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History of Gas Lasers, Part 2: Pulsed Gas Lasers

Colin Webb

In this second article of a two-part series, Colin Webb explores the origins of pulsed gas lasers, which made possible many critical applications of laser technology, including corneal reshaping and microlithography. more>>

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SPAD Sensors Come of Age

Edoardo Charbon and Silvano Donati

A unique light detector combines single-photon performance, multi-pixel image resolution and deep sub-nanosecond response. more>>

Plasmonic Paradox: Hole-Filled Thin Film Transmits Less Light

Patricia Daukantas

If you punch holes into a semitransparent gold film, it will transmit less light through, thanks to surface plasmons. more>>

Did You Know?

Patricia Daukantas

Enhancing infrared-sensing capability of an ordinary camera to analyze paintings. more>>

Testing a New Model for Tiny Fiber Cores

Patricia Daukantas

An Australian team researching so-called “holey” optical fibers has discovered that light occupies much less space in the core than previously thought. more>>

Education

OSA’s Global Network of Students

Arlene Smith, Armand Niederberger and Jonathan McKendry

In 2006, members from four OSA Student Chapters had a big idea: to create a global network of OSA students. Since then, IONS (the International OSA Network of Students) has grown to include hundreds of students who have taken the world by storm—traveling to leading research institutes, exchanging results with peers, and visiting cities all over the globe. more>>

Global Optics

The Optical Society of Korea Celebrates 20 Years

Kyunghwan Oh

For two decades, the Optical Society of Korea (OSK) has helped lead optical science in South Korea by promoting innovation and spurring growth in industrial technology. more>>

Optics Innovations

Catalyzing Innovation: The Fraunhofer Society and Institute for Laser Technology

Reinhart Poprawe

For more than 60 years, the Fraunhofer Society—a large German organization—has devoted itself to applications-oriented research in medical engineering, defense, energy and other areas. And its Institute for Laser Technology focuses on innovative laser solutions to society’s most pressing problems. more>>

Policy Matters

U.S. Cities Go Green with LEDs

Tom Price

Cities and towns across the United States are incorporating solid-state lighting into their infrastructures. more>>

The History of OSA

JOSA Editors of the 1930s & 1940s

John N. Howard

Remembering two influential editors and OSA presidents. more>>

Conversations in Optics