James Webb Space Telescope: A Sparkling Optical Success

Superlatives strain to characterize the excellent performance of the astronomical community’s latest infrared telescope, which is beaming back dazzling and confounding images of the universe.

by Patricia Daukantas

Entrepreneurs to Watch

In a biennial feature, OPN throws the spotlight on a selection of creative scientists and engineers—and the enterprises they’re building.

by OPN Staff

Quantum Promise Becomes Commercial Reality

Companies are starting to capitalize on quantum science—taking the technology out of the lab and into the market.

by Susan Curtis

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Energy-efficient bitcoin mining / Fiber-based smart textiles / Attosecond electron emission / Topology may not prevent losses / Detecting dark photons / Webb telescope imagery / Industry news

Infographic

Webb Imagery: Science & Art

The beautiful images from the James Webb Space Telescope begin as infrared-light observations beyond what our eyes can detect. Here we look at the process for one of JWST’s first observations, the Tarantula Nebula. 

Market Report

The Market for Optics in AI

How machine learning is shaping the photonics industry.

Light Touch

William A. Eddy and His Aerial Vistascope

Eddy’s kite-borne camera obscura allowed real-time imaging.

Conversations

Rethinking Education in Light of AI

A professor emeritus of physics education discusses GPT’s implications for instruction and assessment.

President's Message

Patience and Passion in Science

The long-term patience and discipline that leads to breakthroughs is science and engineering’s hidden story.

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

Environmental optics; Islamic optics achievements; underwater imaging

Optica in Focus

News from the Society

Industry summit / PSP anniversary / Biophotonics Congress / “Possible Through Light” campaign / Photonics21 / Optica Fellow stories / Congressional Fellow joins DOE / CLEO 2023 / Thank you, editors and meeting chairs

Optica Elections

Optica Election for 2024 Offices

Review the candidates for Optica's 2024 Vice President and Directors-at-Large election.

After Image

Supercontinuum Light

An intense infrared ultrafast laser focuses in a low-vacuum dusty plasma chamber.