July/August 2007 Issue
Feature Articles
Archaeophotonics: Lasers Unveil the Past
Scientists use two-photon absorption fluorescence to recover written information on Roman relics and solve a 2,000-year-old mystery.
by David Artigas, Iain G. Cormack and Pablo Loza-AlvarezPhotonic Crystal Fiber: Finding the Holey Grail
Photonic crystal fiber permits much wider adjustment of key characteristics such as modal phase index, dispersion, nonlinearity and birefringence than is possible in conventional fiber.
by Philip RussellImproved Interferometric Optical Testing
Modern electronics, computers and software are changing the ways that interferometry can be used and broadening its metrology applications in industrial and research labs.
by James C. WyantThe Breakthrough Birth of the Diode Laser
The birth of the diode laser 45 years ago happened very quickly. Decades after the discovery of LEDs, a key experiment showed that diode junctions could emit efficiently. Within four months, four groups had crossed the threshold. By Jeff Hecht
by Jeff HechtBreaking Barriers to Innovation: Report from CLEO/QELS and PhAST 2007
Thousands of scientists, engineers and executives converged in Baltimore in May to learn about the latest innovations in lasers and photonics.
by Patricia DaukantasDepartments and Columns
OPN Talks with Eli Yablonovitch
Our conversation with Eli Yablonovitch, the father of photonic crystals.
Re-Setting Expectations for Students and Retired Scientists
The Retired Scientists, Engineers and Technicians (ReSET) program brings retired professionals into the classroom to help teachers and students implement hands-on, inquiry-based science experiments.
Taking the Leap: The Story of Thorlabs
The winner of the 2007 PhAST/Laser Focus World Innovation Award stays ahead by constantly reinventing itself.
Supporting Science in the House
A conversation with Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers.
Buckling up for Self-Assembled Waveguides
Researchers at the University of Alberta use buckling delamination to make integrated hollow waveguides.
Chronicling OSA’s History
Contributing editor John Howard explains how the “History of OSA” came to be, and asks for your help in preserving it.
Did You Know?
The London Eye gets an LED Makeover
Light Pushes Liquids
Researchers use light pressure to move small particles in liquid.
