Perched on a mountain in northern Chile, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is nearing completion, with first light scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025. The Rubin boasts the world’s biggest CCD camera, at 3.2 gigapixels; the largest astronomical lens, at 1.55 m across; and an extraordinarily broad view of 9.8 square degrees. This basic equipment will enable a deep-sky survey that will collect some 60 petabytes of visible- and infrared-wavelength data across 10 years—and that could bring new discoveries at scales ranging from our solar system to the large-scale structure of the universe.
But in spite of its impressive capacities, the Rubin’s mission faces an unanticipated threat: shiny satellites in low Earth orbit streaking across the telescope’s field of view could ruin many pixels or even entire images. The cover story in the February 2024 issue of Optica’s Optics and Photonics News (OPN) looks at the mission and potential of the Rubin Observatory, and how scientists there are working to reduce the impact of the recent rise of satellite “megaconstellations.”
In this recent article from Optica, learn how researchers combined meta-optical devices and cutting-edge computational imaging algorithms to create a compact and robust thermal imaging system with a large field of view. The new system can be used with a commercial thermal camera to intensify information that is acquired with traditional thermal imaging.
In a study published in Optica, researchers describe a new type of lens that uses a spiral-shaped surface to maintain a clear focus at different distances in varying light conditions. This new lens works much like progressive lenses used for vision correction and may also lead to advances in compact imaging technologies, wearable devices and remote sensing systems for drones or self-driving cars.
Optica is pleased to announce the next leaders for thirteen of our technical groups. These individuals will lead vibrant and active communities that connect Optica members with colleagues within specialized topic areas worldwide.
In 2023, our technical groups brought you over 60 webinars. To wrap up the year, we put together a gallery featuring our top ten most popular. Enjoy watching these webinars for the first time or revisiting them for further insights.
“High-power and ultrafast lasers are having a moment,” says Optica Fellow Félicie Albert. Her work in laser Wakefield acceleration is attracting many young scientists following a number of high-profile awards and achievements. A key to her success has been solid science communication, a skill she encourages everyone to practice.
This year, FiO LS takes place one month earlier in September 2024. Join the innovators like yourself, who are working to understand our world and make it a better place.
With thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors from more than 70 countries, OFC is the largest conference for the optical communications and networking industry.
