Feature Articles

Ground-Based Telescopes for the 21st Century

Astronomers are reaping the fruits of two decades of research in adaptive optics and inno-vative telescope design. Despite funding uncertainties, plans are moving forward to build a new generation of large optical and infrared telescopes in remote corners of the globe.

by Patricia Daukantas
Laser-Induced Fluorescence: Spectroscopy in the Sky

Scientists are using laser-induced fluorescence to assess temperature and wind in a largely unstudied layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. Their results are crucial to our understanding of solar-terrestrial relations and lay the groundwork for studies of global warming and atmospheric turbulence.

by Chiao-Yao She and David A. Krueger
Optical Atomic Clocks—from Dream to Reality

Recent developments in atomic physics and laser technology, especially techniques for laser cooling and the manipulation of atoms, have enabled the realization of so-called Cesium fountain atomic clocks with relative accuracy approaching 4 x 10-16.

by Long-Sheng Ma
Optical Tunable Dispersion Compensators Based onThermally Tuned Fiber Bragg Gratings

Fiber Bragg gratings are well positioned to respond to the growing need for more stringent control of dispersion compensation. Thermal tuning has proven to be an effective technique for achieving this goal.

by Yves Painchaud, Carl Paquet and Martin Guy

Departments and Columns

Conversations
OPN Talks with John L. Hall

Our conversation with John L. Hall, Nobel Laureate and keynote speaker at Frontiers in Optics.

Global Optics
Visual Optics Research in Spain: A Historical Perspective

Spain is a world leader in physiological optics and vision applications—thanks to a history of pioneering research that extends more than half a century.

Optical Engineering
Optomechanics and the Small-Displacement Domain

It’s no secret that many of the analytical methods used by mechanical engineers are linearized simplifications of more or less nonlinear mathematical theories. Structural mechanics and heat transfer are just two of these theories.

Optics Innovations
Optimax Maximizes Learning to Succeed

The corporate culture of this optics manufacturing company emphasizes learning and its rewards.

Scatterings
Ionic Liquids for Lunar-Telescope Mirrors

Researchers have demonstrated a spinning liquid mirror design that could be used for the main mirror of a huge infrared telescope based on the moon.

Viewpoint
Congressional Fellows

Congressional fellows discuss enhancing science communication and ensuring proper care for wounded soldiers.

Light Touch
The Crookes’ Radiometer: Apply Light Pressure

What did 19th-century scientists know about this fascinating device that many modern physics teachers do not?

The History of OSA
OSA’s Finances in the 1980s

OSA finds a home in Washington, D.C., and slowly builds its reserves.

Scatterings
Did You Know?

The ultimate in small lasers.

Scatterings
Cells Act as Optical Fibers in the Eye

New research shows that light is gathered and directed through the tissue to the photosensors by cells that act as optical fibers.


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Also in this Issue

Book Reviews
Book Reviews

Letters
Letters

OSA Today
OSA Today

President's Message
President's Message