Optics and Photonics News

Building Bridges

While individual efforts are invaluable, our collective action is essential for Optica’s ongoing progress.

Photonic Camouflage, Like an Octopus

Researchers created a programmable polymer film that can change its surface texture and color on demand.

Vitrealab Raises US$11 Million to Bring Quantum Light Chips to AR Displays

The Austrian spin-off is betting on vertically integrated PICs to deliver more efficient light engines for AR and VR headsets.

X-Ray Diffraction Technique Reveals Tiny Structures in Record Time

Researchers leverage the Swiss Light Source to study biological materials in unprecedented detail.

Tea Glass Caustic

2025 Photo Contest Honorable Mention: The curved surface of a glass of tea and the liquid within refract and focus sunlight to create a caustic.

X-ray Diffraction Technique Reveals Tiny Structures in Record Time

Researchers leverage the Swiss Light Source to study biological materials in unprecedented detail.

Photonic Camouflage, Like an Octopus

Researchers created a programmable polymer film that can change its surface texture and color on demand.

Vitrealab Raises US$11 Million to Bring Quantum Light Chips to AR Displays

The Austrian spin-off is betting on vertically integrated PICs to deliver more efficient light engines for AR and VR headsets.

Inside the GAO’s Review of CHIPS Act Manufacturing Investments

The Government Accountability Office released its first assessment of federal investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

Single-Photon Lidar Resolves Detailed Cloud Structures

A new lidar system reveals centimeter-scale variations in the properties of lab-generated clouds.

Building the Optics-Professional Pipeline

Kipkemoi Elvis Samuel discusses his work in removing obstacles for students to get an optics education in Kenya.

My Congressional Fellowship: A Career Door-Opener

Eager to work toward solving big societal problems like climate change, Claire Cody left the lab for the world of scientific policy.

Journeys in Optics: Falko Schmidt

Falko Schmidt discusses his career trajectory, cofounding a startup and sustainability in the lab. 

Journeys in Optics: Winnie N. Ye

Winnie Ye talks about overcoming challenges she faced during her career and the importance of diversity, collaboration and mentorship in research.

AI-Generated Podcasts for Science Communication

Researchers found that artificial intelligence could help disseminate scientific studies in a clear, easy-to-understand format.