Optics & Photonics News - September 2011

Optics & Photonics News Magazine
September 2011 Issue

Feature Articles

Integrated Photonics Research in China

Chinese researchers already have a decades-long history of making key contributions to integrated photonics research. Now, with a growing number of research groups and unprecedented government backing, the country is poised to take a leading role in this exciting area, which is a critical driver of global communications technology.

by Andrew W. Poon, Linjie Zhou, Jianping Chen, Yong-Zhen Huang, Jinzhong Yu, Jian-Jun He and Hon K. Tsang

Light and Color in Nature: A Return to Optics’ Roots

Past OSA President Bob Greenler and OSA Fellow Dave Lynch describe a remarkable conference series in which scientists gather to explore beautiful naked-eye phenomena in the world around us.

by Robert Greenler and David K. Lynch

The Green Laser Diode: Completing the Rainbow

Traditionally, green laser diodes have been difficult to construct due to the characteristics of the quantum wells that serve as their gain region. Now, however, several companies and research groups have found ways to fill this “green gap,” by mastering the epitaxy of high-indium-containing quantum wells, balancing strain and defect formation against the quantum-confined Stark effect and using optimized waveguides. Their work is driving new applications in consumer electronics, biophotonics and other areas.

by Ulrich T. Schwarz and Wolfgang G. Scheibenzuber

Departments and Columns

Scatterings

Single Laser Powers Record Data Transfer Rate

German investigators achieved a transfer rate of 26 Tbits/s over 50 km of single-mode fiber by using a multiplexing technique borrowed from wireless communications.

Career Focus

Managing a Research Group

You worked hard to get your Ph.D.; you went through a few postdoc positions around the world; and now your life’s ambition is fulfilled at last: You get to start or develop your own research group. Are you ready? Sure, you are a seasoned scientist, but how good are you at managing other researchers?

Reflections in Diversity

Promoting Diversity in Optics: A Column Is Born

OSA Board member Ursula Keller and past president Anthony Johnson are pleased to announce a new space in OPN that will explore how the optics community can broaden its own spectrum.

Viewpoint

Supporting Science and Building Public Trust

OSA Congressional Fellows share their views on issues at the forefront of Congressional debates.

Conversations in Optics

OPN Talks with Sir John Pendry

Our conversation with Sir John Pendry, metamaterials pioneer and Frontiers in Optics keynote speaker.

Global Optics

Optics Shine in Wuhan, China

China, the second largest economy in the world, is placing a growing emphasis on the development of science and technology. But behind its booming growth, the country is still rooted in the traditional values of family, respect for the elderly, and education. OSA Fellow Barry Masters describes his recent visit to the city of Wuhan and how the educational system there mixes Chinese traditions with Western infl uences.

The History of OSA