Seeing Purple in the Search for Alien Life
Scientists are cataloging the variety of colors and spectral signatures that could indicate life on another planet.
24 April 2024
Looking Ahead—and Back
Remembering a dazzling in-orbit rescue—enabled by cutting-edge optics—from three decades ago.
01 May 2024
Photonic Crystals Pick Up Single Nanoparticles
Cavity coupled to an optical fiber shows promise as a compact sensor of air pollutants and biomolecules.
01 May 2024
Lidar Takes a Closer Look at Clouds
High-resolution technique enables remote monitoring of atmospheric processes that influence weather and climate.
02 May 2024
Optical Imaging and Photography, Second Edition
A comprehensive handbook on optical imaging and photography that is accessible to readers of all mathematical levels.
02 May 2024
Laser-Induced Damage
Self-destructive beauty: Image of laser-induced damage on an optical surface recorded with a Nomarski type microscope.
26 April 2024
May 2024 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Lidar Takes a Closer Look at Clouds
High-resolution technique enables remote monitoring of atmospheric processes that influence weather and climate.
02 May 2024
Photonic Crystals Pick Up Single Nanoparticles
Cavity coupled to an optical fiber shows promise as a compact sensor of air pollutants and biomolecules.
01 May 2024
Combating the Illegal Ivory Trade with Lasers
Researchers find that Raman spectroscopy can distinguish between mammoth and elephant tusks, providing a promising method for ivory identification.
30 April 2024
Public–Private Boost for Laser Fusion
New foundation led by Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology unites German companies and research institutions to advance laser-driven inertial fusion energy.
26 April 2024
Toward Mid-Infrared Nanoscopy
Researchers demonstrate a new microscope with a spatial resolution 30 times higher than conventional systems.
25 April 2024ADVERTISEMENT
EDITOR'S PICKS
Programmable Photonics
With the addition of programmability and software, photonic chips can enter a new era of flexibility, creativity and diverse applications.
01 March 2024
Embracing One-on-One Feedback
Timely course corrections are vital to professional success.
01 March 2024
Making an Impact
OPN talks with Trumpf Group’s Peter Leibinger about his roles in business and philanthropy.
01 January 2024
Comet-like Green Laser
A comet-like green laser beam passes through a Ti:Sapphire crystal, leaving beautiful diffraction spikes in its path.
01 September 2023ADVERTISEMENT
Laser-Induced Damage
Self-destructive beauty: Image of laser-induced damage on an optical surface recorded with a Nomarski type microscope.
26 April 2024
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
Bridging the Global Gap in Cancer Detection
At CLEO, Rebecca Richards-Kortum will talk about how advances in imaging can improve cancer care around the world.
01 May 2024CAREERS
Taking Advantage of Informational Interviews
Often underappreciated, these conversations can be extremely valuable in your career planning and job search.
02 April 2024
Inclusion in STEM Careers
Optica Ambassadors offer their reflections on building an inclusive, successful career and community.
08 March 2024
Senior Member Insights: Junqing Zhao
A researcher learns to be persistent and follow his passion.
30 January 2024
Senior Member Insights: Rosario Porras-Aguilar
An assistant professor talks about embracing small steps and the importance of self-care.
09 January 2024
Senior Member Insights: Ulrich H. P. Fischer
A professor and CEO discusses the importance of finding the right path.
26 December 2023