Feature Articles

Unlocking Lightwave Electronics

Combining optical and electronic systems could enable information processing that is a million times faster than existing gigahertz technology.

by Mackillo Kira and Rupert Huber
Silicon Photonics’ Fab Future

CMOS manufacturing has been harnessed for optical transceivers, and some companies are now looking to build photonic circuits for sensing, quantum science and more.

by Edwin Cartlidge
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

Throughout 2025, UNESCO’s worldwide celebration will highlight the impact of all things quantum.

by Hannah Lanford

Departments and Columns

Newsroom
Research and Industry News

Ultra-thin laser / Two-photon vision / 3D surface profiles / Structural-color display / Photonics boosts AI / Cat-eye vision / Industry news

Market Report
How Much Is Optics and Photonics Worth?

There is no single metric to assess the value of the industry.

Education
Driving Photonics Learning

A series of learning initiatives at Thorlabs—including a photonics lab on wheels—is bolstering the photonics community.

OPN Celebrates 50 Years
The Beginnings of OPN

A look at how a vehicle to announce society events evolved into a monthly magazine covering a broad spectrum of optics and photonics content.

Visualizing Optics
“Optics in 2024” Cover Art

For its December 2024 “year in optics” feature, OPN received numerous submissions for cover art. Which cover would you choose?


ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Also in this Issue

President's Message
Starting a New Year

To advance groundbreaking research, it is crucial that we reach across divides.

Looking Back
30, 20 and 10 Years Ago in OPN

NASA's Earth Observing System; adaptive optics for retinal imaging; optical lattice clocks

Optica in Focus
News from the Society

Walther Award / Quantum Industry Summit / Optica Incubators / LAOP / Industrial Affiliates / Koch to retire / Hausken in “Photonics 100” / Thank you, editors and technical group chairs

In Memoriam
Remembering Wilson Sibbett

Remembering a towering leader in the international optics and photonics community.

After Image
Laser-Induced Plasma

A laser pulse fired at an acoustically levitated water drop induces a plasma.