Optics and Photonics News

Photons Light the Way to Useful Quantum Computing

With recent innovations yielding fully integrated prototypes and more powerful commercial processors, companies are gearing up to deliver large-scale photonic quantum machines.

by Susan Curtis

The Growth of Agriphotonics

Leveraging photonics technology for agricultural applications provides promising solutions for challenges to global food production.

by Sarun Sumriddetchkajorn

2025 Optica Awards and Medals

Optica is proud to honor and celebrate outstanding contributions to science, research, engineering, education, industry and society.

by Meredith Smith, Kari Apter and Samantha Hornback

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Twistronics for quantum devices / Photoacoustic glucose sensing / THz modulator / Tiny pacemaker / Interstellar lightsails / Industry news

Quantum Series

Putting Quantum in the Spotlight

Michael Raymer has spent a decade working to draw attention and funding to quantum information science and technology.

Ideas

Post-CMOS Photonic Integration

Integrated photonics leveraging CMOS technology could help pioneer the future of sensing and computing.

Light Touch

Accidental Stereograms

Images showing parallax views—even if captured unintentionally—can be used to create 3D images.

Infographic

The Rare Earths

A look at the primary uses and potential sources for rare-earth metals, which are important to the production of numerous technologies—from aerospace components and cell phones to medical scanning and quantum computing.

President's Message

Impact at Many Levels

We all have the power to make meaningful impact—locally, personally and professionally.

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

Optical coatings; compact high-power fiber lasers; plasmonic nanoantennas

Optica in Focus

News from the Society

Record-breaking OFC / PIC International Conference / CREOL Industrial Affiliates / Optica Foundation prizes / University of Rochester Industrial Associates / Edmund Optics Industry Summit / Corning Outstanding Paper winner / Thank you, editors and Congress chairs

After Image

Milky Way Dust

Milky Way dust emission as measured from the Planck satellite and converted into a polarization pattern of B-modes, a spiral type of polarization imprinted in the microwave sky.