Reactivating Spatial Memories with Light
Research News

Reactivating Spatial Memories with Light

Researchers leverage an optically enabled gene-expression technique to cause mice to seek out shelter even when one isn’t present.

10 October 2024
Switchable Privacy Displays for Safe Driving
Optics Innovations
Switchable Privacy Displays for Safe Driving

Optical measurements are important to ensure that vehicle passengers can view dedicated displays without distracting the driver.

01 October 2024
Photonics21 Study Spotlights Fusion Energy Markets
Industry News
Photonics21 Study Spotlights Fusion Energy Markets

Report from European public–private partnership stresses the centrality of photonics as a fusion-enabling technology—regardless of the specific technical approach pursued.

10 October 2024
Journeys in Optics: George Dwapanyin
Careers
Journeys in Optics: George Dwapanyin

Dwapanyin talks about his time as an Optica Ambassador, his involvement with Optica’s 2020 DEI Rapid Action Committee and the role community has had in his career. 

15 October 2024
Nobel Physics Prize Honors Roots of Modern AI
Research News
Nobel Physics Prize Honors Roots of Modern AI

Recipients of the 2024 award made foundational contributions to artificial neural networks in the 1980s that continue to reshape both science and society today.

08 October 2024
Liquid Crystal Droplets
Image of the Week
Liquid Crystal Droplets

In a monodispersed liquid crystal (LC) microemulsion, LCs surrounded by an immiscible medium form a spherical shape due to surface tension. 

11 October 2024
LATEST NEWS
Reactivating Spatial Memories with Light
Research News
Reactivating Spatial Memories with Light

Researchers leverage an optically enabled gene-expression technique to cause mice to seek out shelter even when one isn’t present.

10 October 2024
Photonics21 Study Spotlights Fusion Energy Markets
Industry News
Photonics21 Study Spotlights Fusion Energy Markets

Report from European public–private partnership stresses the centrality of photonics as a fusion-enabling technology—regardless of the specific technical approach pursued.

10 October 2024
Optical Tweezers on an Integrated Chip
Research News
Optical Tweezers on an Integrated Chip

New device uses an optical phased array to manipulate particles from a greater distance than in previous experiments.

09 October 2024
Nobel Physics Prize Honors Roots of Modern AI
Research News
Nobel Physics Prize Honors Roots of Modern AI

Recipients of the 2024 award made foundational contributions to artificial neural networks in the 1980s that continue to reshape both science and society today.

08 October 2024
A Deeper View of High-Speed Impacts
Research News
A Deeper View of High-Speed Impacts

Laser-driven microballistic experiments and a polymer material that fluorescently “self-reports” on damage combine to provide a subtler picture of deformation below the surface.

07 October 2024

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EDITOR'S PICKS
Integrated Spectral Sensors
From the Archive

Integrated Spectral Sensors

New approaches that mimic the functioning of the human eye are enabling embedded, portable alternatives to conventional spectrometers.

01 November 2022
Growing an Optics and Photonics Economy
Market Report
Growing an Optics and Photonics Economy

Optica’s Tom Hausken writes about what makes a successful economic center.

01 April 2023
XFEL Light Sources
Infographic
XFEL Light Sources

Here we look at the setup for the world’s six most powerful X-ray free-electron laser facilities.

01 May 2024
Axicon Light
After Image
Axicon Light

A diffractive axicon under LED illumination produces a system of colorful rings that form nearly Bessel beams.

01 May 2023

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Image of the Week

Liquid Crystal Droplets

In a monodispersed liquid crystal (LC) microemulsion, LCs surrounded by an immiscible medium form a spherical shape due to surface tension. 

11 October 2024
Optics Innovations

Switchable Privacy Displays for Safe Driving

Optical measurements are important to ensure that vehicle passengers can view dedicated displays without distracting the driver.

01 October 2024
Infographic

Global Paths to Fusion

A look at public and private experimental fusion efforts that are planned, under construction or in operation worldwide.

01 October 2024
CAREERS
Journeys in Optics: George Dwapanyin
Careers
Journeys in Optics: George Dwapanyin

Dwapanyin talks about his time as an Optica Ambassador, his involvement with Optica’s 2020 DEI Rapid Action Committee and the role community has had in his career. 

15 October 2024
Journeys in Optics: Jason Adams
Careers
Journeys in Optics: Jason Adams

Adams discusses the genesis of his career in optics, his previous career as an audio engineer and the role of travel in his work.

03 September 2024
Celebrating the Legacy of the Siegman School
Careers
Celebrating the Legacy of the Siegman School

Considering the impact and future of Anthony Siegman’s namesake program on its 10th anniversary.

30 August 2024
Journeys in Optics: Brandon Buscaino
Careers
Journeys in Optics: Brandon Buscaino

Buscaino discusses his time as president of the Stanford Optical Society, his experience as an Optica Ambassador and why he chose a career in industry. 

06 August 2024
Journeys in Optics: Agata Azzolin
Careers
Journeys in Optics: Agata Azzolin

Azzolin talks about what motivates her as a graduate student, her experience as part of an Optica technical group and her work in attosecond science. 

09 July 2024