Feature Articles
Bose-Einstein Condensation in Alkali Vapors: The Precursor to Matter-Wave Lasers
The basic properties of a purely quantum mechanical state of matter are described and related to coherent laser emissions. The authors then discuss the first experiment to observe this new state of matter.
by Michael H. Anderson and Murray HollandTrends in Optical Lithography
The author describes optical lithography in the context of the semiconductor industry. Past trends are evaluated and used to predict future possibilities. The economics of the semiconductor industry, and thus optical lithography, is discussed and its impact on technology development explained. Wavefront engineering seems to be the most promising approach to extending the life of optical lithography in the near future.
by Chris A. MackThe Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF)
The authors discuss the optics and instruments of NASA’s nearly completed x-ray observatory.
by Martin C. Weisskopf and Leon Van SpeybroeckOsa Launches Refereed All-Electronic Journal
Publishers have every right to feel themselves victims of the famous Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times!" as the information revolution continues to pick up speed. The OSA is a significant publisher in the scientific world, and its main income stream, supporting much of the Society's activities, comes from its journal subscriptions. Thus, there is little doubt that the decision two years ago that made electronic publishing the Society's top priority for innovation was correct. Although OSA already has existing electronic publishing products and is planning to offer several new ones by the end of the year, it does not yet publish an all-electronic optics journal. That ground-breaking step was authorized recently.
by Paul Kelley and G. N. Rassam
