A More Versatile Photonic Chip
Researchers stack tantala and lithium niobate to build a device that can produce bespoke colors.
23 April 2026
In 2025, a comparison of optical clocks across six countries marked a major step toward redefinition of the SI second and international time scales based on more accurate optical standards.
01 May 2026
Measuring Forces Inside Living Cells
A flexible microlaser made from a silicone-based elastomer is suitable for a range of biomechanical experiments.
07 May 2026
Keeping Microscope Images in Focus
New technique autofocuses microscopy pictures and boosts their depth of field.
06 May 2026
Optikos Acquired by PE Firm Artemis
The private equity group will provide strategic and operational support to expand Optikos’ engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
04 May 2026
Grazing sunlight illuminating a glass of water generates an artwork of caustics and shadows.
08 May 2026
May 2026 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Measuring Forces Inside Living Cells
A flexible microlaser made from a silicone-based elastomer is suitable for a range of biomechanical experiments.
07 May 2026
Keeping Microscope Images in Focus
New technique autofocuses microscopy pictures and boosts their depth of field.
06 May 2026
Optikos Acquired by PE Firm Artemis
The private equity group will provide strategic and operational support to expand Optikos’ engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
04 May 2026
Molex Looks to Silicon Photonics with Teramount Acquisition
The companies say the deal promises to bring scalable co-packaged optics to semiconductor companies and data centers.
01 May 2026
Infrared Sensor Reveals Hidden Particulates
Portable device offers fast and accurate chemical analysis of ultrafine particles in the environment.
30 April 2026EDITOR'S PICKS
Did Leonardo da Vinci Invent the Telescope?
An analysis of one of the Italian master’s early-16th-century notebooks suggests that his experiments may have extended to combining lenses to achieve a better view of the moon.
01 February 2022
60 Years of Fiber Transmission
A look at fiber optic transmission milestones over the past 60 years.
01 March 2026
Leveraging polarization direction has enabled wide-ranging applications, from glare reduction to 3D movies.
01 June 2024
A laser pulse is fired at a 4-microliter water drop levitated at the center of an acoustic cavity made by two arrays of compact ultrasonic transducers.
01 January 2025
Caustic and Shadow Artwork
Grazing sunlight illuminating a glass of water generates an artwork of caustics and shadows.
08 May 2026
Measuring Time
A 2025 comparison of optical clocks across six countries marked a major step toward redefinition of the SI second and international time scales based on more accurate optical standards.
01 May 2026
Hanging onto the AI Juggernaut
The optics and photonics industry faces the possibility of both ups and downs in the burgeoning “AI Economy.”
01 May 2026CAREERS
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
Kipkemoi Elvis Samuel discusses his work in removing obstacles for students to get an optics education in Kenya.
28 October 2025
My Congressional Fellowship: A Career Door-Opener
Eager to work toward solving big societal problems like climate change, Claire Cody left the lab for the world of scientific policy.
21 October 2025
Journeys in Optics: Falko Schmidt
Falko Schmidt discusses his career trajectory, cofounding a startup and sustainability in the lab.
16 September 2025
Journeys in Optics: Winnie N. Ye
Winnie Ye talks about overcoming challenges she faced during her career and the importance of diversity, collaboration and mentorship in research.
26 August 2025