Optics and Photonics News

AI Factories: Photonics at Scale

The explosive growth of AI is driving a shift from copper to optics in data centers—and transforming photonic integrated circuit production.

by Meeri Kim

FELs and the Future of Lithography

Ultrabright, efficient free-electron lasers promise the power to increase throughput and extend lithography toward sub-nanometer scales.

by Dylan Black, Dinh Nguyen, Chris Anderson and Kevin Heidrich

Silicon Nitride: From Workhorse to Superstar 

The once-unassuming material has moved to the forefront of integrated photonics and quantum technology, thanks to a unique combination of properties.

by Mohammad Hossein Enjavi, Saeed Javadizadeh and Ali Adibi 

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Lasers boost thermoelectricity / Tiny glass origami / Images of a protoplanet / Lighting up molecular vibrations / New electro-optic link / How corals see / Industry news

Conversations

Tailorable Materials for Dynamic Photonics

Alexandra Boltasseva spoke with OPN about how advances in materials science could enable new optical technologies.

Inclusion

Taking on Gender Disparity in Quantum

The new atom*innen platform serves as a resource and hub for women and gender minorities.

Light Touch

The Land Effect Before Land

A look at the history of two-colored superimposed projected images.

President's Message

Choosing Your Path

My hope is that you find the career niche that best fits your talents and aspirations.

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

Microchip lasers and laser arrays; polymer-dispersion technologies for flexible displays; air-quality monitoring in the mid-infrared

Optica in Focus

News from the Society

EU science counselors at Optica / Incubator meetings / JSAP meeting / Quantum World Congress / Light Conversations / Optica visits Corning / Optica Quantum in Emerging Sources Citation Index / SPRC symposium / Thank you, Congress Strategy Committee Members and Editors

After Image

Shaping Light

The interplay of light and glass as the light transmits and reflects adds an extra dimension to this detail of a black-and white glass ribbon sculpture exhibited at the Corning Museum of Glass, NY, USA.