Cover Story
Integrated Silicon Photonics: Harnessing the Data Explosion
Sean Koehl, Ansheng Liu and Mario Paniccia
With the digital universe expanding at an exponential rate, silicon photonics is poised to bring fiber optics to a much broader array of data transport applications. Researchers at Intel Labs describe a fully integrated optical data link... more>>
None
A Roadmap for Metamaterials
Nikolay I. Zheludev
Metamaterials have rapidly advanced over the past few years—from being a paradigm for engineering unique electromagnetic properties to forming a material base for functional devices with tuneable, switchable and nonlinear capabilities. In the future, they will allow for dynamic quantum-effect-enabled systems. more>>
None
The First Fibers to Homes
Jeff Hecht
Thirty-five years ago this month, Japan’s Ministry for International Trade and Industry announced plans to build the world’s first fibered city. A two-way fiber-optic network called the Highly Interactive Optical Visual Information (Hi-OVIS) was far ahead of its time. more>>
None
The Metamorphosis of the Transistor into a Laser
Milton Feng and Nick Holonyak Jr.
The transistor put us on the path to semiconductor electronics research. It led to the integrated circuit, optoelectronics, light-detecting devices, diode lasers, LEDs, and now further to the transistor laser—a true laser and three-terminal photonic transistor active element. more>>
3-D Self-Assembling Point-Source Microlasers
Yvonne Carts-Powell
Tiny spherical drops in liquid self-organize into lasing cavities that demonstrate low threshold, emit in all directions, and can be designed with wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared. more>>