February 2026 Issue
Feature Articles
Quantum Connectivity for Scale
As today’s quantum devices remain limited in range and size, entanglement-based optical networks are emerging as the key to building larger, more capable quantum systems.
by Eleni Diamanti and Julien Laurat
Science and Tech Program Planning at a Federal Lab
Mait shares lessons learned from his time as a US government program manager in the physical sciences.
by Joseph N. Mait
Congratulations to the 2026 class of Optica Fellows, who will be recognized throughout the year for scientific contributions, industry leadership and service to Optica and the global optics community.
by Meredith Smith and Samantha HornbackDepartments and Columns
Lasers charge tiny particles / Molecules switch on light emitters / Single-shot tensor processing / Micromotors can fly / Advanced X-ray imaging / Bird inspires ultrablack / Hypersound pulses / Strechable OLEDs / Industry news
A researcher and company founder discusses how his interest in optofluidics led him to both academia and entrepreneurship.
The Crystal Cubes of Henry Swan
A look at the invention and rise and fall in popularity of the first autostereoscopic viewer.
Also in this Issue
However you choose to engage, your time and expertise help strengthen the professional home we share.
30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN
Fiber to the home; real-time 3D sensing and identification; controlling light with geometric-phase holograms
Advocate of Optics / Walther Award / Tyndall Award / BICOP / Incubator on Quantum Network Systems Research / Rockstuhl named Editor-in-Chief / Outstanding journal reviewers / Emerging Economy Paper Prize Winners / Thank you, editors and technical group chairs
A cut of vine wood, which is used in the production of Spätlese is observed in autofluorescence using an InnoQuant slide scanner.
![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)
