November 2013 Issue
Feature Articles
Going Deep: Brain Imaging with Multi-Photon Microscopy
As scientists seek to unravel the mysteries of the brain, they will need to delve deeper than ever before in order to image individual neurons and their processes. Multi-photon microscopy is a promising new technology for getting there.
by Ke Wang, Nicholas G. Horton and Chris XuOrganic Photonics: Ready for Prime Time
Organic photonics promises to bring both new optical materials and optical systems to the field.
by Robert A. NorwoodThe U.S. National Academy of Sciences Marks 150 Years
Founded by a young nation in the midst of a civil war, a private institution with a public purpose celebrates its sesquicentennial.
by Patricia DaukantasDepartments and Columns
Scatterings
Headliners, policy news and industry updates.
Bolivia Jumps into the Light
Even with limited resources, Bolivia is making strides to advance its position in the world of optics and photonics.
OptiGrate Corp.: Converting University Science into Real-World Technology
OptiGrate began when a Russian scientist seized a ripe opportunity in the U.S. market. This University of Central Florida spinoff designs and manufactures volume Bragg gratings that boost laser performance and advance spectroscopy.
James Jeans’ Almost-Atomic Theory
If history had taken a slightly different turn, we might be talking about the Jeans model of the atom.
Voice for Change
Alan Willner is the University of Southern California’s Steven & Kathryn Sample Chaired Professor of Engineering and a noted expert in optical communications, signal processing, networks and fiber optics. But it is his role as a passionate advocate for photonics that has been drawing recent notice. Willner was critical in driving the formation of the U.S. National Photonics Initiative (NPI).
Independent Science: Beyond Academia and Industry
Many people rule out atypical career paths after they get a Ph.D. because they believe the risk is too great. But in today’s tough job market, there’s a space opening up that welcomes the unconventional.
