October 2020 Issue
Feature Articles
High-Powered Diode Lasers—New, Bright and Blue
Blue diode laser designs with kW powers are advancing in industrial processing applications, including cutting, welding and foil joining of copper and other high-reflectance materials.
by Valerie C. Coffey
2D MOFs: A New Platform for Optics?
An emerging class of 2D semiconductors, so-called metal-organic frameworks, offers intriguing potential as an active element in optical applications.
by Himani Arora, SangWook Park, Renhao Dong and Artur Erbe
Exceptional Times: 5G Networks in a COVID-19 Era
The coronavirus and its associated economic dislocations have complicated the technology’s 2020 rollout. But the changes wrought by the pandemic may boost the case for 5G in the long run.
by Stéphane Téral and Becky BoscoDepartments and Columns
Optical seismometer monitors volcano / Laser test of facemask / Quantum secret sharing / Machine learning / Quantum-dot nanopixels / Diode laser beginnings / Luminar Technologies merger / Display calibration puzzles / Spectroscopic cardiac imaging
On 9 July 1962, Robert J. Keyes of MIT Lincoln Labs reported observing intense luminescence with a quantum efficiency of ~85 % from GaAs junctions at 77 K. Within months, four research teams would independently develop and demonstrate injection lasers.
Reflecting on 60 Years of Solid-State Lasers
At the 2020 OSA Laser Congress, a solid-state laser pioneer will guide attendees through laser history—and illuminate some behind-the-scenes insights along the way.
Who’s Buying Lasers in a Pandemic?
Coronavirus has plagued 2020 with economic uncertainty—however, OSA’s senior industry advisor predicts that the laser industry may weather the storm better than most.
The small heat-affected zone of laser pulses, and their potential to etch tiny features with little damage to the surrounding material, helped launch the sector of laser micromachining.
An OSAF fellowship winner discusses her career journey and the launch of a platform that prepares quantum workers and recruits them for industry jobs.
Also in this Issue
30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN
Magnetic recording; giant planets; direct-diode lasers
UA news / NSF quantum photonic workshop / Subsea school Mini Dive / Advanced Photonics Congress / Siegman School / CLEO Pacific Rim / OSA Fellow stories / Thanks, editors and volunteers
Thank you, OSA Foundation Donors
The OSA Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm for The Optical Society (OSA). Our mission is to inspire, reward and support students and early-career professionals in optics and photonics. Our global programs include professional development, summer schools, prizes, scholarships, fellowships, awards and honors. Each and every donation received is matched 100% by the OSA, doubling the impact of our donors. Additionally, all administrative fees are paid by OSA ensuring gifts directly support our programs. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.osa.org/donate.
![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)
