Physics World 2015 Focus on Optics & Photonics is out now

By Matin Durrani

With the 2015 International Year of Light now in full swing, it’s time to tuck into the latest focus issue of Physics World, which explores some of the latest research into optics and photonics.

The focus issue, which can be read here free of charge, kicks off by looking at the giant laser interferometers underpinning the latest searches for gravitational waves. We also report on recent efforts to use optical instead of radio waves for satellite communication and have an interview with Ian Walmsley from the University of Oxford about the vital role that optics and photonics play in the UK’s new £270m Quantum Technologies Programme.

Don’t miss either our look at a European project that is using on-chip silicon photonics to screen for early-stage cardiovascular disease. Finally, we survey a new form of quantitative phase microscopy called SLIM that allows multi-scale imaging of cellular systems.

We’ve also shoe-horned three pages of research and industry news into the issue, starting off with a look at a new programme to minimize light pollution – and preserve “dark skies” – in the 2015 International Year of Light, of which Physics World is an official media partner.

Enjoy the issue and let us know what you think about any of the topics covered by e-mailing us at pwld@iop.org or leaving your comments below.

Read the 2015 Physics World Focus on Optics & Photonics now!