The Vera C. Rubin Observatory 

A specially designed, ultrafast telescope and the world’s largest CCD camera could expand our understanding of the universe—if a fog of telecommunications satellites doesn’t spoil the view.  

by Patricia Daukantas

Meet Optica’s 2024 Fellows

Congratulations to the 2024 class of Optica Fellow Members, who will be recognized throughout the year for scientific, engineering and technological contributions, as well as industry leadership and service to Optica and the global optics community.

by Meredith Smith, Kari Apter and Samantha Hornback

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Computer vision for 3D printing / Super-resolution ruler / Fiber sensing of cicadas / Nanophotonic mode-locked laser / VR goggles for mice / Chip-based microwave filter / X-ray imaging / Rogue waves / Industry news

Infographic

UV Color: Flower Power

The UV colors in sunflower petals not only help to improve pollination but also assist the flowers in responding to environmental stresses.

Conversations

Broadening Access to the Brightest Lights

OPN talks with Félicie Albert about LaserNetUS, a network that enables students and researchers to conduct experiments at high-intensity laser facilities.

Light Touch

Out of the Depths: The Submarine Telescope

In the 1840s, Sarah P. Mather invented an impressive and unusual optical device that could be used to see underwater.

President's Message

Connecting Sectors

One goal as 2024 president is to further improve the dialogue between the academic and industrial sectors.

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

Fiber Bragg gratings; OCT and coronary artery disease; Schrödinger’s path to wave mechanics.

Optica in Focus

News from the Society

Optica Fellow stories / Remembering James C. Wyant / Congrats, Optica Ambassadors / Walther Award for Kocharovskaya / BICOP / Integrated quantum photonics / PhotonicsNJ / Student presentation prize winners / Thank you, editors and meeting hosts

After Image

Tea-Glass Optics

A glass of tea refracts and focuses light, acting as both a lens and a prism.