Staying Cooler with Purple Fabric
Fibers incorporate a purple metal-organic framework to achieve both a high mid-infrared emissivity and solar reflectance.
27 August 2026
A 1919 expedition leveraged an eclipse to validate Einstein’s theory of general relativity, but that wasn’t the end of the controversy.
01 September 2026
Quantum-Well Metasurface for Compact Nonlinear Photonic Devices
Researchers achieve a strong nonlinear response in near-infrared wavelengths in a structure less than a micrometer thick.
10 September 2026
Quantum Boost Extends Spectroscopy to Single Molecules
Entangled state allows molecular vibrations to be measured with single-photon sensitivity.
03 September 2026
Seeing the Past Through Multispectral Imaging
New system helps archaeologists distinguish between different dirt layers as they excavate.
09 September 2026
This composite photo shows the crescent of Mars grow as NASA’s Psyche spacecraft approached the planet for a gravity assist.
11 September 2026
September 2026 Issue
LATEST NEWS
iPronics raises US$125 million to expand optical switching for AI data centers
iPronics bets on programmable optical circuit switching to improve connectivity, power efficiency and scalability.
11 September 2026
Quantum-Well Metasurface for Compact Nonlinear Photonic Devices
Researchers achieve a strong nonlinear response in near-infrared wavelengths in a structure less than a micrometer thick.
10 September 2026
Seeing the Past Through Multispectral Imaging
New system helps archaeologists distinguish between different dirt layers as they excavate.
09 September 2026
Quantum Boost Extends Spectroscopy to Single Molecules
Entangled state allows molecular vibrations to be measured with single-photon sensitivity.
03 September 2026
Skyrmions Resist Atmospheric Turbulence
Topological light may in future speed up free-space communication.
01 September 2026EDITOR'S PICKS
The Lasers That Make Your Screen
Advanced laser technology stands behind one of the most common consumer products—displays. They are key to industrial production of flexible OLED and microLED screens.
01 May 2026
60 Years of Fiber Transmission
A look at fiber optic transmission milestones over the past 60 years.
01 March 2026
Stephen R. Wilk tells the story of a historical optical tool with a peculiar name.
01 March 2023
Phase Image of Bacterial Colony
Recovered phase image―obtained using a lensless ptychographic sensor―of a live bacterial colony cultured on an uneven agar plate.
01 January 2022
Psyche Approaches Mars
This composite photo shows the crescent of Mars grow as NASA’s Psyche spacecraft approached the planet for a gravity assist.
11 September 2026
Using AI Intelligently
Considering key questions to ask yourself when using AI at work.
01 September 2026
From Newton to Eddington
A 1919 expedition leveraged an eclipse to validate Einstein’s theory of general relativity, but that wasn’t the end of the controversy.
01 September 2026CAREERS
Do Biographies of Scientists Inspire Children?
Children’s books about the careers of famous scientists may contain inadvertently discouraging messaging.
17 August 2026
A Mental Health Crisis in Academia?
New meta-analysis suggests that one in three early-career researchers experience elevated psychological distress.
28 July 2026
Journeys in Optics: Andrea Pacheco
Andrea Pacheco talks about why she became a physicist, the importance of collaboration, and balancing her academic career with family life.
13 July 2026
Journeys in Optics: Václav Hanus
Václav Hanus discusses the twists and turns in the path he took to a career in ultrafast lasers—and his work on science-themed music.
15 May 2026
Parenthood and the Academic Career Ladder
A new study takes a closer look at the differing effects of the “parenthood penalty” on mothers and fathers in academia.
28 April 2026
Give us your best shot!
OPN invites you to participate in our 21st annual photo contest: optica-opn.org/photo-contest
