Optics and Photonics News

Lithium Tantalate: Making a Material Difference

An emerging electro-optic material promises to deliver a cost-effective platform for manufacturing integrated photonic chips for next-generation applications.

by Susan Curtis

A New Knob for Resonant Photonics: The Waveform

Complex-frequency excitations provide access to a “hidden” structure that governs resonant scattering and coupling, with applications in photonics, metasurfaces, imaging and quantum hardware.

by Alex Krasnok

How USAF Funding Shaped Laser–Atmosphere Modeling

A transformative software for nonlinear laser–atmosphere interactions illustrates how long-term basic research investment drives scientific and technological impact.

by Connemara Doran and Arje Nachman

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Self-driving lab for light control / Optical-fiber brain probes / New mesoscopy / Metasurface optical tweezers / Switchable skyrmions / Twilight vision / Printable high-quality optics / Industry news

Conversations

Multiphoton Microscopy Goes Deeper

Emmanuel Beaurepaire spoke with OPN about how advances in optics are enabling multiparametric imaging at greater tissue depths.

Profile

Optics Grows in Kenya

The National Institute for Optics and Lasers is working to create a dynamic optics community in the country and throughout the region.

Industry

EU Legislative Initiatives to Watch in 2026 for Deep Tech

A number of policy proposals are expected to influence Europe’s innovation and industrial strategy and landscape this year.

President's Message

Optics Saving Lives

I am excited about the future of optics in health care, helping clinicians see earlier, act more precisely and treat more effectively.

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

The advanced X-ray astrophysics facility; applications of slow light in telecommunications; photonic upgrade for computer memory

Optica in Focus

News from the Society

New leaders at NY Photonics / IYQ comes to a close / Arizona Spring Industrial Affiliates / OSK Winter Meeting / Intl. Day of Women and Girls in Science / In memoriam: David Hanna / VIP Executive Reception / Thank you, editors, chairs and strategic committee

Optica Foundation

Thank You to Our Donors

Your gifts support training, mentoring, scholarships and professional development programs benefitting the next generation of innovators and leaders in optics and photonics.

After Image

Bluebottle Fly’s Eye

A closeup view of the grating-like structure of a bluebottle fly’s eye, which enhances the eye’s optical performance, aiding in light capture and potentially improving sensitivity to polarized light.