Quantum Boost Extends Spectroscopy to Single Molecules
Entangled state allows molecular vibrations to be measured with single-photon sensitivity.
03 September 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
Why Do Humans See Color in Four Hues?
New theory reconciles the biological mechanisms behind color perception and how people experience color.
15 September 2026
Suspended Metasurfaces Speed Up the Mid-Infrared
New silicon modulators could be exploited in classical and quantum applications.
16 September 2026
Structural Color Shines for Industrial Coatings
Nanostructured coating combines vibrant colors with large-scale coverage and a lustrous shine.
14 September 2026
Crystals of magnesium sulfate dissolving and crystalizing in solution, photographed using compensated polarization microscopy.
18 September 2026
September 2026 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Attalon and AeroVironment Partner on High-Energy Lasers
Coherent spinoff will invest US$15 million related to a laser supply deal for AV’s LOCUST weapon.
18 September 2026
Suspended Metasurfaces Speed Up the Mid-Infrared
New silicon modulators could be exploited in classical and quantum applications.
16 September 2026
Why Do Humans See Color in Four Hues?
New theory reconciles the biological mechanisms behind color perception and how people experience color.
15 September 2026
Structural Color Shines for Industrial Coatings
Nanostructured coating combines vibrant colors with large-scale coverage and a lustrous shine.
14 September 2026
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 2026EDITOR'S PICKS
Timekeepers in Space
Placing optical clocks in orbit could potentially transform timekeeping, navigation and precision science—if scientists can overcome the formidable hurdles involved.
01 January 2024
Fabian Ruf, the 2023 recipient of the Optica Foundation’s Chang Pivoting Fellowship, is passionate about transforming the world through education.
01 April 2024
An overview of international coauthorship of science and engineering publications.
01 March 2025
The internal surface of a ceramic bowl placed on blue paper and illuminated with sunlight forms a caustic—the curve where all light rays that have been reflected from a curved surface meet.
01 October 2024
Explosion of Color
Crystals of magnesium sulfate dissolving and crystalizing in solution, photographed using compensated polarization microscopy.
18 September 2026
Frequency Combs for Integrated Photonics
FiO plenary speaker Alexander Gaeta spoke with OPN about implementing this technology for commercial applications.
01 October 2026
On Becoming A Researcher
Technical knowledge is only part of what you learn in graduate school—the real metamorphosis is in your autonomy.
01 October 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