November 2009 Issue
Feature Articles
High-Resolution Imaging with Large Ground-Based Telescopes
When Hubble’s heyday ends, astronomers will look toward ground-based instruments to provide high-resolution photos of our universe. Lucky Imaging uses the stochastic nature of atmospheric turbulence to produce Hubble-quality images at visible wavelengths.
by Craig MackayOptical Biopsy with Confocal Microendoscopy
Using optical biopsy methods, doctors can potentially identify cancer and other conditions more accurately, in less time, and earlier in the course of disease than they can with standard screening techniques.
by Arthur F. Gmitro and Andrew R. RouseA Brief History of Spectral Analysis and Astrospectroscopy
From Newton’s first insight into the composition of sunlight to the discovery of helium on the sun two centuries later, scientists’ work on the measurement and analysis of light has led to important discoveries that have greatly expanded our knowledge of physics, chemistry and astronomy.
by Barry R. MastersOptical Microangiography: High-Resolution 3-D Imaging of Blood Flow
Using Fourier domain optical coherence tomography, researchers have developed a new method for producing 3-D images of microvascular blood flow.
by Ruikang K. Wang and Hrebesh M. SubhashDepartments and Columns
What’s New in Optics InfoBase
Optics InfoBase is OSA’s online library of flagship journals, partnered journals and conference proceedings. In 2009, OSA’s publications staff completed a major visual and structural redesign to make InfoBase more useful and easier to navigate.
Optics in Argentina
Like other parts of South America, Argentina has had its share of political and economic upheavals—which caused the exodus of many promising scientists over the years. But the nation is now looking to rebuild its scientific community by injecting money into public and private research and forging links between universities and industry.
The Pull of the Tractor Beam
This science-fiction staple has remarkably little science behind it—but that may be changing, at least on the micro scale.
And the Winners Are ... Results from OPN’s fourth annual After Image photo contest.
Results from OPN’s fourth annual After Image photo contest.
Training Photonics Technicians
Here are two words you never thought you’d hear in this economy: help wanted. Two Florida programs are seeking to attract photonics technicians for jobs with optical technology companies.
Nanolasers Sneak Past Diffraction Limits
Within a month, two groups demonstrated visible-light lasers generated from devices far smaller than the light’s wavelength.
Presidents of the 1930s
Meet the presidents who led OSA through an uncertain decade.
Driving Blind
Robotics researchers at Virginia Tech are developing optical technologies that will allow blind people to drive.
Did You Know?
Using laser light to manipulate proteins
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Also in this Issue
Book Reviews
In Memory
Remembering K. Vedam and Roy Whinnery