Methane plume observed by Carbon Mapper during aerial monitoring at a landfill in Louisiana, USA.
Image Credit: Carbon Mapper |
| Methane accounts for roughly a third of net global warming since the Industrial Revolution, which makes reducing methane emissions an essential goal in efforts to change the climate's course. The first step is pinpointing the sources — especially the so-called super-emitters. And here, optics and photonics could have a big role to play. A story in the July/August issue of Optica's magazine Optics & Photonics News (OPN) looks at the technological landscape for methane detection, including satellites and airborne and ground-based systems, and the optical technologies behind these advances. |
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Researchers developed a fluorescence detection system (right) that can provide highly sensitive detection of deadly microorganisms in drinking water, without using any lenses. They are now converting the technology into a lensless dip-in handheld system (left) that could be useful for testing water quality in the traditional natural stone spouts widely used by people in Kathmandu Valley in Nepal (background).
Image Credit: Rijan Maharjan, Ashim Dhakal, Phutung Research Institute |
| In an Optica Publishing Group recent article, Researchers have shown that a fluorescence detection system that doesn't contain any lenses can provide highly sensitive detection of deadly microorganisms in drinking water. With further development, the new approach could provide a low-cost and easy-to-use way to monitor water quality in resource-limited settings such as developing countries or areas affected by disasters. It could also be useful when water safety results are needed quickly, such as for swimming events, a concern highlighted during the Paris Olympics. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of your colleagues. Nominees for 2025 Awards and Medals that support diversity across all areas are especially encouraged. The deadline is 1 October 2024. |
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| Image Credit: Wilbert IJzerman |
| Wilbert IJzerman balances a variety of professional activities and research areas thanks to years of experience. He shares, "You learn where you have to act and where you can let go. You have to delegate...trust people but know when to intervene." He reminds everyone that we only spend our time once, so it is essential to be selective and make the most of every opportunity. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| Submit your paper today! The Joint Symposia on Optics is an English-language Symposia co-sponsored by Optica, OSJ and OSK. It will take place on 29 and 30 November 2024 at the University of Electro-Communications in Chofu, Tokyo and is co-located with Optics & Photonics Japan 2024. The paper submission deadline is 23 August. Optica members can register at the discounted OSJ member rate. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Register Now to Save |
| Optica's Annual Meeting features hundreds of contributed and invited talks in the Science + Industry Showcase exhibition. Register before 27 August for the best price. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Call for Papers Open |
| Submit your research to be selected to present at OFC 2025, View the submission guidelines and submit your paper by 22 October 2024. |
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