July/August 2006 Issue
Feature Articles
Surface Plasmonic Fields in Nanophotonics
This article explores the ultrafast electrodynamics of surface plasmon-polariton fields on nanostructured metal-dielectric boundaries, and describes how to make a sensor to measure chemical reactions at a surface by generating spatially resolved, reaction-dependent, spatial and spectral frequency information.
by Yeshaiahu Fainman, Kevin Tetz, Rostislav Rokitski and Lin PangPhotonic Crystal Components: Harnessing the Power of the Photon
Over the past two decades, researchers have worked to understand how to fabricate and use photonic crystal components, structures that can “trap” light. Once scientists can address the remaining challenges—of achieving high fabrication quality and precision and minimizing losses—photonic crystals will be ready to provide the photonic integration technology needed for the next-generation in optical telecommunications.
by Richard De La RueMicro-Optical Elements for Optical Manipulation
Using micro-optical elements can be an effective, low-cost way to shape laser micro-beams, which are needed for optical trapping and manipulation. This article covers various designs of micro-optical elements that are used to generate the necessary optical vortices within a beam.
by Xiaocong Yuan, Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia, Wai Chye Cheong, Lesheng Zhang, Jing Bu, Shaohua Tao, Ken Jin Moh and Jiao LinWelcome to the Wonderful World of 3D: Introduction, Principles and History (Part 1)
First article of a four-part series. You are invited to explore the wonderful world of three-dimensional imaging. The tour begins with this article, which explains how optics can be used to create 3D illusions.
by Keigo IizukaDepartments and Columns
Optics Grad Students Illuminate Science Education
Through the University of New Mexico’s GK-12 Optics and Photonics Fellows program, graduate-level scientists share their knowledge and experience with primary- and secondary-school students. In the process, they learn a thing or two themselves.
Optics and Photonics in Uruguay
In spite of its small size and developing economy, Uruguay has produced several high quality optics and photonics research groups over the past decade.
Pinhole Glasses
The Internet is rife with sites selling pinhole glasses, but short on reliable information about where they came from and what they can— and cannot—do for vision problems.
Story of Semrock Inc.
A company reinvents itself after the telecom bust.
OSA's Treasurers through the Years
From OSA’s inception in 1916 through 2006—its 90th anniversary year—the Society has had only eight treasurers. They each had their own style and faced unique challenges, but all helped OSA to become the sound operation it is today.
My Epiphany at a Science Meeting
Scientists must learn to communicate with the faithful
