Optics and Photonics News

Taking Advantage of Structured Coherence

Recent breakthroughs suggest that partially coherent light may outperform coherent light in some applications of optical communications and information processing.

by Ayman F. Abouraddy, Mitchell Harling, Abbas Shiri and Kimani C. Toussaint Jr.

Optics in Art 

This installment of OPN’s biennial feature examines how artists in the late 19^th and 20^th centuries found new ways of looking at light, matter and color.

by Alessia H. Kirkland

Hollow-Core Fiber Redefines Long-Haul Optical Networks

Microsoft researchers explore experiments showing that hollow-core fibers can achieve quasi-real-time transmission over thousands of kilometers.

by Yang Hong, Ben Puttnam, Morteza Kamalian-Kopae and Charlotte Forster

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Intensity hike might bust the vacuum / Optical clock goes to sea / Measuring forces in vivo / Keeping microscopes in focus / IR sensor reveals particles / Chemicals for “living light” / Versatile photonic chip / Industry news

Conversations

“Ultra-Vision” for Industrial Robotics

Zabidou founder Cibby Pulikkaseril discusses his company’s laser-augmented, AI-powered computer vision systems.

Market Report

Supply-Chain Upheaval: Season 2

In the wake of shortages caused by the pandemic, a new round of supply-chain disruptions has emerged due to AI and geopolitics.

Profile

Adolf W. Lohmann: A Pioneer of Fourier Optics

A celebration of the life and optics achievements of Adolf W. Lohmann in honor of what would have been his 100^th birthday.

President's Message

The Future of Space Optics

Space presents limitless possibilities for exploration, all of which push the boundaries of optical technology.

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

Fiber optic laser surgery; photonic crystal components; levitated optomechanics

Optica in Focus

News from the Society

Fossum wins Draper Prize / Pozo at Lumière Industry Summit / Career Accelerator / New technical group leaders / Optica award winners / Thank you, editors and congress chairs

Optica Elections

Optica Election for 2027 Offices

Review the candidates for Optica's 2027 Vice President and Directors-at-Large election.

After Image

Alien Landscape

Macro photography reveals complex textures and patterns within the iris, which can look similar to a “galaxy” or an alien landscape.