Thermoradiative Photovoltaics

Devices that operate like solar cells in reverse can generate power even in the absence of sunlight, offering an alternative route for energy production.

by Tristan Deppe and Jeremy Munday

Enhancing Optical Microscopy with Quantum Entanglement

Drawing on the unique properties of entangled photons, quantum approaches can overcome the limitations of classical methods, enhance spatial resolution and reduce stray light and shot noise.

by Xin Tong, Yide Zhang and Lihong V. Wang

Hydrogel Optical Fibers

Researchers are working to coax a class of superbly biocompatible polymer–water hybrids into light-guiding channels for sensing, optogenetics and more.

by Stewart Wills

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Transparent mouse skin / Quantum-optical look at Alzheimer’s / Nuclear clocks / Vinegar boosts UV sensors / Multifunctional “smart” window / Environmental impact of chip manufacturing / Industry news

Infographic

Environmental Impact: Semiconductor Fabrication

A 2022 study in Science of the Total Environment analyzed the environmental impact of fabricating semiconductor chips, which involves large quantities of raw materials and waste generation.

Ideas

A Sustainable Future for Semiconductors

FUTUR-IC aims to use electronic–photonic integration to create high-performance microchip technology while minimizing environmental impact.

Career Focus

Looking Deeper into “Why?”

Anticipating questions and providing reasonable answers can significantly add to your credibility.

President's Message

Celebrating Quantum

The “second quantum revolution” involves the wonderful things one can do with a single quantum system.

Looking Back

30, 20 and 10 Years Ago in OPN

Optoelectronics; synthetic aperture radar; exoplanets.

Optica in Focus

News from the Society

FiO LS and Laser Congress / Optica elections / Diversity and inclusion recognition / López-Casarín named Advocate of Optics / MAOP2024 / Optica Fellow stories / In memoriam: H. Jeffrey Kimble / Digging into PICs / GEMM Initiative expands / Thank you, editors and congress strategy committees

In Memoriam

Richard R. Freeman, 1944–2024

Remembering a distinguished physicist and exceptional educator. 

After Image

Laser-Induced Damage

Laser-induced damage to a dielectric high-reflection coating.