Optica Editor-in-Chief Prem Kumar reviews the first ten years of the Journal.

Chirped mirrors have underpinned advances in ultra-fast lasers based on bulk optics but have yet to be fully exploited in integrated photonics, where they could provide a means to engineer otherwise unattainable dispersion profiles for a range of nonlinear optical applications, including soliton frequency comb generation. The vast majority of integrated resonators for frequency combs make use of microring

Research into diagnostic biosensors is a vibrant field that combines scientific challenge with translational opportunities; innovation in healthcare is of great societal interest and is an essential element of future healthcare provision. Photonic and electrochemical biosensors are the dominant modalities, both scientifically and commercially, yet the two scientific communities largely remain separated

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) extensively employs periodically poled nonlinear crystals through forward quasi-phase-matching to achieve efficient frequency conversion. As poling periods approach sub-micrometers, backward quasi-phase-matching has also been demonstrated, albeit by utilizing pulsed laser drives. The realization of symmetric second-harmonic generation, characterized by counterpropagating

Narrow-linewidth lasers are essential across a wide range of applications, including classical and quantum sensing, trapped ion systems, position/navigation/timing systems, optical clocks, and microwave frequency synthesizers. In the visible and near-visible spectrum, low-noise lasers are particularly important for laser trapping and cooling techniques, which are vital for trapped ion quantum computing

The quantum walk (QW) has proven to be a valuable testbed for fundamental inquiries in quantum technology applications such as quantum simulation and quantum search algorithms. Many benefits have been found by exploring implementations of QWs in various physical systems, including photonic platforms. Here, we propose a platform to perform quantum walks based on ultrafast time-bin encoding (UTBE) and

Integrated photonic neural networks (PNNs) are at the forefront of AI computing, leveraging light’s unique properties, such as large bandwidth, low latency, and potentially low power consumption. Nevertheless, the integrated optical components are inherently sensitive to external disturbances, thermal interference, and various device imperfections, which detrimentally affect computing accuracy and

Recent advancements in ultra-low-loss silicon nitride (Si3N4)-based photonic integrated circuits have surpassed fiber lasers in coherence and frequency agility. However, high manufacturing costs of DFB and precise control requirements, as required for self-injection locking, hinder widespread adoption. Reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs) provide a cost-effective alternative solution

High-dimensional entanglement not only offers a high security level for quantum communication but also promises improved information capacity and noise resistance of the system. However, due to various constraints on different high-dimensional degrees of freedom, whether these advantages can bring improvement to the actual implementation is still not well proven. Here we present a scheme to fully utilize

Polarized photons are, in essence, neutral particles and therefore do not couple directly to external fields, thus hampering the effective interaction of photons with external fields. Here, we theoretically identify an equivalent spin-1/2 model for polarized photons and synthesize a magnetization vector for coupling differently polarized photons in an engineered anisotropic medium. The synthetic magnetic

Spatial optical analog differentiation allows ultrahigh-speed and low-power-consumption of image processing, as well as label-free imaging of transparent biological objects. Optical analog differentiation with broadband and incoherent sources is appealing for its multi-channels and multi-task information processing, as well as the high-quality differentiation imaging. Currently, broadband and incoherent

Interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy has demonstrated unparalleled performance among label-free optical methods for detecting and imaging isolated nanoparticles and molecules. However, when imaging complex structures such as biological cells, the superposition of the scattering fields from different locations of the sample leads to a speckle-like background, posing a significant challenge

Traditional refrigeration is driven either by external forces or by the information-feedback mechanism. Surprisingly, quantum measurement and collapse, typically viewed as detrimental, can also power a quantum cooling engine without requiring any feedback mechanism. In this work, we perform a proof-of-principle demonstration of quantum measurement cooling (QMC) powered by entangled measurements using

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are vital for high-speed data transmission. However, optical routing is limited in PICs composed of only one or a few stacked planes. Further, coupling losses must be low in deployed systems. Previously, we developed the subsurface controllable refractive index via beam exposure (SCRIBE) technique to write accurate 3D gradient refractive index (GRIN) profiles within

Photonic orbital angular momentum (OAM) carried by phase-structured vortex light is an important and promising resource for the ever-increasing demand towards high-capacity data information due to its intrinsic unlimited dimensionality. Large superpositions of OAM are easy to be produced, but on-demand generation of arbitrary OAM spectra such as an OAM comb similar to a frequency comb is still a challenge;

Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) laser frequency stabilization is a powerful technique widely used for building narrow linewidth lasers. This technique is, however, ineffective in suppressing high-frequency (>100kHz) laser phase noise detrimental for many applications. Here, we introduce an effective method that can greatly enhance its high-frequency performance. The idea is to recycle the residual PDH signal

Photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs), which use a two-dimensional photonic crystal as the laser cavity, can achieve both high output powers and narrow beam divergence angles owing to single-mode lasing over a large area. High-speed, high-power, direct modulation of PCSELs is expected to realize compact and power-saving optical transmitters without bulky lens systems and fiber amplifiers

Kelly sidebands are a special type of dispersive wave that appear in mode-locked systems and they have recently been observed by pulsed excitation in integrated microcombs. Here, Kelly sidebands are generated by continuous-wave excitation in a partially coupled racetrack-resonator microcomb. The coupled-racetrack system supports two optical bands so that, in contrast to earlier studies, the soliton

Yttrium iron garnets, which are typically used as magneto-optical isolators, are not suitable for monolithic integration with photonic circuits. We experimentally demonstrated an ultracompact microring optical isolator using an aluminum-substituted cobalt ferrite (CAFO) thin film directly deposited on silicon waveguides. The device footprint was only 43×71µm2. The isolator can operate without an external

Random lasers represent a relatively undemanding technology for generating laser radiation that displays unique characteristics of interest in sensing and imaging. Furthermore, they combine the classical laser’s nonlinear response with a naturally occurring multimode character and easy fabrication, explaining why they have been recently proposed as ideal elements for complex networks. The typical configuration

Quantum key distribution is a cornerstone of quantum technology, offering information-theoretical secure keys for remote parties. With many quantum communication networks established globally, the mode-pairing protocol stands out for its efficacy over inter-city distances using simple setups, emerging as a promising solution. In this study, we employ the mode-pairing scheme into existing inter-city

Accompanied by the rapid development of ultrafast laser platforms in recent decades, the spatiotemporal manipulation of ultrashort laser pulses has attracted much attention due to the potential for cutting-edge applications of structured light, including optical tweezers, optical communications, super-resolution imaging, time-resolved spectroscopy in molecules and quantum materials, and strong-field

Traditional fluorescence microscopy is constrained by inherent trade-offs among resolution, field of view, and system complexity. To navigate these challenges, we introduce a simple and low-cost computational multi-aperture miniature microscope, utilizing a microlens array for single-shot wide-field, high-resolution imaging. Addressing the challenges posed by extensive view multiplexing and non-local

Exciton-polariton lasers are a promising source of coherent light for low-energy applications due to their low-threshold operation. However, a detailed experimental study of their spectral purity, which directly affects their coherence properties, is still missing. Here, we present a high-resolution spectroscopic investigation of the energy and linewidth of an exciton-polariton laser in the single-mode

So far, exciton-polariton (polariton) lasers were mostly single-mode lasers based on microcavities. Despite the large repulsive polariton-polariton interaction, a pulsed mode-locked polariton laser was never, to our knowledge, reported. Here, we use a 60-µm-long GaN-based waveguide surrounded by distributed Bragg reflectors forming a multi-mode horizontal cavity. We demonstrate experimentally and theoretically

The ability to detect quantum superpositions lies at the heart of fundamental and applied aspects of quantum mechanics. The time-frequency degree of freedom of light enables encoding and transmitting quantum information in a multidimensional fashion compatible with fiber and integrated platforms. However, the ability to efficiently detect high-dimensional time-bin superpositions, a subset of encodings

The dark-field signal uncovers details beyond conventional X-ray attenuation contrast, which is especially valuable for material sciences. In particular, dark-field techniques are able to reveal structures beyond the spatial resolution of a setup. However, its implementation is limited to the micrometer regime. Therefore, we propose a technique to extend full-field transmission X-ray microscopy by

Molecular diagnostics are a primary tool of modern chemistry, enabling researchers to map chemical reaction pathways and rates to better design and control chemical systems. Many chemical reactions are complex, involving multiple species and reaction pathways occurring on µs or shorter timescales. Existing diagnostic approaches provide a subset of chemical and thermodynamic information. Here we optimize

The rapid rise of machine learning drives demand for extensive matrix-vector multiplication operations, thereby challenging the capacities of traditional von Neumann computing systems. Researchers explore alternatives, such as in-memory computing architecture, to find energy-efficient solutions. In particular, there is renewed interest in optical computing systems, which could potentially handle matrix-vector

Anonymous quantum conference key agreement (AQCKA) allows a group of users within a network to establish a shared cryptographic key without revealing their participation. Although this can be achieved using bipartite primitives alone, it is costly in the number of network rounds required. By allowing the use of multi-partite entanglement, there is a substantial efficiency improvement. We experimentally

In an ultrafast nonlinear optical interaction, the electric field of the emitted nonlinear signal provides direct access to the induced nonlinear transient polarization or transient currents and thus carries signatures of ultrafast dynamics in a medium. Measurement of the electric field of such signals offers sensitive observables to track ultrafast electron dynamics in various systems. In this work

Zero-index metamaterials exhibit a uniform spatial phase distribution, promising numerous applications such as efficient electromagnetic tunneling and high-fidelity optical computing. These applications necessitate an integrated, low-loss zero-index waveguide platform for guiding, routing, and interfering light. Nevertheless, existing zero-index metamaterials grapple with substantial footprints, high

Fluorescence microscopy is an invaluable tool in biology, yet its performance is compromised when the wavefront of light is distorted due to optical imperfections or the refractile nature of the sample. Such optical aberrations can dramatically lower the information content of images by degrading the image contrast, resolution, and signal. Adaptive optics (AO) methods can sense and subsequently cancel

This publisher’s note contains corrections to Optica 11, 305 (2024)OPTIC82334-253610.1364/OPTICA.514203.

Image processing, transmission, and reconstruction constitute a major proportion of information technology. The rapid expansion of ubiquitous edge devices and data centers has led to substantial demands on the bandwidth and efficiency of image processing, transmission, and reconstruction. The frequent conversion of serial signals between the optical and electrical domains, coupled with the gradual

We demonstrate optomechanics in the sub-terahertz regime. An optical racetrack resonator, patterned from thin-film lithium niobate, is suspended to support mechanical structures oscillating at these extremely high frequencies, which are read out through cavity optomechanical coupling. Our hybrid platform paves the way for advancing mechanical systems in the quantum regime at elevated temperatures.

The editors of Advances in Optics and Photonics and Optica introduce a collaborative publishing effort that highlights emerging fields in ways that will benefit both new and seasoned researchers. In this first example, a tutorial and a mini-review cover the physics of second-order nonlinear interactions in dispersion-engineered nonlinear photonic devices.

Ptychography has become a popular computational imaging method for microscopy in recent years. In the present work we employ a wavelength scanning ptychography technique enhanced by neural networks for imaging with a fiber endoscope. Illumination of the object at various wavelengths is achieved using a single mode fiber, while a multicore fiber collects diffracted light from a distance. Using a U-Net

Multiband recognition technology is being extensively investigated because of the increasing demand for on-chip, multifunctional, and sensitive devices that can distinguish coincident spectral information. Most existing multiband imagers use large arrays of photodetectors to capture different spectral components, from which their spectrum is reconstructed. A single device embedded with a convolutional

Ptychography, as a powerful lensless imaging method, has become a popular member of the coherent diffractive imaging family over decades of development. The ability to utilize low-dose X-rays and/or fast scans offers a big advantage in a ptychographic measurement (for example, when measuring radiation-sensitive samples), but results in low-photon statistics, making the subsequent phase retrieval challenging

Single-photon light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has played an important role in areas ranging from target identification and 3D imaging to remote sensing. Its high sensitivity provides the feasibility of lightweight LiDAR systems for the resource-limited airborne and spaceborne platforms. Here, we design and demonstrate an airborne single-photon LiDAR towards the compact, small-sized, and low-power

Dynamic x-ray imagers have undergone extensive study due to their wide-ranging applications. However, as frame rates and resolutions increase, the accompanying growth in data volume imposes constraints on system capabilities, including data transmission, temporal bandwidth, processing capability, and power consumption. Herein we present a demonstration of an event-based x-ray imager that integrates

This paper demonstrates a passive, integrated electro-optic receiver for detection of free-space microwave radiation. Unlike a traditional microwave receiver, which relies on conductive antennas and electrical amplifiers, this receiver uses only passive, optically probed elements with no electrodes or electronic components. The receiver employs two co-resonant structures: a dielectric resonator antenna

Characterizing the orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) modes is critically important for OAM-encoded data transfer. However, traditional characterizing approaches rely on either complex and precise experimental configurations or complicated prior information processing. In these scenarios, the correlation features of OAM-dependent speckles from the scattering effect have received little attention. Here

Many morphogenesis processes during embryo development are fundamentally biomechanical processes, and disruption of these events can lead to debilitating congenital abnormalities. Imaging the biomechanical properties of embryos could provide insight into developmental disorders and could open new therapy avenues. However, current methods are invasive and are incapable of producing viscoelasticity maps

Third harmonic generation (THG) provides a valuable, label-free approach to imaging biological systems. To date, THG microscopy has been performed using point-scanning methods that rely on intensity measurements lacking phase information of the complex field. We report the first demonstration, to the best of our knowledge, of THG holographic microscopy and the reconstruction of the complex THG signal

Current satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) is limited to nighttime operations, and the reliance on microwave communication for key distillation leads to significant delays, often spanning several days. These challenges collectively hinder the establishment of a practical global-scale quantum network. Here, by developing a 625-MHz inherently robust decoy-state light source and daytime noise

Compact, high-energy ultrafast sources at less exploited fiber gain wavelengths can enable various applications. Here, a high pulse-energy (138 nJ) femtosecond (390 fs) laser source with a center wavelength around 950 nm is demonstrated by frequency-doubling of ultrafast pulses from a thulium-doped fiber chirped-pulse amplification system. The thulium-doped fiber system generates an average output

Neural networks, having achieved breakthroughs in many applications, require extensive convolutions and matrix-vector multiplication operations. To accelerate these operations, benefiting from power efficiency, low latency, large bandwidth, massive parallelism, and CMOS compatibility, silicon photonic neural networks have been proposed as a promising solution. In this study, we propose a scalable architecture

In volume fluorescence microscopy, refractive index matching is essential to minimize aberrations. There are, however, common imaging scenarios where a refractive index mismatch (RIM) between immersion and a sample medium cannot be avoided. This RIM leads to an axial deformation in the acquired image data. Over the years, different axial scaling factors have been proposed to correct for this deformation

Optical processing of information holds great promise for addressing many challenges facing the field of computing. However, integrated photonic processors are typically limited by the physical size of the processing units and the energy consumption of high-speed analog-to-digital conversion. In this paper, we demonstrate an integrated, coherent approach to processing temporally multiplexed optical

Sensing nano-objects, from nanoparticles to molecules, has become a crucial need in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and drug development. Detection of single particles and molecules is highly desirable, as it provides specific information on size, dynamics, and interactions. Current nanophotonic implementations rely on complex optical readout schemes, limiting their application in the

An atomic time scale is a method for marking events and the passage of time by using atomic frequency standards. Thanks to the superior performance of atomic clocks based on optical transitions, time scales generated with optical clocks have the potential to be more accurate and stable than those based on microwave clocks. In this work, we demonstrate an experimental optical time scale based on the

Since their discovery in the 1990s, vortex beams, known for their ability to carry orbital angular momentum (OAM), have found substantial applications in optical manipulation and high-dimensional classical and quantum information communication. However, their inherent diffraction in free space, resulting in OAM-dependent beam expansion, has constrained their utility in spatial mode multiplexing communication

Flow cytometers are a vital tool for cellular phenotyping but are primarily limited to centralized laboratories due to their bulkiness and cost. Significant efforts have been made to construct on-chip flow cytometers for point-of-care applications, and a promising approach is filter-on-chip flow cytometers utilizing the conventional Bayer RGB filter on imaging cameras to miniaturize key optoelectronic

With histopathology results typically taking several days, the ability to stage tumors during interventions could provide a step change in various cancer interventions. X-ray technology has advanced significantly in recent years with the introduction of phase-based imaging methods. These have been adapted for use in standard labs rather than specialized facilities such as synchrotrons, and approaches

An erratum is given to correct two typographical errors in Optica 11, 333 (2024) [CrossRef] . The corrections do not impact the results and conclusions of the original paper.

Optical skyrmions are a recently demonstrated topological state of light that promise a rich set of physics and applications, in particular, material manipulation. In this work, we demonstrate a method to generate these states from a laser, which has an intermediate bimeron state, providing a route to compact, high power, and low cost skyrmion research and applications. We use a praseodymium gain medium

In many physical systems, the interaction with an open environment leads to energy dissipation and reduced coherence, making it challenging to control these systems effectively. In the context of wave phenomena, such lossy interactions can be specifically controlled to isolate the system, a condition known as a bound-state-in-continuum (BIC). Despite the recent advances in engineered BICs for photonic

Time-bin (TB) and energy-time (ET) entanglements are crucial resources for long-distance quantum information processing. However, their standard implementations suffer from the so-called post-selection loophole that allows for classical simulation and thus prevents quantum advantage. The post-selection loophole has been addressed in proof-of-principle experiments. An open problem though is to close