Optics and Photonics News

The Enduring Impact of Excimer Lasers

Fifty years after their debut, excimer lasers remain vital tools in vision correction, semiconductor lithography and display manufacturing, with fusion research on the horizon.

25 Years of Dark Skies

As Flagstaff marks 25 years as the world’s first International Dark Sky City, scientists, lighting designers and dark-sky advocates are showing how better optics can help reverse the spread of artificial light at night.

Perfect Quantum Information Transfer

Tailoring the dispersion relation of a waveguide may allow for increased efficiency of many quantum technologies.

Perovskite Powers Underwater Photovoltaics

Researchers overcame sunlight attenuation in water, charging lithium-ion batteries 10 meters below the ocean’s surface.

Painting with Infrared

Beyond the visible spectrum, thermal radiation sketches a vibrant pattern of hot and cool regions, illustrating how infrared imaging reveals an otherwise unseen world of heat.

Perovskite Powers Underwater Photovoltaics

Researchers overcame sunlight attenuation in water, charging lithium-ion batteries 10 meters below the ocean’s surface.

Perfect Quantum Information Transfer

Tailoring the dispersion relation of a waveguide may allow for increased efficiency of many quantum technologies.

Attalon and AeroVironment Partner on High-Energy Lasers

Coherent spinoff will invest US$15 million related to a laser supply deal for AV’s LOCUST weapon.

Suspended Metasurfaces Speed Up the Mid-Infrared

New silicon modulators could be exploited in classical and quantum applications.

Why Do Humans See Color in Four Hues?

New theory reconciles the biological mechanisms behind color perception and how people experience color.

Do Biographies of Scientists Inspire Children?

Children’s books about the careers of famous scientists may contain inadvertently discouraging messaging.

A Mental Health Crisis in Academia?

New meta-analysis suggests that one in three early-career researchers experience elevated psychological distress.

Journeys in Optics: Andrea Pacheco

Andrea Pacheco talks about why she became a physicist, the importance of collaboration, and balancing her academic career with family life.

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.