From The Editor

  1. NASA, ESA, And Space Photonics 8/21/2023

    The history of photonics began in 1960 with the invention of the laser. Two years later the first laser echoes reflected off the moon. Thus began the field of space photonics, enhancing on-board data handling, high-resolution measurement systems, processing units, and more.

  2. How NASA Uses High-Speed Cameras During Launch And In Flight 8/18/2023

    Artemis I was an uncrewed test flight that orbited and flew beyond the moon in late 2022. The primary goals of the mission were to demonstrate Orion's systems in a spaceflight environment and ensure a safe re-entry, descent, splashdown, and recovery. Let’s take a look at the cameras used to capture Artemis I’s launch and flight.

  3. What’s In A Name? 8/16/2023

    Did you ever wonder where the word “photonics” came from? Well, if you have, this is the article for you. If not … well … read this anyway, you just might learn something.

  4. LiDAR: Uncovering Ancient Cities And Roads, And Guiding Futuristic Robot Dogs 8/9/2023

    LiDAR can be used to map structures, improve self-driving cars, aid in disaster recovery, and a whole lot more. Let’s take a look at how it helped discover ancient cities and roads, as well as how it is helping develop robotic dogs.

  5. The Cobots Are Coming! The Cobots Are Coming! 8/7/2023

    Using 2D or 3D vision to guide robots can improve flexibility and lower costs in various industrial applications. With the rise of collaborative robots, also known as cobots, there are now more opportunities to integrate machine vision into the work environment.

  6. 3 Novel Uses Of Lasers 8/4/2023

    Novel uses of lasers continue to expand as researchers discover new ways to harness their properties and develop innovative applications across various industries.

  7. SPIE Optics + Photonics Exhibition: August 22–24 At The San Diego Convention Center 7/31/2023

    SPIE Optics + Photonics is the largest international, multidisciplinary optical sciences and technology meeting in North America. Hosted by SPIE, the event will include five days of sessions, talks, networking events, and an exhibition.

  8. Who Is Shaping The Direction Of Metrology? 7/26/2023

    Government involvement in metrology can boost innovation, collaboration, and public trust, as well as foster economic growth. However, it also poses challenges like compliance costs and trade barriers.

  9. 7 Unique Applications Of Infrared Thermography 7/20/2023

    Although infrared thermography has been in use for a while, its popularity has surged in the past five decades, particularly in commercial and industrial settings. In this article, we highlight seven ways in which it is being utilized to enhance safety and efficiency.

  10. 4 Imaging Technologies Being Embraced By The Military 7/19/2023

    Militaries are leveraging laser systems, digital imagers, novel image processing algorithms, and more to reduce the overall size, weight, and power of imaging systems. This will improve all military operations, from surveillance and reconnaissance to battlefield operations.