Optics and Photonics News

Lithium Tantalate: Making a Material Difference

An emerging electro-optic material promises to deliver a cost-effective platform for manufacturing integrated photonic chips for next-generation applications.

How USAF Funding Shaped Laser–Atmosphere Modeling

A transformative software for nonlinear laser–atmosphere interactions illustrates how long-term basic research investment drives scientific and technological impact.

Startup Aims to Beam Laser Power to Satellites in Eclipse

Mantis Space raises US$10 million to develop a "space grid” designed to keep spacecraft running when Earth blocks the sun.

Optical-Fiber Sensors Study Soil Health

Technique could offer insight on agricultural practices and sustainability at a finer resolution than remote-sensing methods.

Beam Splitter Patterns

A red filter smaller than the illumination beam allows peripheral unfiltered light to reach a beam splitter, generating a yellow edge halo.

Record-Breaking Triple-Junction Solar Cells

New perovskite-silicon device reached a record certified power conversion efficiency of 30.02%.

Xcimer Takes A Step Toward Commercial Laser Fusion

Experiments at Rochester give the startup new data on target physics that could shape future inertial-fusion power systems. 

Optical-Fiber Sensors Study Soil Health

Technique could offer insight on agricultural practices and sustainability at a finer resolution than remote-sensing methods.

Startup Aims to Beam Laser Power to Satellites in Eclipse

Mantis Space raises US$10 million to develop a "space grid” designed to keep spacecraft running when Earth blocks the sun.

Nanostructure Tunes the Handedness of Light

Device’s ability to vary the chirality of light could be exploited in sensing and communication.

Building the Optics-Professional Pipeline

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

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.

Journeys in Optics: Falko Schmidt

Falko Schmidt discusses his career trajectory, cofounding a startup and sustainability in the lab. 

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.

AI-Generated Podcasts for Science Communication

Researchers found that artificial intelligence could help disseminate scientific studies in a clear, easy-to-understand format.