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Lidar in Space: From Apollo to the 21st Century

Patricia Daukantas

Over the last four decades, spaceborne lidar instruments have evolved beyond their original application—altimetry—to tracking glacier melting, gauging wind speeds and spotting snow on Mars. more>>

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Lord Rayleigh: A Scientific Life

Barry R. Masters

John William Strutt, also known as Lord Rayleigh, is well recognized as a pioneer in light scattering and other areas of optics. But he was also a master of iterative mathematical techniques for solving complex physical problems. more>>

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Photonic Crystal LEDs

Faiz Rahman

LEDs that have photonic crystals etched on them can direct the emission of light at preferred angles and enhance brightness without consuming more power. These devices have the potential to revolutionize the lighting industry—and spur widespread adoption of environmentally friendly lighting solutions. more>>

Exploring Age-Related Farsightedness

Patricia Daukantas

Using a non-invasive light-scattering approach from materials science, a team from Ohio State University sheds light on presbyopia. more>>

In-Vivo Images of Retina’s “Dark” Cells

Patricia Daukantas

A team at the University of Rochester (N.Y., U.S.A.) has taken the first images of this layer of so-called “dark cells” in a living retina. more>>

Did You Know?

Patricia Daukantas

Targeting malaria-carrying mosquitoes with laser light. more>>

Education

EDay a Green Day

Andrew J. Berger

Last year, secondary school teachers and administrators from throughout the Rochester area learned how to incorporate optics into simple experiments, activities and lesson plans at OSA’s annual Educators’ Day. The 2008 event had a special focus on the role of optics in the environment. more>>

Optics Innovations

Riding Out the Recession

Mark Crawford

The photonics industry is hanging tough in the recession. In fact, many companies are still experiencing growth, although it may be subdued compared to 2008. Mark Crawford relays tips from the experts on how to survive—and thrive—during tough times. more>>

Policy Matters

Solar Energy: A Global Perspective

Alexandre Y. Fong

Germany, Spain and Japan are leading the world in integrating solar technologies into their energy policies. Now, the United States is starting to make solar a priority as well. Here, Alex Fong reviews solar policies around the globe and highlights successes and challenges. more>>

The History of OSA

Reminiscences: Aden Goes to War

Aden B. Meinel

An OSA past president reminisces about his wartime experiences. more>>

Conversations in Optics