July 2004 Issue
Feature Articles
Cutting Tissue With Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Light
Ultrashort pulsed laser light can be used to cut biological tissue in a highly localized and controlled manner. Among the practical applications that are beginning to emerge: an all-optical technique for automated, three-dimensional histology of brain tissue and an optical-based technique to incorporate plasmid DNA into living cells.
by Philbert S. Tsai, Beth Friedman, Jeffrey Squier and David KleinfeldEvanescent Wave Vibrational Microscopy
In 1928, two remarkable scientists, E. H. Synge and C. V. Raman, published separate papers on different topics. Nearly 70 years later, the ideas published in their papers were fused. The technique that emerged, evanescent wave vibrational microscopy, has become an important analytical tool for modern nanotechnologists and biological physicists.
by Mi K. Hong, Anna Swan and Shyamsunder ErramilliHolography: From Science to Subcultures
Holography has been reconceived and retargeted time and again by a diverse succession of users with divergent perceptions, methods and goals. This brief history of holography charts the contributions to its development made by scientists, artists and entrepreneurs.
by Sean F. JohnstonHigh Power Fiber Lasers
Recent advances in fiber and laser diode technologies have led to kilowatt-power fiber lasers with output beams of single transverse mode quality. Given the significant practical advantages of optical fibers, the trend could profoundly affect laser technology and stimulate the use of lasers in a growing range of applications.
by Almantas GalvanauskasDepartments and Columns
U.S. Science Still Leads But Others Are Gaining Ground
The United States still towers like Goliath above the world of science, but a number of Davids threaten its position of power. That’s the word from the National Science Board in its recently released 2004 report on “Science and Engineering Indicators.”
Anecdotes From My Association with Robert W. Wood
The lives and scientific achievements of optics luminaries are highlighted in OPN’s occasional column, “Profiles in Optics.” This month’s installment, coordinated by OPN Contributing Editor John N. Howard, brings to light the sometimes humorous nature of physicist Robert W. Wood.
