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 DaukantasLaser-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. KruegerOptical 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 MaOptical 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 GuyDepartments and Columns
OPN Talks with John L. Hall
Our conversation with John L. Hall, Nobel Laureate and keynote speaker at Frontiers in 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.
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.
Optimax Maximizes Learning to Succeed
The corporate culture of this optics manufacturing company emphasizes learning and its rewards.
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.
Congressional Fellows
Congressional fellows discuss enhancing science communication and ensuring proper care for wounded soldiers.
The Crookes’ Radiometer: Apply Light Pressure
What did 19th-century scientists know about this fascinating device that many modern physics teachers do not?
OSA’s Finances in the 1980s
OSA finds a home in Washington, D.C., and slowly builds its reserves.
Did You Know?
The ultimate in small lasers.
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.
![An artist’s rendering of a pulse of circularly polarized light hitting a 2D semiconductor. [Illustration by S. Alvey / University of Michigan]](https://opnmedia.blob.core.windows.net/$web/opn/media/images/articles/2025/0125/departments/202501-cover-web.jpg?ext=.jpg)
