Feature Articles

The Scientific Life of the Camera Obscura

The camera obscura has enjoyed two lives, one that has been fully documented by art historians, and a second, comparatively unknown, as an object of scientific speculation.

by Brian S. Baigrie
Machine Vision: Optical Digitization of Free-Form, Complex Surfaces Using the Projection of Structured Light

The Imaging Group of the Optoelectronics Laboratory, University of Brescia, Italy, has been has been involved in the design and implementation of techniques and systems for 3-D vision since 1992. This feature describes the principal characteristics of an optical instrument developed by the lab for 3-D based on the projection of structured light, as well as the results obtained in measuring free-form, complex surfaces.

by Giovanna Sansoni, Roberto Rodella, Matteo Carocci and Valeria Carbone
Auto Industry Embraces Optical Technologies

A look at several new optical-based products that are already (or will soon be) available as factory-installed or aftermarket equipment in the auto industry. Two particularly significant technologies are “smart glass” and night vision systems.

by Les Jackson

Departments and Columns

Scatterings
Research and Industry News

Infrared System “Lights-Up” Polluters / Photodynamic Treatment Shows 84% Eradication Rate Of Ocular Melanoma Tumors / Light Saves Ships from Ice Damage / Proximity Sensor Warns Surgeons / Space Spectroscopy / A Laser Ruler for Paint Films / Corning to Acquire Optovac / SDL Wins Achievement Award / Laser Lighting System to Improve Offshore Safety / Illuminating the Role of Lightning / Exotic Microbes Point Towards Europa

Capital View
What's Next for Mars?

A look at recent and potential NASA Mars missions.

Legal Lens
That's Obvious!

This month we highlight the importance of viewing the concept of obviousness through a “legal lens” rather than through a “layman’s lens.”

OFC/NFOEC Preview
Redefining the Boundaries of System Applications: OFC 2000 Previewed

An overview of the anticipated OFC 2000 meeting highlights.

Engineering
Projection Photolithography

In this article we describe briefly the principles of projection photolithography and explore the range of possibilities opened up by the introduction of PSMs.

UV-Visible-IR Refractive Lens System

This month’s design is an all-refractive objective utilizing calcium fluoride and fused silica to achieve good transmission and color correction over a 0.3 to 0.8 micron waveband.

Engineering
Engineering & Laboratory Notes

Nonlinear Filtering in Two-Beam Interferometer / Solar Radiometer With Light-Emitting Diodes As Spectrally-Selective Detectors


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Also in this Issue

From the President
From the President

2000 OSA President Erich Ippen discusses some of the different activity areas in which close member-staff interactions take place.

Book Reviews
Book Reviews

Reviews of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers, Design, Fabrication, Characterization, and Applications by K.K. Lee / A Guide to Virtual Private Networks by J.C. Rosenberg / Waves and Grains. Reflections on Light and Learning by David L. Andrews

OSA Contributors
Thank You! 1999 OSA Contributors

Supporters of OSA Meetings and OSA Annual Fund