May 2015 Issue
Feature Articles
Sources and Science of Attosecond Light
Existing techniques and cutting-edge light sources are opening up the attosecond realm—and illuminating the world of electron motion.
by Philip H. BucksbaumDroplet Lasers
Airborne droplets—celebrated for generating rainbows and glories—can function as tiny resonant cavities enabling new kinds of lasers.
by Alexandr Jonáš, David McGloin and Alper KirazCharles Hard Townes: The Second Half-Century
After receiving his 1964 Nobel Prize for maser and laser physics, this OSA Honorary Member pursued his diverse interests in basic scientific research, advised the U.S. government on aerospace and defense issues and pondered deep questions about science and religion.
by Patricia DaukantasDepartments and Columns
Scatterings News
Headliners, policy news, industry updates and book reviews.
Reynard Corporation: Custom Precision Optics
In the last 40 years, Reynard has gone from a college student’s dream to a large manufacturing corporation with a global customer base.
Q&A with CLEO: 2015 Plenary Speakers
This year’s Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO: 2015) will take place 10 – 15 May in San Jose, California, USA. OPN had the opportunity to speak with three of the high-profile plenary speakers: OSA Fellow and Honorary Member Steven Chu, Shuji Nakamura and OSA Fellow Miles Padgett.
OSA U.S. Congressional Fellowships: A Career-Shaping Event
A year working side by side with policymakers in the U.S. Congress can lead to new perspectives on government, politics and career directions.
![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)
