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 Bosco

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

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

Infographic

Race to the Diode Laser

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. 

Conversations

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.

OIDA Market Report

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.

Then and Now

Laser Processing

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.

Industry

Becoming a Quantum Ambassador

An OSAF fellowship winner discusses her career journey and the launch of a platform that prepares quantum workers and recruits them for industry jobs.

President's Message

Paying It Forward

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

Magnetic recording; giant planets; direct-diode lasers

Optical Feedback

Letters from our Readers

OSA Update

News from the Society

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

OSA Foundation

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.

After Image

A Converging Beam