Bose-Einstein Condensation in Alkali Vapors: The Precursor to Matter-Wave Lasers

The basic properties of a purely quantum mechanical state of matter are described and related to coherent laser emissions. The authors then discuss the first experiment to observe this new state of matter.

Trends in Optical Lithography

The author describes optical lithography in the context of the semiconductor industry. Past trends are evaluated and used to predict future possibilities. The economics of the semiconductor industry, and thus optical lithography, is discussed and its impact on technology development explained. Wavefront engineering seems to be the most promising approach to extending the life of optical lithography in the near future.

The Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF)

The authors discuss the optics and instruments of NASA’s nearly completed x-ray observatory.

Osa Launches Refereed All-Electronic Journal

Publishers have every right to feel themselves victims of the famous Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times!" as the information revolution continues to pick up speed. The OSA is a significant publisher in the scientific world, and its main income stream, supporting much of the Society's activities, comes from its journal subscriptions. Thus, there is little doubt that the decision two years ago that made electronic publishing the Society's top priority for innovation was correct. Although OSA already has existing electronic publishing products and is planning to offer several new ones by the end of the year, it does not yet publish an all-electronic optics journal. That ground-breaking step was authorized recently.

Capital Eye: George Brown Saddles Up

Education: Photonics in Brussels: Innovation in Electrical Engineering Education

Light Touch: Optics Fun With Gelatin

Scatterings: Policy Leaders Implore Scientists to Speak Out

Scatterings: Meller Optics Moves into Far IR

Scatterings: Government Shutdowns Impact Science

Scatterings: Convenient Source of Atomic Spectra Available

Scatterings: Mid-IR Lasers Warm Up for Commercial Viability