Optics in 2024
OPN’s annual feature highlighting some of the most interesting research in optics and photonics published in recent months.
01 December 2024
After Image Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of OPN’s 19th annual After Image photo contest!
01 December 2024
Laser Light Casts a Shadow
Researchers leverage a nonlinear optical process to block light with a laser beam, a feat previously thought impossible.
21 November 2024
Resonant Time Crystals Hit the Spot
Tweaked arrays of silicon nanospheres should yield large momentum bandgaps, even at optical frequencies.
20 November 2024
Q.ANT Launches Photonic Processor
Startup claims its first commercial product promises significantly faster speeds and greater energy efficiency.
22 November 2024
Fiber Speckle Pattern
Red laser light from the end-facet of a short sample of multimode polymer optical fiber was inspected on a black screen.
22 November 2024
December 2024 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Q.ANT Launches Photonic Processor
Startup claims its first commercial product promises significantly faster speeds and greater energy efficiency.
22 November 2024
Laser Light Casts a Shadow
Researchers leverage a nonlinear optical process to block light with a laser beam, a feat previously thought impossible.
Resonant Time Crystals Hit the Spot
Tweaked arrays of silicon nanospheres should yield large momentum bandgaps, even at optical frequencies.
20 November 2024
IonQ Poised for Growth
The quantum-computing company announced new partnerships and an acquisition intended to strength its market position.
15 November 2024
Illuminating Black Holes
Novel technique can detect the echo signature produced by light that has traveled around a black hole.
14 November 2024ADVERTISEMENT
EDITOR'S PICKS
Lift-Off for Space Lasers
Optical technology is set to transform communication from Earth orbit and beyond, although problems on the ground still need ironing out.
01 October 2024
Putting Polarization to Work
Leveraging polarization direction has enabled wide-ranging applications, from glare reduction to 3D movies.
01 June 2024
Artificial Vision, Inspired by Cats
New device features a slit-like aperture and metal reflector to boost photosensitivity.
24 October 2022
Tea Time Refraction
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 2024ADVERTISEMENT
Fiber Speckle Pattern
Red laser light from the end-facet of a short sample of multimode polymer optical fiber was inspected on a black screen.
22 November 2024
2024 Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of OPN’s 19th annual After Image photo contest!
01 December 2024
The Unexpected Failure of Herschel’s Astrometer
Sir John Herschel invented an elaborate device to measure the brightness of stars—and then didn’t use it.
01 November 2024CAREERS
Journeys in Optics: Alejandro Velez-Zea
Velez-Zea discusses his career in academia, his research project that won the Optica Foundation Challenge and offers advice for students and early-career professionals.
05 November 2024
Ambassadors and Chapters Driving Optics Education and Career Advancement
Ana Karen Reyes talks about her work as an Optica Ambassador supporting optics and photonics education and professional development.
29 October 2024
A Career in Subsea: The Final (Fiber) Frontier
The Optical Fiber Communications Workshop, hosted by an Optica/SPIE Student Chapter, showcased career opportunities in the burgeoning field of subsea communications.
18 October 2024
Journeys in Optics: George Dwapanyin
Dwapanyin talks about his time as an Optica Ambassador, his involvement with Optica’s 2020 DEI Rapid Action Committee and the role community has had in his career.
15 October 2024
Journeys in Optics: Jason Adams
Adams discusses the genesis of his career in optics, his previous career as an audio engineer and the role of travel in his work.
03 September 2024