| Image Credit: NASA / J. Kowsky |
| Space agencies, other branches of government and private companies are increasingly looking to capitalize on the transformative potential of space-based laser communications. The cover story in the October issue of Optica's magazine Optics & Photonics News (OPN) takes a look how optical technology in space could provide higher bandwidths than conventional RF communications while being less susceptible to eavesdropping and interference. The terminals used also generally have lower size, weight and power requirements than radio equipment. There are still challenges to be addressed, however—in particular, mitigating for bad weather when sending signals to and from Earth. |
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| Image Credit: Fan Fan, Hunan University |
| A recent article from Optics Letters, describes how researchers developed bilayer liquid-based bifocal lenses with adjustable focal intensities that could be useful for various applications such as optical interconnectons, biological imaging, augmented/virtual reality devices, and optical computing. |
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Researcher Simon Mahler is wearing the laser device, which has six channels for
monitoring cerebral blood flow and blood volume.
Image Credit: Simon Mahler and Yu Xi Huang, California Institute of Technology |
| In a recent article from Biomedical Optics Express, learn how researchers developed a wearable device that can be used for non-invasive stroke risk assessment. The device uses speckle contrast optical spectroscopy to track changes in blood flow and volume in the brain during a breath-holding exercise, and could one day be incorporated into the regular testing performed during annual physical examinations. |
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| Image Credit: Laura Viafora, Universidad de Concepción |
| In a recent article from Applied Optics, the researchers describe how they combined video from thermal cameras with AI-based digital processing to enhance weightlifting training. This new method could be used to generate a color-labeled sequence of thermal images from multiple camera types as well as reports on body part positions, which could be helpful for guiding athletes toward safer and more efficient practices. |
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| Image Credit: Getty Images |
| In the October 2024 issue of Optics & Photonics News, Market Report column explains that fusion energy development requires more than just technology—it needs private funding. According to the Fusion Industry Association, investors have given more than US$7 billion to nearly 50 startup companies to commercialize fusion energy. Achieving this goal would help fulfill a decades-old dream of cleaner energy, achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and steer geopolitics away from the consequences of oil price volatility—but it's not clear which approach, if any, will succeed. In spite of this uncertainty, the technology has drawn in venture capital and other private investors in recent years. |
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| Fellow Insight—Mentorship |
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| Image Credit: Daniele Faccio |
| Daniele Faccio says that, "Books and papers are great, but people are much better." Daniele credits Optica meetings with starting career-defining collaborations and friendships for him. He believes that collaborations and mentoring are two of the most important tools for learning and creating a successful career. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
The Amplify Scholarship has increased to US$10,000 thanks to Coherent's support! This scholarship empowers 10 Black undergraduate and master's students by alleviating the financial burden of college. Recipients also gain access to exclusive mentorship resources and an invitation to the Amplify Immersion Program.
Apply by November 14th, 2024 |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Discover 2025 Optica Events |
| Optica will convene meetings worldwide to advance achievements in the science of light. Download the Annual Calendar & sign up for meetings notifications. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Call for Papers |
| Share your biophotonics research on imaging, contrast agents, optical manipulation, brain studies, & AI applications. The submission deadline is 10 December 2024. |
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