Building Quantum Networks on Classical Fiber Infrastructure
From QKD to teleportation, quantum technologies are increasingly operating alongside classical data in deployed fiber infrastructure.
01 June 2026
New Optics for Interstellar Flight
A project to fire tiny spacecraft with futuristic sails to our next-nearest star using a huge laser appears to have bitten the dust. But some scientists still see a path to interstellar travel.
01 June 2026
Optica is proud to honor and celebrate outstanding contributions to science, research, engineering, education, industry and society.
01 June 2026
Transplanting Photosynthetic Machinery into the Eye
The technology can supply photosynthetically generated metabolites as a treatment for dry eye disease in mammals.
21 May 2026
A Handheld, AI-Powered Microscope for Cancer Screening
Compact, cost-effective device uses deep learning to optimize in vivo imaging ability.
20 May 2026
Orthoscopic image of random growth of copper(II) phenanthroline-based complex crystals on a glass slide viewed under a 20× polarizing microscope.
22 May 2026
June 2026 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Transplanting Photosynthetic Machinery into the Eye
The technology can supply photosynthetically generated metabolites as a treatment for dry eye disease in mammals.
21 May 2026
A Handheld, AI-Powered Microscope for Cancer Screening
Compact, cost-effective device uses deep learning to optimize in vivo imaging ability.
20 May 2026
Chemicals Switch on “Living Light”
Controlling and sustaining the glow emitted by living organisms opens a route toward practical devices.
14 May 2026
Eyeo Secures €40 Million for Color-Splitting Sensor
Dutch startup completed a series A round to develop and commercialize its advanced sensing platform.
13 May 2026
Inertial Fusion’s Magnetic Noise Comes Under Scrutiny
Simulations show that poorly understood fields are triggered automatically at a given laser intensity.
12 May 2026EDITOR'S PICKS
The Rise of Self-Driving Labs
With the help of AI and robotics, researchers are building autonomous labs that can conduct experiments and make discoveries, all on their own.
01 April 2025
Governments worldwide are increasing their funding commitments for quantum technology. Here’s a look at total historic investments for various countries/regions.
01 June 2024
Laser Cutting Comes to Fruition
Lasers were first used for machining applications in the early 1960s, and technological advances in subsequent decades further increased their industrial potential.
01 September 2024
An intense infrared ultrafast laser focuses in a low-vacuum dusty plasma chamber. The formed supercontinuum light then scatters off the dust in the background.
01 July 2023
Metal Complex Beauty
Orthoscopic image of random growth of copper(II) phenanthroline-based complex crystals on a glass slide viewed under a 20× polarizing microscope.
22 May 2026
Building the First Useful Quantum Networks
Ronald Hanson spoke with OPN about the technical hurdles, photonic advances and opportunities shaping the future of quantum networking.
01 June 2026
Earning Trust as Part of a Team
Alan Eli Willner explains how leaving behind your personal agenda can benefit both you and your organization.
01 June 2026CAREERS
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.
15 May 2026
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