Combating the Illegal Ivory Trade with Lasers
Researchers find that Raman spectroscopy can distinguish between mammoth and elephant tusks, providing a promising method for ivory identification.
30 April 2024
Looking Ahead—and Back
Remembering a dazzling in-orbit rescue—enabled by cutting-edge optics—from three decades ago.
01 May 2024
Photonic Crystals Pick Up Single Nanoparticles
Cavity coupled to an optical fiber shows promise as a compact sensor of air pollutants and biomolecules.
01 May 2024
Lidar Takes a Closer Look at Clouds
High-resolution technique enables remote monitoring of atmospheric processes that influence weather and climate.
02 May 2024
Optical Imaging and Photography, Second Edition
A comprehensive handbook on optical imaging and photography that is accessible to readers of all mathematical levels.
02 May 2024
Plasma Ball
Light emissions due to excitation and ionization of nitrogen gas make the spherical structure of a plasma blob visible in this image of a metallic microphone grill head.
03 May 2024
May 2024 Issue
LATEST NEWS
Lidar Takes a Closer Look at Clouds
High-resolution technique enables remote monitoring of atmospheric processes that influence weather and climate.
02 May 2024
Photonic Crystals Pick Up Single Nanoparticles
Cavity coupled to an optical fiber shows promise as a compact sensor of air pollutants and biomolecules.
01 May 2024
Combating the Illegal Ivory Trade with Lasers
Researchers find that Raman spectroscopy can distinguish between mammoth and elephant tusks, providing a promising method for ivory identification.
30 April 2024
Public–Private Boost for Laser Fusion
New foundation led by Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology unites German companies and research institutions to advance laser-driven inertial fusion energy.
26 April 2024
Toward Mid-Infrared Nanoscopy
Researchers demonstrate a new microscope with a spatial resolution 30 times higher than conventional systems.
25 April 2024ADVERTISEMENT
EDITOR'S PICKS
New Views on Battery Diagnostics
To improve the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, scientists need techniques that offer insights into their internal dynamics.
01 March 2024
Adaptive Optics
Adaptive optics was first proposed as a way to improve astronomical measurements, but later it transformed into a tool for ophthalmology and beyond.
01 June 2022
From Bad Ideas Come Good Ideas
Innovative ideas are often generated or refined by effective brainstorming.
01 February 2023
Fireworks
Fireworks viewed through the combination of a phone and a cylindrical glass create a prismatic effect, with vibrant patterns generated from reflection and refraction of the light.
01 January 2024ADVERTISEMENT
Plasma Ball
Light emissions due to excitation and ionization of nitrogen gas make the spherical structure of a plasma blob visible in this image of a metallic microphone grill head.
03 May 2024
Compact All-Attosecond Spectroscopy
A lab-scale approach creates attosecond pump and probe pulses from a commercial infrared laser.
01 May 2024
Real-World Focus at the Photon Factory
The ultrafast spectroscopy and micromachining lab at the University of Auckland connects fundamental science with industry applications.
01 May 2024CAREERS
Taking Advantage of Informational Interviews
Often underappreciated, these conversations can be extremely valuable in your career planning and job search.
02 April 2024
Inclusion in STEM Careers
Optica Ambassadors offer their reflections on building an inclusive, successful career and community.
08 March 2024
Senior Member Insights: Junqing Zhao
A researcher learns to be persistent and follow his passion.
30 January 2024
Senior Member Insights: Rosario Porras-Aguilar
An assistant professor talks about embracing small steps and the importance of self-care.
09 January 2024
Senior Member Insights: Ulrich H. P. Fischer
A professor and CEO discusses the importance of finding the right path.
26 December 2023