Military & Defense News

  1. Bright Ideas — 3D-Printed Rocket Launched, NSF Gives Grant To University of Dayton, Nanophotonics And Ultrafast Optics Breakthrough, And More 3/29/2023

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in optics and photonics. This week, we look at a SPIE Summit, combining MEMS with photonics in a single microchip, a demo of a new laser weapon system, and more.

  2. Quantum Computing Is Mainstreaming But Are We Ready For It? 1/24/2023

    Quantum computing is relatively new but is growing by leaps and bounds. Currently, there are more than 600 companies and more than 30 national labs and government agencies worldwide that are developing the technology. Its future’s so bright it’s got to wear shades – but are we ready for its inevitable rise?

  3. The Secret (Well, OK … Not Too Secret) Experiments On Board X-37B 12/22/2022

    I love space. I don’t pretend to understand it, but I’m constantly amazed at the natural wonders that are out there. Turns out, some of the wonders of space aren’t natural. For instance, there’s the Air Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, the newest and most advanced re-entry spacecraft.

  4. Optica Honors Alain Rousset With Advocate In Optics Recognition 11/21/2022

    Optica is pleased to announce that Alain Rousset, President of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, is recognized as its latest Advocate of Optics for his visionary investment in the optics industry.

  5. Bright Ideas — Quantum Inertial Sensors Could Save Communications, China To Open First Photonic Chip Fab 10/26/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in optics and photonics. This week, China is reportedly ready to break ground on the nation's first photonic chip manufacturing facility. And one researcher and his team at Sandia are trying to transform bulky quantum inertial sensors into smaller, more rugged packages to back up lost GPS signals. 

  6. Bright Ideas — Two In Vivo Solutions Offer Quicker, Better Cancer Detection, Booz Allen Hamiton Invests In DEWs 10/19/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in optics and photonics. This week, two new in vivo solutions show promise for early or more accurate cancer detection. Plus, Booz Allen Hamilton invests in direct energy weapons (DEWs) with the creation of its new HELworks business unit. 

  7. The Current State And Outlook Of Directed Energy Weapons 9/30/2022

    From high-energy lasers to high-power radio frequency devices and more, directed energy weapons are increasingly ubiquitous. But what are these technologies, and how are they changing the way the military operates?

  8. Bright Ideas — Defense Prime CEOs Sanctioned By China, DARPA To Give Small Biz 'Classified' Access 9/21/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, China sanctioned two defense prime contractors' CEOs, DARPA opens a new program to give small businesses access to classified endeavors, and SPIE Startup Challenge is now accepting applications. 

  9. Bright Ideas — HELIOS Headed to Navy, "Sun Glint" Reveals Offshore Methane Emissions 8/24/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, "sun glint" offers more precise look at offshore methane emissions, Lockheed Martin prepares to deliver its HELIOS laser weapon to the U.S. Navy, and scientists pursue replacement for LEDs.

  10. Bright Ideas — SDA Seeks Demo For Space-To-Aircraft Laser Communications, Cats & Coffee Latest Benefactors Of Laser Innovation 8/10/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, the Space Development Agency (SDA) is again looking for a vendor to demo laser crosslinks between orbiting satellites and moving aircraft, France is trying out a new anti-drone laser weapon ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, and Trumpf is taking the shipping crises into its own hands.