| V. de Schwanberg / Science Photo Library |
| This year marks the 100th anniversary of the intitial development of quantum mechanics by Werner Heisenberg, Max Born and Jordan Pascual. In recognition of this seminal milestone, as well as of the continued growth and importance of quantum science, UNESCO has declared 2025 to be the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). A feature article in the January issue of Optica’s magazine Optics & Photonics News (OPN) takes a closer look at how IYQ came about, what its organizers hope to achieve and some of the events and activities planned around the world to celebrate quanum science and technology. |
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The prototype hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system includes a pulsed 532- nm green laser and a 2D imaging spectrometer with a gated ICCD.
Image Credit: Toshihiro Somekawa, Institute for Laser Technology |
| In a recent article from Optics Letters, learn how researchers developed a new hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system that can remotely identify various types of plastics, offering a valuable tool for future monitoring and analysis of oceanic plastic pollution. |
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Researchers 3D-printed a low-cost and efficient device that generates twisting light beams with orbital angular momentum and features integrated gain-filtering.
Image Credit: Yuanxi Cao, Xi’an Jiaotong University |
| In a new study published in Optics Express, researchers describe how they developed a 3D-printed device that generates twisting light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM), a form of rotational energy that can carry more data than regular beams. The efficient, compact and low-cost vortex beam generators could help enhance the capacity and reliability of future wireless systems. |
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| Image Credit: Masatoshi Suzuki |
| Congratulations to Masatoshi Suzuki, Chitose Institute of Science and Technology, Japan, the 2025 John Tyndall Award winner. He is honored for pioneering and seminal contributions to large capacity long-haul optical communication systems including integrated light sources, dispersion-managed soliton, WDM submarine cable systems, and spatial multiplexing. |
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| Image Credit: Francesca Calegari |
| Francesca Calegari advises her students to become visible. Becoming visible requires support and the tenacity to seize opportunities: “People must remember you and what you did. You should present at and attend as many meetings and conferences as possible, and be sure to network and discuss your work with lots of people.” It is clear that she has a passion for light that goes beyond a job or research interest. She has built her career by following her inspirations and is now an important contributor in the science of light. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Call for Papers |
| Join leading scientists, engineers and clinicians to showcase your research and explore cutting-edge optics and photonics innovations in medicine and biomedicine. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Postdeadline Paper Submissions Open |
| Submit your late-breaking research at the premier optical networking and communications conference. Join us 30 March – 03 April in San Francisco. Register by 04 March 2025 to take advantage of reduced rates. |
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