Interplanetary Laser Communications

Lasers could enable deep-space communication between Earth and planets at the farthest reaches of our solar system. Over the next two decades, optical communications technology is expected to deliver at least an order-of-magnitude higher data rate than conventional radio frequency systems from deep space.

Using Optics to Detect Skin Cancer

New techniques in confocal microscopy could make it easier for dermatologists to distinguish between a benign skin spot and one that can kill.

Scalable Quantum Computing with Linear Optics and Quantum Memories

Quantum computing is a powerful application of the laws of quantum physics. It may one day be far more efficient than conventional computation methods at factoring large integers, performing database searches and making quantum physics simulations.

Toward Applications of Slow Light Technology

Scientists working for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are making progress toward the development of robust, integrated devices that can slow, store and process light pulses. Their research will have a far-reaching impact on high-speed optical processing, telecommunications networks and quantum information science.

OPN Talks with Herwig Kogelnik

OPN talks with Herwig Kogelnik, lightwave communications pioneer and OFC/NFOEC keynote speaker.

Hands-on Workshop for Computer-Generated Holography

A three-day workshop offered at the University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciencesteaches participants how to design and make computer-generated holograms and diffractive optical elements using direct-writing maskless technology.

Out-of-the-Box Metrology

The role of creativity is sometimes undervalued in the sciences. But when it comes to problem-solving in metrology, the ability to think beyond normal boundaries is of paramount importance. Countless patents and measurement processes have sprung from late-night inspirations or other flashes of insight.

Lambda Research Corp.: Establishing a Technology Bridge

On the 15th anniversary of Lambda Research Corporation—a privately held optics software company in Massachusetts—its president and CEO reflects on its founding, its funding and its flourishing business.

Explaining Science in the Courtroom

Explaining science in the courtroom.

Magnets Control Photonic Crystals

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, not only discovered a way to make photonic crystal structures that self-assemble; they also developed a simple method for actively altering the period of the crystals.

Milestone JOSA articles from 1917-1973

When David MacAdam, the editor of JOSA from 1964 to 1975, was asked his opinion about signifi cant OSA events in 1973, he thought fi rst about all the interesting and important papers that had appeared in JOSA over the years. His list of JOSA milestones takes on special signifi cance this year, which marks the 90th anniversary of the journal.

Ultrafast Silicon Lasers Aim at Communications Tasks

Researchers have demonstrated 1,310-nm lasers on a silicon substrate that operate in continuous-wave mode up to high temperatures and 1,550-nm lasers that operate modelocked to produce the ultrashort pulses at high repetition rates that are desirable for communications.

Did You Know?

Using light to freeze supercooled water.

Book Reviews

Chandra S. Vikram, 1950-2007

Chandra S. Vikram was well known for his contributions to speckle metrology, holography, interferometry and optical logic.

OSA Today

President’s Message