Showing papers in "Optics & Photonics News in 2011"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the evolution of metamaterials from being a paradigm for engineering unique electromagnetic properties to forming a material base for functional devices with tuneable, switchable and nonlinear capabilities.
Abstract: Metamaterials have rapidly advanced over the past few years-from being a paradigm for engineering unique electromagnetic properties to forming a material base for functional devices with tuneable, switchable and nonlinear capabilities. In the future, they will allow for dynamic quantum-effect-enabled systems.
105 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the potential of DNA photonics to serve as an inexpensive, renewable resource in the development of optical waveguides, organic LEDs and laser structures.
Abstract: DNA, the beautifully symmetrical “molecule of life,” carries the core genetic blueprint for every living organism. Now, through the emerging field of DNA photonics, it also has the potential to serve as an inexpensive, renewable resource in the development of optical waveguides, organic LEDs and laser structures.
58 citations
TL;DR: Techniques in 3-D holographic microscopy integrated with numerical processing are enabling researchers to obtain rich, quantitative information about the structure of cells and microorganisms in noninvasive, real-time conditions.
Abstract: Recent developments in 3-D computational optical imaging have ushered in a new
era for biological research Techniques in 3-D holographic microscopy integrated
with numerical processing are enabling researchers to obtain rich, quantitative
information about the structure of cells and microorganisms in noninvasive,
real-time conditions
49 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an ordered index-of-refraction-modulated structure that allows us to control the propagation of light has been constructed, which we use in our experiments.
Abstract: We have learned how to construct ordered index-of-refraction-modulated structures that allow us to control the propagation of light. Initially, researchers were simply interested in fabrication; now they are exploring limitations in the structures.
40 citations
TL;DR: The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) project as mentioned in this paper, a project involving nearly 40 research and academic institutions from 13 EU member countries, will allow researchers to probe the laser-matter interaction at unprecedented intensity levels.
Abstract: The Extreme Light Infrastructure-a project involving nearly 40 research and
academic institutions from 13 EU member countries-will allow researchers to probe
laser-matter interaction at unprecedented intensity levels.
38 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a fully integrated optical data link that assembles all the core technologies needed to develop high-volume, low-cost fiber-optics, and show how the link can be used for data transport applications.
Abstract: With the digital universe expanding at an exponential rate, silicon photonics is poised to bring fiber optics to a much broader array of data transport applications. Researchers at Intel Labs describe a fully integrated optical data link that assembles all the core technologies needed to develop high-volume, low-cost fiber-optics.
35 citations
TL;DR: The tilted fiber Bragg grating is a new kind of sensor that possesses all the advantages of well-established Bragg technology in addition to being able to be able to excited cladding modes resonantly as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The tilted fiber Bragg grating is a new kind of sensor that possesses all the
advantages of well-established Bragg grating technology in addition to being able to
excite cladding modes resonantly. This device opens up a multitude of opportunities
for single-point sensing in hard-to-reach spaces.
35 citations
TL;DR: Spontaneous parametric processes have proved to be integral to the advancement of quantum information science as mentioned in this paper, and their incredible versatility, in terms of the properties of entangled photons, allows for nearly unimaginable applications in the transmission and processing of QI.
Abstract: Spontaneous parametric processes have proved to be integral to the advancement
of quantum information science. Their incredible versatility, in terms of the
emission properties of entangled photons, allows for nearly unimaginable
applications in the transmission and processing of quantum information.
25 citations
TL;DR: Fiber-optic sensors are playing an emerging role in both new energy generation technologies-including wind, solar and geothermal-and approaches for improving recovery of our existing oil and gas reserves as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Fiber-optic sensors are playing an emerging role in both new energy-generation technologies-including wind, solar and geothermal-and approaches for improving recovery of our existing oil and gas reserves.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used infrared images to enable high-resolution vision and identification in near and total darkness, thanks to recent advances, optics companies and government labs are improving low-light-level vision, identification capability, power conservation and cost.
Abstract: Infrared imaging is used in many defense applications to enable high-resolution vision and identification in near and total darkness. Thanks to recent advances, optics companies and government labs are improving low-light-level vision, identification capability, power conservation and cost.
20 citations
TL;DR: The display of 3-D objects has always been fascinating but recent research explores new possibilities in holographic imaging and3-D television.
Abstract: The display of 3-D objects has always been fascinating. Recent research explores new possibilities in holographic imaging and 3-D television.
TL;DR: In this article, several companies and research groups have found ways to fill the green gap by mastering the epitaxy of high-indium-containing quantum wells, balancing strain and defect formation against the quantum-confined Stark effect.
Abstract: Traditionally, green laser diodes have been difficult to construct due to the
characteristics of the quantum wells that serve as their gain region. Now, however,
several companies and research groups have found ways to fill this “green gap,” by
mastering the epitaxy of high-indium-containing quantum wells, balancing strain and
defect formation against the quantum-confined Stark effect and using optimized
waveguides. Their work is driving new applications in consumer electronics,
biophotonics and other areas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the compound eyes of insects were used as a model for developing their unique approach to harvesting sunlight, and the results showed that the approach can improve the efficiency of harvesting sunlight.
Abstract: Taking a cue from nature, these researchers looked to the compound eyes of insects as a model for developing their unique approach to harvesting sunlight.
TL;DR: A troubling question remains: Why watching 3D makes some people sick? as discussed by the authors investigates the effect of 3D on people's ability to tolerate the effects of movies like Avatar and The Lord of the Rings.
Abstract: New optical technology takes 3-D light-years beyond the cheesy effects of 1950s horror movies. Audiences flocked to Avatar—which set records for gross sales—and dozens of new 3-D films are in the works. In addition, 3-D televisions are being marketed as the next big thing in home entertainment. Yet a troubling question remains: Why does watching 3-D make some people sick?
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used optical pulses extending from the picosecond to the attosecond have become an important adjunct to nanoscale science, and they proposed a technique that uses optical pulses to extend the wavelength of optical pulses.
Abstract: Techniques that use optical pulses extending from the picosecond to the attosecond have become an important adjunct to nanoscale science.
TL;DR: The transistor put us on the path to semiconductor electronics research as discussed by the authors, and led to the integrated circuit, optoelectronics, light-detecting devices, diode lasers, LEDs, and now further to the transistor laser-a true laser and three-terminal photonic transistor active element.
Abstract: The transistor put us on the path to semiconductor electronics research. It led to the integrated circuit, optoelectronics, light-detecting devices, diode lasers, LEDs, and now further to the transistor laser-a true laser and three-terminal photonic transistor active element.
TL;DR: The use of solar energy requires optimizing each part of a photovoltaic system: collection optics, the photavoltaic array, switches, controllers, current inverters, storage devices and tracking mechanics.
Abstract: The use of solar energy requires optimizing each part of a photovoltaic system: collection optics, the photovoltaic array, switches, controllers, current inverters, storage devices and tracking mechanics. A vast amount of research is currently focused on perfecting each of these areas. Several types of solar concentrator technology are transitioning from the R&D stage to commercial deployment.
TL;DR: Temporal all-optical processing systems as mentioned in this paper provide a practical approach for meeting the bandwidth demands of next-generation ultra-high-speed technologies based on the space-time duality of light.
Abstract: Temporal all-optical processing systems—which are based on the space-time duality of light—provide a practical approach for meeting the bandwidth demands of next-generation ultrahigh-speed technologies.
TL;DR: These researchers are using advanced optical technologies to develop the biosensor of the future-a plasmonic-based chip-scale device that will allow for compact, inexpensive, ubiquitous and sensitive detection.
Abstract: Biosensing allows researchers to detect tiny amounts of harmful chemicals before they become major threats. These researchers are using advanced optical technologies to develop the biosensor of the future-a plasmonic-based chip-scale device that will allow for compact, inexpensive, ubiquitous and sensitive detection.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used Raman scattering to obtain unique spectral signatures that can be used in the study of cell chemistry, which is particularly important in the biosciences.
Abstract: Spectral imaging is particularly important in the biosciences. Raman scattering provides unique spectral signatures that can be used in the study of cell chemistry.
TL;DR: In this paper, nonlinear optics is used to generate sources in new spectral regions and to provide increased signal propagation capability, which can be used to improve the performance of signal propagation.
Abstract: Nonlinear optics allows us to generate sources in new spectral regions and to provide increased signal propagation capability.
TL;DR: The rare earth elements are garnering global media attention due to their potential role in clean energy technologies as mentioned in this paper. But these elements are now subject to unprecedented price shocks due to uncertainty around future supply.
Abstract: Rare earth elements are garnering global media attention due to their
potential role in clean energy technologies. But these elements-which have enabled
spectacular innovations in optics over the past decades-are now subject to
unprecedented price shocks due to uncertainty around future supply. What does this
mean for the optics community?
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors have shown that it is possible to create nanoscale features in a photoresist using visible or near-infrared light, and applied it to photolithography.
Abstract: Over the past decade, researchers have shattered the traditional view of the diffraction limit. Using new techniques, they have obtained resolution far smaller than the wavelength of light excitation or emission. Similar concepts are now being applied to photolithography, making it possible to create nanoscale features in a photoresist using visible or near-infrared light.
TL;DR: Using globally networked libraries of unique scattering patterns produced by bacterial colonies, researchers have developed an efficient method of identifying pathogens that has potential applications in food and water safety, health care and biodefense.
Abstract: New advances in elastic light scattering technology allow for faster and more accurate identification of bacteria. By using globally networked libraries of unique scattering patterns produced by bacterial colonies, researchers have developed an efficient method of identifying pathogens that has potential applications in food and water safety, health care and biodefense.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review in-fiber acousto-optic devices that have demonstrated new possibilities for the control of Q-switched distributed feedback and mode-locked all fiber lasers.
Abstract: These authors review in-fiber acousto-optic devices that have demonstrated new possibilities for the control of Q-switched distributed feedback and mode-locked all-fiber lasers—in other words, tools for using sound to control light.
TL;DR: In this paper, a new design concept for optical devices comes from the mathematical view of space-time in general relativity, and the desired optical path is determined by coordinate transformations.
Abstract: A new design concept for optical devices comes from the mathematical view of
space-time in general relativity The desired optical path is determined by
coordinate transformations
TL;DR: White as mentioned in this paper worked as a member of the technical staff at Bell Labs during its heyday for industrial research and recalls his work with Dane Rigden to develop the fist continuous infrared helium-neon laser in 1962.
Abstract: Alan White worked as a member of the technical staff at Bell Labs during its heyday for industrial research. Here, he recalls his work with Dane Rigden to develop the fist continuous infrared helium-neon laser in 1962-and how the project evolved from covert weekend tinkering to the talk of the lab.
TL;DR: In this paper, the detection of low light levels has been studied in quantum information theory and low light level detection is investigated in the context of quantum information systems and quantum information networks.
Abstract: Exciting work is being done in quantum information theory and the detection of low light levels.
TL;DR: In this article, the detection of low light levels has been studied in quantum information theory and low light level detection is investigated in the context of quantum information systems and quantum information networks.
Abstract: Exciting work is being done in quantum information theory and the detection of low light levels.
TL;DR: Greenler and Lynch as mentioned in this paper describe the Naked-Eye Conference, a series of conferences in which scientists gather to explore beautiful naked-eye phenomena in the world around us, and discuss the challenges they face.
Abstract: Past OSA President Bob Greenler and OSA Fellow Dave Lynch describe a
remarkable conference series in which scientists gather to explore beautiful
naked-eye phenomena in the world around us.