May 2018 Issue
Feature Articles
A new generation of digital cinema is on the way, with three technologies offering a wider dynamic range, more vivid colors and darker darks.
by Jeff Hecht
Opportunities are growing for the design of photonic systems that are “topologically protected” from defects and disorders—and in which light can be made to propagate in a single preferred direction.
by Sunil Mittal, Wade DeGottardi and Mohammad Hafezi
Gravitational Waves: The Road Ahead
LIGO and Virgo have opened up a new window into the local universe. But the global gravitational-wave community isn’t stopping there.
by Stewart WillsDepartments and Columns
Imaging the hidden road ahead; single chip, dual comb; tracking cell growth; blood flow after stroke; Euro-robotics accelerator; U.K. quantum pioneer funding; power from sunshine and rain.
The Laser: Expanding our World
When Theodore Maiman successfully operated the first laser on 16 May 1960, it was impossible to imagine how integral lasers would one day become to our daily lives—from communications to medical research and from industry to entertainment, as described in this month’s cover story on cutting-edge cinema. Or how much the laser continues to expand our world—extending our reach from far out in space to the depths of the ocean.
Making the Case for High-Intensity Science
OPN talks with Philip Bucksbaum on a recent study exploring how the United States can re-establish a strong position in petawatt lasers.
The Real Growth Rate of the Global Laser Market
Examining increasing laser revenues in the context of global economic change.
On 16 May, Light Science Shines
UNESCO has officially declared 16 May as the International Day of Light. OPN spoke with John Dudley, who spearheaded this initiative, about his vision for the annual event.
Qualifying Diode Lasers for Space
While requirements vary, testing programs for devices on ESA and NASA missions focus on standardized tests.
Also in this Issue
Ian Walmsley appointed provost; OSA Fellow Member stories; OFC 2018 success; gender equity initiatives at OFC; Tingye Li Innovation Prize recipient; recognizing student winners; call for OSA award nominations; thank you, editors and volunteers.
![Manual probe system with needles for test of semiconductor on silicon wafer. [A. Morozov / Getty]](https://opnmedia.blob.core.windows.net/$web/opn/media/images/articles/2025/1125/departments/202511-cover-web.jpg?ext=.jpg)
![Researcher Clara Saraceno in the lab. [Image by Carsten Behler Photography]](https://opnmedia.blob.core.windows.net/$web/opn/media/images/articles/2025/1025/departments/202510-cover-web.jpg?ext=.jpg)
