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
Infrared Sensor Reveals Hidden Particulates
Portable device offers fast and accurate chemical analysis of ultrafine particles in the environment.
30 April 2026
Intensity Hike Might Bust the Vacuum
New technique to multiply laser intensities relies on careful tuning of plasma interactions.
29 April 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
A raindrop resting on a leaf forms a near-perfect sphere, transforming it into both a spherical mirror and a spherical lens.
01 May 2026
May 2026 Issue
LATEST NEWS
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 2026
Intensity Hike Might Bust the Vacuum
New technique to multiply laser intensities relies on careful tuning of plasma interactions.
29 April 2026EDITOR'S PICKS
James Webb Space Telescope: A Sparkling Optical Success
Superlatives strain to characterize the excellent performance of the astronomical community’s latest infrared telescope, which is beaming back dazzling and confounding images of the universe.
01 July 2023
The small heat-affected zone of laser pulses, and their potential to etch tiny features with little damage to the surrounding material, helped launch the sector of laser micromachining.
01 October 2020
Examining an optical phenomenon that makes an observer look like an angel.
01 May 2022
The curved surface of a glass of tea
The curved surface of a glass of tea and the liquid within refract and focus sunlight into a bright, concentrated spot, which diffuses into an amber-tinted conical shape.
01 February 2024
Droplet Optics
A raindrop resting on a leaf forms a near-perfect sphere, transforming it into both a spherical mirror and a spherical lens.
01 May 2026
New Applications for Frequency Combs
Nathalie Picqué spoke with OPN about novel uses for the established technique.
01 May 2026
Great Minds Make a Sun Dog Mistake
The failure of three physics luminaries to explain parhelia illustrates the difficulty of scientific progress.
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