Technical Word Processing: Pros and Cons

Some people are interested in my work on the quantum theory of multiwave mixing. It's fascinating, really! In contrast, most people want to talk about technical word processing, my other love. No wonder, most scien tists and engineers know they can benefit greatly from technical word processing; only a few relate to spontaneous emission and multiwave mixing.

by Murray Sargent III

New considerations in Computer Systems for Optical Applications

The cost of providing user-friendly software far exceeds the cost of providing something that merely computes a table of numbers.

by Fred Goldstein

The New Field of Optical Design?

As significant as the increase in productivity... is the freedom to explore new ideas brought about by the shift to flat-rate charging.

by Douglas C. Sinclair

International Standards for Optics: A Progress Report

United States involvement in international standards for optics began shortly after WWII, when MIL-Standards were called out on drawings for U.S. military optics. One of the first and certainly the most talked about is MIL-O-38380, Optical Components for Fire Control Instruments, otherwise known as the "Scratch and Dig'' spec. This document was first issued in December 1954 and revised once in September 1963.

by Robert E. Parks

Nuclear Winter Symposium

A current assessment of the nuclear winter phenomenon and its implications was presented at a recent symposium sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. About 300 attendees gathered at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., to hear speakers in the subject chosen to give expert, as well as diverse, views and to hear the latest results obtained by computer modeling.

by Roald A. Schrack