Max Born (left) and Emil Wolf (right).
Image Credit: AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Segrè Collection / Courtesy of Bruno Wolf |
Principles of Optics by Max Born and Emil Wolf is a classic reference in optics, with seven editions and numerous reprints since its first publication in 1959. Though it debuted before the invention of the laser, the text—commonly nicknamed "Born and Wolf"—still occupies an important place on the bookshelves of physical scientists.
The road to publishing Principles, however, was less than smooth for its authors. A feature article in the June 2024 issue of Optica's Optics and Photonics News (OPN) recounts the book's compelling origin story, including an entanglement with a shady publisher, and considers its continuing legacy and influence on new generations of optical physicists. |
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| Image Credit: Maximilian Schambach, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
| In a recent news release featuring work published in Optics Express, learn how researchers used inkjet printing to create a multispectral version of a light field camera, which fits in the palm of the hand. The 3D camera could be useful for applications such as autonomous driving, classification of recycled materials and remote sensing. |
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| Image Credit: Thomas Partridge, University College London |
| In a recent article from Optica, researchers combine various x-ray imaging technologies to create multiple contrast images that can be used to detect threatening materials in complex scenarios, for example in security screening settings, and after further developments, potentially for medical imaging. |
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| Image Credit: H. Jeff Kimble |
| Congratulations to H. Jeff Kimble, California Institute of Technology, USA, the 2024 award winner for his ground-breaking work on the quantum interactions of light and matter and for establishing the core technologies based on squeezed light for quantum sensing and quantum communications. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| In a recent Optica blog, learn about The International Day of Light held on May 16th every year, a date that marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser by Theodore Maiman in 1960. This pivotal moment changed the course of human history by introducing a technology that has now become widespread in science, industry, and everyday life. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
Voting is now open for the 2025 Optica Vice President and the 2025–2027 Director-at-Large positions! Instructions to access your ballot were sent on 18 June 2024 via Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS). The election will remain open until 16 August 2024.
To learn more about the candidates, visit optica.org/vote, and then take a few moments to cast your ballot through the link sent by SBS. The ballot is fully accessible from your smartphone or mobile device.
Questions about the Optica election should be sent to voting@optica.org.
Results will be announced at the Optica Annual Business Meeting on 23 September 2024 at 16:30–17:15 MT in Denver, Colorado, USA. |
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| Image Credit: Christophe Caloz |
| Christophe Caloz urges students: "Don't be intimidated by the complexity of things." Most of the concepts that are presented in textbooks took years of trial and error to develop, and students should not feel embarrassed or depressed if they don't understand right away. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| Submit your post-deadline paper by 21 June (KST). Registration is also open. The conference covers all significant areas in lasers and optoelectronics and features talks from Optica President, Gerd Leuchs, Past-President Tony F. Heinz, and Optica Fellows Jungsang Kim, Chang Hee Nam, and Jesper Mørk. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Register Now |
| Attend Optica's Annual Meeting, featuring contributed and invited talks and the Science + Industry Showcase exhibition. Register before 27 August. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Registration Is Open |
| The AP Congress features 8 topical meetings exploring the latest in optical materials, processing, communications and integrated optics alongside industry-focused programming. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| The Joint English-language Symposia will be held during the JSAP Autumn Meeting, 16 - 20 September 2024 in Niigata, Japan and online. The paper submission deadline is 18 June 2024 (5:00 pm, JST). Optica members can register at the discounted JSAP member rate. Students can attend the meeting online for free. |
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