January 2025 Issue
Feature Articles
Unlocking Lightwave Electronics
Combining optical and electronic systems could enable information processing that is a million times faster than existing gigahertz technology.
by Mackillo Kira and Rupert Huber
CMOS manufacturing has been harnessed for optical transceivers, and some companies are now looking to build photonic circuits for sensing, quantum science and more.
by Edwin Cartlidge
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
Throughout 2025, UNESCO’s worldwide celebration will highlight the impact of all things quantum.
by Hannah LanfordDepartments and Columns
Ultra-thin laser / Two-photon vision / 3D surface profiles / Structural-color display / Photonics boosts AI / Cat-eye vision / Industry news
How Much Is Optics and Photonics Worth?
There is no single metric to assess the value of the industry.
A series of learning initiatives at Thorlabs—including a photonics lab on wheels—is bolstering the photonics community.
A look at how a vehicle to announce society events evolved into a monthly magazine covering a broad spectrum of optics and photonics content.
For its December 2024 “year in optics” feature, OPN received numerous submissions for cover art. Which cover would you choose?
Also in this Issue
To advance groundbreaking research, it is crucial that we reach across divides.
30, 20 and 10 Years Ago in OPN
NASA's Earth Observing System; adaptive optics for retinal imaging; optical lattice clocks
Walther Award / Quantum Industry Summit / Optica Incubators / LAOP / Industrial Affiliates / Koch to retire / Hausken in “Photonics 100” / Thank you, editors and technical group chairs
Remembering a towering leader in the international optics and photonics community.
A laser pulse fired at an acoustically levitated water drop induces a plasma.
![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)
