Optics and Photonics News

Optics in Art 

This installment of OPN’s biennial feature examines how artists in the late 19^th and 20^th centuries found new ways of looking at light, matter and color.

HCF Redefines Long-Haul Optical Networks

Microsoft researchers explore experiments showing that hollow-core fibers can achieve quasi-real-time transmission over thousands of kilometers.

Ultrafast Chip Brings the Energy

Integrated laser delivers ultrashort pulses with intensities rivaling those from tabletop solutions.

A Little Physics Improves AI Optical Design

New method reduces the time that neural networks need to design photonic components.

Staying Visible

Colorful chemoluminescent light sticks illuminate bikes during a bike visibility social ride in Ottawa, Canada.

Metasurface Enables Advance in Solar Telescope

The study represents one of the first demonstrations of such a device used in a practical scientific application.

US Commerce Department Announces US$2 Billion in CHIPS Quantum Awards

The federal incentives go to nine quantum technology companies working toward utility-scale quantum computing.

A Little Physics Improves AI Optical Design

New method reduces the time that neural networks need to design photonic components.

Ultrafast Chip Brings the Energy

Integrated laser delivers ultrashort pulses with intensities rivaling those from tabletop solutions.

Light Makes Lignin Useful

A photocatalyst can break down the paper by-product to make vanillan and an alternative to plastic.

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.

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.

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.