Rise of the Robots

As robots enter our world, they must become aware of their surroundings. Optics and photonics will play a key role.

by Edwin Cartlidge

Toward a Thinking Microscope

Convolutional neural networks and deep learning can boost the capabilities of standard optical microscopes to levels comparable to those of some higher-end imaging systems.

by Yair Rivenson and Aydogan Ozcan

Machine Vision: The Eyes of Industry 4.0

Machine-learning algorithms embedded in advanced CMOS cameras are creating smart imaging systems that can replace human vision and decisions in the “fourth industrial revolution.”

by Valerie C. Coffey

Newsroom

Research and Industry News

Real-time 3-D physiological imaging; LIBS on a floating droplet; exploring current-carrying bacteria; flexible membrane lasers; using plasmonic loss to gain functionality; lidar market growth; OIDA Executive Forum investigates VR/AR.

Infographic

Robot Ready

Preparing for an AI and robotic future requires investments in education and innovation. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has compiled an Automation Readiness Index—a 25-country comparison of government-led efforts to shape outcomes of technological progress. Here’s a look at a few of EIU’s findings, and some observations from the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. (For more on the rise of the robot, check out this month’s feature articles.)

Conversations

The Current Landscape of Free-Space Optical Networks

OPN talks with a U.S. Naval Research Laboratory senior research engineer about the potential applications for free-space optics technology, as well as the stumbling blocks that still remain.

Careers

Optical Careers in Robotics and AI

How does one leverage an optical background into a job in these thriving, rapidly evolving industries?

OIDA Market Report

How Optics Enables AI

Co-designing optics and AI technologies for optics-enabled applications is an exciting new prospect.

International Day of Light

When Art Met Science

OSA celebrated IDL 2018 by co-sponsoring an immersive art exhibit.

President's Message

Advancing Core Values

Looking Back

30, 20, and 10 Years Ago in OPN

OSA Update

News from the Society

Kicking off the IDL; Women in Photonics workshop; OSA Fellow Member stories; honors to four Fellows; Carol Monaghan is 2018 Advocate of Optics; thank you, editors and volunteers.

OSA Elections

OSA Election for 2019 Offices