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Fighting Terrorism or Red Tape?

Kim Douglass

A Florida optics company encounters an unexpected obstacle in its attempt to market a spectrometry-based anthrax detection device. more>>

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Solid-State High-Energy Laser Weapons

Jeff Hecht

Recent advances in semiconductor and solid-state lasers are being applied in the realm of laser weaponry. High-power diode-pumped solid-state lasers bring with them tough questions about the dangers of eye injury, both to soldiers and noncombatants. more>>

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The Next-Generation Digital Camera

Dick Merrill

Before the digital camera can conquer a larger share of the home photography market, manufacturers will have to make it easier for consumers to obtain high-quality shots. Every component of the digital camera—from sensors and lenses to power sources and output media—is now the focus of intense development efforts. more>>

New optics research centers, silicon photonics, UV ink on soft drinks

Kim Douglass

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Light Touch

Fluorescent Slime: How Does It Do That?

Thomas T. Earles

This article describes a material with unusual optical properties that will generate excitement among students in grades ranging from kindergarten through high school. Since the material fluoresces in green and transmits in red, it assumes different colors depending on the angle of the light. more>>

OFC/NFOEC Preview

A Look Ahead to the 2003 Optical Fiber Communication Conference

OPN staff

Despite a sluggish economy, more than 850 companies have already registered to exhibit at the 2003 Optical Fiber Communication Conference & Exposition (OFC), scheduled for March 23-28 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Paper submissions are up by 9% from last year, and organizers say these numbers reflect OFC’s continuing leadership position in the optical communications field. more>>

The History of OSA

The Founding of the International Commission for Optics

John N. Howard

Representatives of the international optics community joined together in the wake of the Second World War to further the study of optics. OPN Contributing Editor John N. Howard traces the historical trends that led, in 1947, to the formation of the International Commission for Optics. more>>

Washington Focus

Why Care about Washington?

Tom Price

Many scientists would rather research and teach than lobby Congress. Yet the federal government is a significant source of funding for scientific investigation that doesn’t guarantee the short-term payoffs that companies tend to focus on these days. more>>