Adaptive Optics for Biomedical Microscopy

Over the last decade, researchers have applied adaptive optics—a technology that was originally conceived for telescopes—to high-resolution microscopy in order to overcome the problems caused by specimen-induced aberrations.

Fishy Photons: Invisibility and Transformation Optics

As we see when looking at fish in an aquarium, optical materials can distort the actual locations of objects. Scientists are now able to manipulate light in “fishy” ways that may enable big scientific breakthroughs such as invisibility cloaking in the near future.

The Evolution of Artificial Retinas

A new technology that combines optics and neurobiology is slowly illuminating a dark world for some people with blindness caused by retinal damage.

Optical Communications in 2012

Progress in optical communications is being driven by an explosion of new applications and services. This article describes the current state of the field as seen by the organizers of the upcoming OFC/NFOEC conference.

The Magic Lantern of Omar Khayyám

Optical projection techniques are mentioned in several translations of a quatrain from the poem “The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám.” What is the true meaning of Khayyám’s metaphor of reality as a shadow show?

On the Power of Small Initiatives

When it comes to effecting big change, sometimes you need to think small.

Feather Nanostructures Inspire Two Laser Designs

Researchers at Yale University, U.S.A., created two lasers by copying the structure in feathers that gives bluebirds (among other animals) such brilliant color.

Presidential Profile: Arthur Francis Turner

Arthur Francis Turner was OSA’s 1968 President and a pioneer in the field of optical interference coatings. He earned many accolades for his work, including a Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Why Peer Review Matters

The peer review of manuscripts submitted to OSA journals is a hugely important component of the scholarly communication process. In order for OSA publications to remain sustainable, everyone who submits a manuscript should complete at least two reviews. Are you doing your part?

Imaging on a Cellphone? There’s an App for That

A group of California scientists has developed small, inexpensive attachments that allow high-definition cellphone cameras to perform microscopy and spectroscopy in the visible region.

Multi-Mode Imaging Probe Could Detect Ovarian Cancer

Researchers have developed a multi-mode imaging probe that could examine ovarian tissue via minimally invasive surgery.

Trap and Spin Nanoparticles

Researchers recently described a method that allows them to capture particles as small as 110 nm and rotate them around the surface of tiny gold pillars.

Light Generation Nanodevice

Researchers at Stanford University (U.S.A.) have shown electrically tunable harmonic generation of light from a tiny plasmonic cavity.

Book Reviews

In Memory

Remembering OSA Fellow Emeritus William “Bill” P. Barnes Jr. and OSA Fellow Un-Chul Paek.

Letters

OSA Today

President's Message