Optics and Photonics News

Zero-Index Platforms: Where Light Defies Geometry

Geometry-invariant effects in structures with near-zero permittivity or permeability could lead to deformable optical devices, and to new insights into unique light-matter interactions.

by Iñigo Liberal and Nader Engheta

Chiral Nanomaterials and Chiral Light

Advances in nanofabrication are expanding opportunities to exploit and customize the “handedness” of materials—and of light itself.

by Ventsislav K. Valev

Levitated Optomechanics

State-of-the-art optical-trapping platforms are creating new opportunities for extending sensing applications and illuminating quantum mechanics. A recent OSA Incubator Meeting explored the frontiers.

by Nick Vamivakas, Mishkat Bhattacharya and Peter Barker

OSA Centennial Snapshots: Inventing a Dwarf Masterpiece

An international collaboration between two corporate competitors spawned the compact disc—and introduced lasers into millions of homes.

by Patricia Daukantas

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Nanoengines activated by light; record optical nonlinearity; naked-eye entablement; better holograms, better security; green light for migraines; evolving tech stokes industrial laser market; NASA opens up dozens of patents.

Conversations in Optics

First Light for ESO’s Four Laser Guide Star Facility

OPN talks with Domenico Bonaccini Calia and Wilhelm Kaenders, two of the key players in the design and execution of the new Four Laser Guide Star Facility at the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile.

OIDA Market Report

The 100-Year View of Photonics: Part 2

Tom Hausken gives a follow-up to his May 2016 long-view of the optics and photonics market and its impact on society.

Sponsored Content

Thorlabs: Designing a Business, Part 1

In the first installment of a two-part article, Thorlabs founder and chief executive Alex Cable shares a personal view of some core business design practices and concepts underlying the company’s success.

President's Message

The Prototypical Multidisciplinary Field

“The skills you acquire can always be effectively redeployed. You will look back on setbacks and be grateful for the catalyst that came not a moment too soon.”
—Thomas Freston, U.S. business executive

 

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