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Optics in Brazil

Vanderlei S. Bagnato and Carlos H. de Brito Cruz

For Brazilian scientists, optics is considered a leading field in technology transfer. The discipline plays a large role in the country’s ongoing scientific revolution. more>>

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Polarization Ray Tracing for Space Optics

Eugene Waluschka

Polarization ray tracing made its debut as a bona fide feature of optical design and analysis software about 20 years ago. This article “traces” how one of the first industrial strength automated PRT capabilities was created. more>>

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The Optical Network of the Future

Alan E. Willner

The ubiquitous wireless Wi-Fi local-area-networks (LANs) that we enjoy today can accommodate new users and changing conditions in a robust, automated manner. How can we create similarly self-managed optical networks? more>>

Lasers guide astronomers, shedding light on microstrokes, studying gold at the nanoscale

Patricia Daukantas

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Education

Undergrads Show their Stuff at FiO Research Symp

Harold Metcalf

Last year, a group of undergraduates held their own as they presented research amidst world-renowned physicists and Nobel-prize winners. The Symposium for Undergraduate Research at the annual Frontiers in Optics/Laser Science meeting showcased the contributions of the next generation of optical scientists. more>>

Light Touch

Once in a Blue Moon

Stephen R. Wilk

Why does the phrase “once in a blue moon” mean “rarely”? Is it because, on unusual occasions, atmospheric conditions conspire to create a moon that appears blue? Or does a “blue moon” occur when there are two full moons in a single month—another uncommon occurrence? more>>

Optics Innovations

A New Model for the Optoelectronic Indium-based Semiconductor Industry

Michael Lebby

Foundry-based companies have driven the silicon semiconductor industry to huge success. Could a similar approach work in the struggling indium- based market? more>>

Photo Contest

After Image Photo Contest

OPN Staff

The staff of Optics & Photonics News would like to invite you to participate in our first-ever After Image photography contest. As our devoted readers know, the After Image column appears regularly on our back page and consists of a large, full-page image that demonstrates some aspect of the field of optics, or an image that was created using optical equipment. more>>

The History of OSA

Reminiscences from A. Francis Turner

John N. Howard

Francis Turner died in 1996 at the age of 89. He wrote down his reminiscences of OSA in 1973; they are presented here. more>>

Washington Focus

Homeland Security Seeks Help from Optics

Tom Price

Science—especially optical science—shows great promise for helping federal offi cials to protect Americans against terrorism. In December 2005, OSA held a conference in Washington, D.C., that explored optical solutions to homeland security. more>>