Unlocking More Compact Photonic Components
Research News

Unlocking More Compact Photonic Components

Inverse design results in devices with a smaller footprint, high performance and low loss.

30 July 2026
Adolf W. Lohmann: A Pioneer of Fourier Optics
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 100th birthday.

01 July 2026
Lasers Promise Power Solution for Flying Drones
Research News

Lasers Promise Power Solution for Flying Drones

Prototype system enables a model drone to be powered remotely using a green laser.

06 August 2026
A Photonic Crystal in Time
Research News

A Photonic Crystal in Time

Metamaterial-based device working at terahertz frequencies could be turned into a new type of laser.

03 August 2026
The Future of Space Optics
President's Message

The Future of Space Optics

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

01 July 2026
Inverted Illumination
Image of the Week

Inverted Illumination

The petals of a flower presented in its negative form transform into glowing shapes, highlighting subtle textures and gradients that often remain unnoticed.

07 August 2026

LATEST NEWS

Lasers Promise Power Solution for Flying Drones
Research News

Lasers Promise Power Solution for Flying Drones

Prototype system enables a model drone to be powered remotely using a green laser.

06 August 2026
A Photonic Crystal in Time
Research News

A Photonic Crystal in Time

Metamaterial-based device working at terahertz frequencies could be turned into a new type of laser.

03 August 2026
Trumpf Sees Signs of Recovery
Industry News

Trumpf Sees Signs of Recovery

International industrial laser giant reports an uptick in orders in preliminary figures for the financial year.

31 July 2026
Unlocking More Compact Photonic Components
Research News

Unlocking More Compact Photonic Components

Inverse design results in devices with a smaller footprint, high performance and low loss.

30 July 2026
X-Rays with Lower Doses, Higher Resolution
Research News

X-Rays with Lower Doses, Higher Resolution

New technique that leverages ghost imaging could make medical imaging safer for patients.

24 July 2026

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EDITOR'S PICKS

Building Quantum Networks on Classical Fiber Infrastructure
From the Archive

Building Quantum Networks on Classical Fiber Infrastructure

From QKD to teleportation, quantum technologies are increasingly operating alongside classical data in deployed fiber infrastructure.

01 June 2026
60 Years of Fiber Transmission
Infographic

60 Years of Fiber Transmission

A look at fiber optic transmission milestones over the past 60 years.

01 March 2026
Optics Education for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Education

Optics Education for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Embracing inclusivity and adapted teaching techniques in STEM for people with vision impairments.

01 September 2024
Miniature Beauty
After Image

Miniature Beauty

Spores (blue/purple structures) of a small tropical fern (Ceratopteris richardii). [5th Place, 2025 Nikon Small World Photo­micrography Competition].

01 January 2026

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Image of the Week

Inverted Illumination

The petals of a flower presented in its negative form transform into glowing shapes, highlighting subtle textures and gradients that often remain unnoticed.

07 August 2026

CAREERS

A Mental Health Crisis in Academia?
Careers

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
Careers

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
Careers

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
Careers

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
Building the Optics-Professional Pipeline
Careers

Building the Optics-Professional Pipeline

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

28 October 2025

Photo Contest

Give us your best shot!

OPN invites you to participate in our 21st annual photo contest: optica-opn.org/photo-contest

Enter by:

15 September 2026