, with applications in biophotonics, information processing and sensing.

by Carlos López-Mariscal

Wireless-Over-Fiber Technology—Bringing the Wireless World Indoors

The explosive growth of the Internet would not have been possible without optical fiber, which enables the movement of enormous amounts of data over thousands of kilometers. In an increasingly important application of wireless technology, fiber is being used to transport radio frequency signals and enhance coverage in buildings.

by Chin-Pang Liu and Alwyn Seeds

How the Laser Launched Nonlinear Optics

If the laser was a solution, nonlinear optics was one of the problems it was seeking. Intense pulses of coherent, monochromatic light were just what was needed to produce nonlinear effects. Once physicists got their first lasers, nonlinear optics blossomed in a golden age of discovery.

by Jeff Hecht

And the Winners Are ...

Results from OPN's fifth annual After Image photo contest.

Scatterings

Controlling Gas Flow with Light

A "smart" membrane, developed by graduate student Eric Glowacki and his advisor Kenneth Marshall at the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics, blocks gas when illuminated by ultraviolet light, but permits gas to flow when lit by purple light.

Optical Engineering

Medical Laser Applications—From Manufacturing to Diagnostics

Lasers are a key manufacturing technology for molded interconnect devices, which are helping to create portable medical equipment with higher-level functionality.

Career Focus

Peer Review 101: Building a Reputation as a Reviewer

Taking part in the review process is critical to developing a scientific career. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Optics Innovations

Zygo Corp. Measures 40 Years

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Zygo Corp., a worldwide supplier of optical metrology instruments and precision optical components. One of the company’s founders refl ects on the company’s past and the factors that have contributed to its success.

Policy Matters

Broadband Becomes Global Priority

Many countries are developing broadband plans as they look to provide faster Internet connections that will strengthen productivity, enhance health and education, and improve their citizens’ way of life.

Light Touch

Along Came a Spider

How arachnids made their way into global legend— and optics history.

Scatterings

Laser Controls the Pace of a Beating Heart

Michael W. Jenkins and others at Case Western Reserve University and Vanderbilt University demonstrated that pulsed infrared light can control the pace of a quail heart.

Scatterings

Carbon-Nanotube Coating Improves Thermal Detector

A very black carbon-nanotube coating, combined with an innovative fabrication process, makes a new infrared detector with nearly ideal performance over a wide range of wavelengths.

Scatterings

Chemistry for Harvesting Sunlight

Researchers reported advances in molecular systems for efficient solar energy conversion and storage at the recent American Chemical Society meeting in Boston (Massachusetts, U.S.A.).

President's Message

President’s Message

Letters

Letters

OSA Today

OSA Today

Book Reviews

Book Reviews