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A Multiport Cross-Connect Switch Using VLIMOEMS Mirror Arrays

Dmitry V. Bakin and Janusz Bryzek

The authors describe an all-optical multiport cross-connect switch based on very-large-integrated micro-optical electromechanical systems (VLIMOEMS). They explain the principle of operation of the switch, as well as the design requirements necessary to operate it in conformity with Telecordia GR-1073-CORE. Basic methods for optical modeling and optimization are described, as is a method for obtaining cross-connect scalability at levels of up to 16,000 ports. more>>

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Biomedical Applications of Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

Dan Elson, Stephen Webb, Jan Siegel, Klaus Suhling, Dan Davis, John Lever, David Phillips, Andrew Wallace and Paul French

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) provides a robust functional imaging modality for biomedicine. Recent advances in ultrafast laser and detector technology make FLIM increasingly accessible for life scientists and point the way to new clinical instrumentation. more>>

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Polymer Optical Interference Filters

Roger Strharsky and John Wheatley Photographs by Jack Revoir

Polymers are increasingly used in the design and manufacture of photonics products. One class of polymer optical components provides product forms and functions achievable only via polymer optics. Specific applications include ultrahigh-efficiency reflectors and reflective polarizers. Recently, all-polymer wavelength separation filters for the photosensor industry have been developed. These filters offer new degrees of freedom to designers and manufacturers at both the component and device levels. more>>

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Quantum Information Science

Ian Walmsley and Peter Knight

Quantum technology has made great strides in recent years. While quantum computers offer many benefits, we are far from seeing them implemented on a mass scale. Here we review the basic building blocks of quantum information processing, identify the advantages of quantum physics over classical physics, explain how quantum communication protocols work and identify the challenges we need to overcome to realize a quantum computer. more>>

Florida scientists create cost-saving laser, nanoscale research made easier, optics and national security

Kim Douglass

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Education

Optics Career Ladder Takes Shape in Albuquerque

Leno S. Pedrotti and Arthur H. Guenther

Schools, businesses and civic leaders in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have launched a unique educational program for high school, college and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in optics and photonics. more>>

Global Optics

Donated Synchrotron Will Further Middle East Cooperation

Sameen A. Khan and Susan M. Reiss

Facilities around the world are putting synchrotron light to use in areas ranging from medical imaging to microfabrication, a trend that has gotten a boost from the fact that countries with established synchrotron programs are donating equipment to less-developed nations that otherwise would have had to wait decades for the technology. more>>

Light Touch

Experiments With Liquid Crystal Displays

Keigo Iizuka

In the third installment of “Fun with Photonics,” a series of hands-on experiments designed to spark interest in optics among members of the general public, OSA Fellow Keigo Iizuka uses a laptop computer and a polarizer to demonstrate the optical characteristics of liquid crystals. more>>

OSA Local Sections

Education Outreach in Oregon

Jay Sharping, Karl Citek, Jeannie Williams,Tom Plant and Tom Haw

To train teachers in new ways todemonstrate basic optics principles, OSA’s Columbia Local Section and the Northwestern University Student Chapter held an education outreach workshop at Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon, in March. more>>

The History of OSA

Advertisements in JOSA

John N. Howard

The year is 1959, and a new revenue-generating strategy is introduced to strengthen the Society’s finances. In a move that would ultimately prove to have controversial repercussions, the OSA Board of Directors decides that the Society’s journal, JOSA, may accept advertising. more>>