| Image Credit: T. Shahan / Getty Images |
As the demand increases for robust, quick-response computer vision systems, scaling machine learning for large amounts of data becomes a challenge—and the computational costs grow faster than the size of computed data. Flies and other insects combine optical preprocessing with small brains to help discern what is important in the face of noise, an ability that could be useful in meeting the data-processing needs of machine vision.
The cover story in the November issue of Optica’s Optics and Photonics News (OPN) looks at the optical and neural mechanisms that insects use to rapidly and efficiently filter visual information—and how those solutions could inform computer vision architectures, including for unmanned aircraft systems. |
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| Image Credit: Francesca Bonetta-Misteli, Washington University in St. Louis |
| In this featured article from Biomedical Optics Express, researchers have created a wearable optical device that uses laser speckle imaging to catch early signs of postpartum hemorrhage. |
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| Image Credit: Getty Images |
| Plenary Speaker Mary Spaeth covered the generations of challenges and solutions that led to the NIF laser ignition driver. Since the first demonstration of a working laser in 1960, solid-state laser science has grown exponentially to become a thriving industry. Innovations in the underlying technology power new types of lasers and drive new applications in fields from communications to manufacturing. The 2023 Optica Laser Congress and Exhibition, held from 8 to 12 October in Tacoma, Washington, highlighted advances in solid-state lasers and the variety of applications made possible by new research in the field. |
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| Image Credit: Tao Chen, Xi’an Jiaotong University in China |
| A recent news release from Optics Express explains how researchers have developed a new method for making tiny stretchable antennas from a hydrogel and liquid metal, that could be useful for wearable medical devices that monitor temperature, blood pressure and blood oxygen. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| Optica proudly welcomes Gisele Bennett, Martin J. Booth and Caroline Boudoux, elected to join Optica’s Board of Directors. Bennett, Booth, and Boudoux will begin their terms on 01 January 2024. |
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 Image Credit: Jungwon Kim |
| Fellow Insight—Innovation |
| Jungwon Kim believes, “The unique advantage of working in optics and photonics is that it is a truly enabling technology capable of solving a wide range of problems.” |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| 2024 Fellows |
| The Optica Board of Directors confirmed 129 new Fellows for their distinguished contributions to education, research, engineering, business and our community. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Empowering Visionaries |
| Apply for the 2024 Optica Women Scholars—Empowering the next generation of women leaders in optics and photonics. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Winners Announced |
| This competition recognizes the innovation, research and presentation excellence of students presenting their work during Frontiers in Optics (FiO). |
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