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The rapid development of silicon photonics inspired the emergence of on‐chip geometric optics. As one of the most crucial elements, waveguide‐lenses have attracted much attention. Nevertheless, waveguide‐lenses often suffer from large chromatism due to the strong waveguide dispersion, especially for the cases with multiple guided‐modes. In this paper, achromatic waveguide‐lenses available for multimode photonics are proposed and are further utilized for realizing multimode spot size converters (MSSCs) as an example. The present MSSC shows low excess losses < 0.4 dB and low inter‐mode crosstalks <−14 dB within an ultra‐broad bandwidth of 1450–1650 nm, which is realized for the first time by comprising a positive waveguide‐lens and a negative waveguide‐lens. In addition, the present MSSC is applied successfully for realizing high‐performance multimode waveguide corner‐bends. To the best of the knowledge, the proposed MSSC is the unique one with an ultra‐compact footprint and the largest bandwidth for low crosstalks as well as low losses, indicating that on‐chip geometric optics potentially provides a new perspective for on‐chip light manipulation desired in various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatiotemporal structured light has opened up new avenues for optics and photonics. Current spatiotemporal manipulation of light mostly relies on phase-only devices such as liquid crystal spatial light modulators to generate spatiotemporal optical fields with unique photonic properties. However, simultaneous manipulation of both amplitude and phase of the complex field for the spatiotemporal light is still lacking, limiting the diversity and richness of achievable photonic properties. In this work, a simple and versatile spatiotemporal holographic method that can arbitrarily sculpt the spatiotemporal light is presented. The capabilities of this simple yet powerful method are demonstrated through the generation of fundamental and higher-order spatiotemporal Bessel wavepackets, spatiotemporal crystal-like and quasi-crystal-like structures, and spatiotemporal flat-top wavepackets. Fully customizable spatiotemporal wavepackets will find broader application in investigating the dynamics of spatiotemporal fields and interactions between ultrafast spatiotemporal pulses and matters, unveiling previously hidden light-matter interactions and unlocking breakthroughs in photonics and beyond. The authors showcase a spatiotemporal holographic method that can arbitrarily sculpt spatiotemporal light by generating various spatiotemporal wavepackets. The ability to deploy these fully customizable wavepackets opens up exciting avenues for their use in broader applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mimesis of biological mechanisms by artificial devices constitutes the modern, rapidly expanding, multidisciplinary biomimetics sector. In the broader bioinspiration perspective, however, bioarchitectures may perform independent functions without necessarily mimicking their biological generators. In this paper, we explore such Bioarchitectonic notions and demonstrate three-dimensional photonics by the exact replication of insect organs using ultra-porous silica aerogels. The subsequent conformal systolic transformation yields their miniaturized affine 'clones' having higher mass density and refractive index. Focusing on the paradigms of ommatidia, the compound eye of the hornet Vespa crabro flavofasciata and the microtrichia of the scarab Protaetia cuprea phoebe, we fabricate their aerogel replicas and derivative clones and investigate their photonic functionalities. Ultralight aerogel microlens arrays are proven to be functional photonic devices having a focal length f ~ 1000 μm and f-number f/30 in the visible spectrum. Stepwise systolic transformation yields denser and affine functional elements, ultimately fused silica clones, exhibiting strong focusing properties due to their very short focal length of f ~ 35 μm and f/3.5. The fabricated transparent aerogel and xerogel replicas of microtrichia demonstrate a remarkable optical waveguiding performance, delivering light to their sub-100 nm nanotips. Dense fused silica conical clones deliver light through sub-50 nm nanotips, enabling nanoscale light–matter interactions. Super-resolution bioarchitectonics offers new and alternative tools and promises novel developments and applications in nanophotonics and other nanotechnology sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided waves are the perfect carriers of electromagnetic signals in planar miniaturized devices due to their high localization and controlled propagation direction. However, it is still a challenge to control the polarization of propagating guided waves. In this work, the broadband polarization TE‐TM degeneracy of highly localized guided waves propagating along an all‐dielectric metasurface and a subwavelength chain of dielectric high‐index cylinders is discovered, both theoretically and experimentally. Using the discovered near‐field polarization degree of freedom, the polarization transformation for guided waves propagating along a subwavelength chain of dielectric cylinders at any frequency within the finite spectral range is demonstrated experimentally. Namely, the simplest planar near‐field polarization device – the quarter‐wave‐retardation (linear‐to‐circular) polarization transformer of guided waves is implemented. The results obtained discover the polarization degree of freedom for guided waves paving the way toward numerous applications in flat optics and planar photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated photonics is a cutting-edge field that merges optics and electronics on a single microchip, revolutionizing how we manipulate and transmit light. Imagine traditional bulky optical systems condensed onto a chip smaller than a fingernail, enabling faster communication, more efficient sensors, and advanced computing. At its core, integrated photonics relies on guiding light through waveguides etched onto semiconductor substrates, analogous to how wires conduct electricity in traditional electric circuits. These waveguides can route, modulate, and detect light signals with unprecedented precision and speed. This technology holds immense promise across various domains. Despite its immense potential, integrated photonics faces challenges, including manufacturing complexities and integration with existing electronic systems. However, ongoing research and advancements continue to push the boundaries, promising a future where light-based technologies seamlessly integrate into our everyday lives, powering a new era of innovation and connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic and responsive structural color devices present promising opportunities for sensing and display technologies, with applications including point‐of‐care diagnostics, portable/wearable sensors, and low‐power full‐color displays. However, it is often difficult to generate a large and quantitatively meaningful colorimetric response especially toward weak stimuli. Here, dual‐band hyperchromatic structural color (HSC) is presented as an approach to overcome these challenges. Within this framework, a dual‐band mesoporous silicon rugate filter metamaterial co‐designed is experimentally realized for use with a dichromatic (red/green) illuminant. This is shown to enable an amplified red‐to‐green color transition with a substantially smaller wavelength shift than conventional structural color devices, Δλ ≪ |λG – λR|, as well as a direct quantitative mapping between the observed chromaticity and the input stimulus. This approach is experimentally demonstrated for the spatiotemporally resolved sensing of refractometric stimuli including small‐molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with a ≈0.08 nm equivalent spectral resolution. This approach is entirely scanning‐free, enabled by simple color imaging, and does not require advanced spectroscopic (hyperspectral) imaging or interferometric imaging to obtain meaningful quantitative and spatiotemporally resolved information pertaining to the sensor's attributes. These results demonstrate dual‐band HSC as a promising approach for realizing low‐cost and high performance dynamic structural color devices and sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: The estimation of tissue optical properties using diffuse optics has found a range of applications in disease detection, therapy monitoring, and general health care. Biomarkers derived from the estimated optical absorption and scattering coefficients can reflect the underlying progression of many biological processes in tissues. Aim: Complex light--tissue interactions make it challenging to disentangle the absorption and scattering coefficients, so dedicated measurement systems are required. We aim to help readers understand the measurement principles and practical considerations needed when choosing between different estimation methods based on diffuse optics. Approach: The estimation methods can be categorized as: steady state, time domain, time frequency domain (FD), spatial domain, and spatial FD. The experimental measurements are coupled with models of light--tissue interactions, which enable inverse solutions for the absorption and scattering coefficients from the measured tissue reflectance and/or transmittance. Results: The estimation of tissue optical properties has been applied to characterize a variety of ex vivo and in vivo tissues, as well as tissue-mimicking phantoms. Choosing a specific estimation method for a certain application has to trade-off its advantages and limitations. Conclusion: Optical absorption and scattering property estimation is an increasingly important and accessible approach for medical diagnosis and health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a newsletter from the Spanish Society of Optics (SEDOPTICA) highlighting their recent activities and achievements. The newsletter discusses the active participation of SEDOPTICA members in international forums, the addition of new collaborating companies, and the recognition of the quality of their journal, Óptica Pura y Aplicada. It also mentions various activities and events organized by SEDOPTICA, including programs for young researchers, conferences on the history of optics, and the publication of educational books. The newsletter concludes with information about the renewal of the journal's quality certification and the announcement of funding opportunities for researchers. The text provides information about various activities and events organized by the Sociedad Española de Óptica (Spanish Society of Optics). These include grants for young researchers, interactive workshops on optics, dialogues with experts in optics and photonics, and tribute plaques for retired members. The text also mentions the celebration of the International Day of Light and the International Day of Color, as well as the awards ceremony for the Photon Awards. Additionally, it highlights collaborations with other societies and the upcoming International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. [Extracted from the article]

The use of bioluminescence as a reporter for physiology in neuroscience is as old as the discovery of the calcium-dependent photon emission of aequorin. Over the years, luciferases have been largely replaced by fluorescent reporters, but recently, the field has seen a renaissance of bioluminescent probes, catalyzed by unique developments in imaging technology, bioengineering, and biochemistry to produce luciferases with previously unseen colors and intensity. This is not surprising as the advantages of bioluminescence make luciferases very attractive for noninvasive, longitudinal in vivo observations without the need of an excitation light source. Here, we review how the development of dedicated and specific sensor-luciferases afforded, among others, transcranial imaging of calcium and neurotransmitters, or cellular metabolites and physical quantities such as forces and membrane voltage. Further, the increased versatility and light output of luciferases have paved the way for a new field of functional bioluminescence optogenetics, in which the photon emission of the luciferase is coupled to the gating of a photosensor, e.g., a channelrhodopsin and we review how they have been successfully used to engineer synthetic neuronal connections. Finally, we provide a primer to consider important factors in setting up functional bioluminescence experiments, with a particular focus on the genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans, and discuss the leading challenges that the field needs to overcome to regain a competitive advantage over fluorescence modalities. Together, our paper caters to experienced users of bioluminescence as well as novices who would like to experience the advantages of luciferases in their own hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the refractiveindex.info database, a comprehensive open-source repository containing optical constants for a wide array of materials, and describe in detail the underlying dataset. This collection, derived from a meticulous compilation of data sourced from peer-reviewed publications, manufacturers' datasheets, and authoritative texts, aims to advance research in optics and photonics. The data is stored using a YAML-based format, ensuring integrity, consistency, and ease of access. Each record is accompanied by detailed metadata, facilitating a comprehensive understanding and efficient utilization of the data. In this descriptor, we outline the data curation protocols and the file format used for data records, and briefly demonstrate how the data can be organized in a user-friendly fashion akin to the books in a traditional library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic topological photonics is a novel research field, combining the time-domain optics and topological physics. In this review, the recent progress and realization platforms of dynamic topological photonics have been well introduced. The definition, measurement methods and the evolution process of the dynamic topological photonics are demonstrated to better understand the physical diagram. This review is meant to bring the readers a different perspective on topological photonics, grasp the advanced progress of dynamic topology, and inspire ideas about future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents second- and third-generation photonics-electronics convergence devices developed at NTT Device Innovation Center. The target applications and technical requirements for each generation of the devices are described. The advantages that can be obtained from photonics-electronics convergence devices and the technical points to achieve such advantages are also explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mimesis of biological mechanisms by artificial devices constitutes the modern, rapidly expanding, multidisciplinary biomimetics sector. In the broader bioinspiration perspective, however, bioarchitectures may perform independent functions without necessarily mimicking their biological generators. In this paper, we explore such Bioarchitectonic notions and demonstrate three-dimensional photonics by the exact replication of insect organs using ultra-porous silica aerogels. The subsequent conformal systolic transformation yields their miniaturized affine ‘clones’ having higher mass density and refractive index. Focusing on the paradigms of ommatidia, the compound eye of the hornet Vespa crabro flavofasciata and the microtrichia of the scarab Protaetia cuprea phoebe, we fabricate their aerogel replicas and derivative clones and investigate their photonic functionalities. Ultralight aerogel microlens arrays are proven to be functional photonic devices having a focal length f ~ 1000 μm and f-number f/30 in the visible spectrum. Stepwise systolic transformation yields denser and affine functional elements, ultimately fused silica clones, exhibiting strong focusing properties due to their very short focal length of f ~ 35 μm and f/3.5. The fabricated transparent aerogel and xerogel replicas of microtrichia demonstrate a remarkable optical waveguiding performance, delivering light to their sub-100 nm nanotips. Dense fused silica conical clones deliver light through sub-50 nm nanotips, enabling nanoscale light–matter interactions. Super-resolution bioarchitectonics offers new and alternative tools and promises novel developments and applications in nanophotonics and other nanotechnology sectors.

Several recent business reports have described the global growth in demand for optical and photonic components, paralleled by technical reports on the growing shortage of skilled manufacturing staff to meet this demand. It is remarkable that producing ultraprecision surfaces remains so dependent on people, in contrast to other sectors of the economy, e.g., car manufacturing. Clearly, training can play some role, but ultimately, only process automation can provide the solution. This paper explores why automation is a challenge and summarizes multidisciplinary work aiming to assemble the building blocks required to realize automation.Highlights: Capturing polishing craft-expertise was academically successful, but commercially unviable due to personal privacy issues. Automating software communication between optical-design and manufacturing can minimise manufacturing cost and risk. Computational fluid dynamics of abrasive-slurries, plus real-time process-sensing, promises improved rocessconvergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Optical metasurfaces, i.e., subwavelength planar nanostructures, have attracted increasing attention due to their unprecedented capabilities of molding classical light and revolutionized conventional optics by replacing bulky optical components with ultrathin, lightweight, and ultracompact meta -optics. In addition to controlling classical light, meta -optics demonstrate the potential to efficiently manipulate nonclassical light and start to enter the realm of quantum photonics. Here, we briefly overview recent advances in quantum meta -optics for generation and manipulation of nonclassical light, highlighting innovative approaches, and discuss future opportunities in this burgeoning area, ranging from fundamental research to practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fortieth anniversary of the SFO is an ideal occasion to launch PÉPITES [1], a national program to safeguard the scientific memory of French optics. By understanding the intergenerational links that have created today's vibrant photonics sector, we can ensure that its future will be as radiant as in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Interest in 3D (3- dimensional) printed optics and photonics by both industry and academic researchers is burgeoning, due to the unique features availed by 3D printing not achievable by traditional manufacturing techniques. 3D printing offers tremendous opportunities for developing new integrated systems in optics and photonics. Although a variety of manufacturing approaches have been developed, no single method can satisfy the requirement of small features, low roughness, and high speed simultaneously, thus opening up vast opportunities for innovations in 3D printed photonics. Besides the availability of state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, printable materials for the fabrication of 3D printed optics and photonics devices are also crucial. In this comprehensive review, we highlight the latest developments in 3D printing techniques, as well as developments in innovative practical technologies used for optics and photonics. In addition, we cover the latest progress in the materials used for 3D printed optics and photonics and future prospects in applications of 3D printed optics and photonics. The purpose of this review is to discuss technological and material advances, and potential future opportunities in the field of 3D printed optics and photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of additive manufacturing has fueled a revolution in various research fields and industrial applications. Among the myriad of advanced 3D printing techniques, two‐photon polymerization lithography (TPL) uniquely offers a significant advantage in nanoscale print resolution, and has been widely employed in diverse fields, for example, life sciences, materials sciences, mechanics, and microfluidics. More recently, by virtue of the optical transparency of most of the resins used, TPL is finding new applications in optics and photonics, with nanometer to millimeter feature dimensions. It enables the minimization of optical elements and systems, and exploration of light‐matter interactions with new degrees of freedom, never possible before. To review the recent progress in the TPL related optical research, it starts with the fundamentals of TPL and material formulation, then discusses novel fabrication methods, and a wide range of optical applications. These applications notably include diffractive, topological, quantum, and color optics. With a panoramic view of the development, it is concluded with insights and perspectives of the future development of TPL and related potential optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender biases play a very significant role in areas related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The association of gender with certain attributes, behaviors or professions leads to a lower proportion of women in STEM. In the field of Optics and Photonics, we can identify a gender disparity between technical or bio-clinical approaches within the same area when examining the authorship of the defended thesis. In this work, we quantify the impact of implicit gender bias in the Ph.D. programs related to Optics and Photonics in Spain. Here we present an exhaustive study about the UNESCO descriptors of the theses defended within 2015-2020 through the open-access repository TESEO, where all the doctoral theses of Spanish universities are compiled. The doctorate program of each thesis is considered and classified into a technical or bio-clinical category. With this classification, we quantify the number of male and female authors within each category, and the results show up a clear unbalance in most of the evaluated descriptors: men are more likely to choose technical doctorate programs, while women are mostly present in clinical or biological programs. This difference is seen even in descriptors where both genders are equally represented. On one side, women's underrepresentation is higher in "Physics", "Astronomy and Astrophysics", "Earth and Space Sciences", and "Technological Sciences". Oppositely, the areas of "Chemistry", "Life Sciences", and "Medical Sciences" show a greater gender-balanced distribution for most of the descriptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research and technology organizations (RTOs) are studied in the innovation policy literature mainly as providers of R&D services and as intermediaries between universities and the private sector. Through the case of the Institut National d'Optique (INO), Canada's leading RTO in the optics and photonics industry, we argue that RTOs can also act as entrepreneurs by generating technologies and commercializing them through licensing, technology transfers and spin-offs. By analyzing the broad range of activities undertaken by INO, we also discuss what characteristics make some RTOs more likely to embrace entrepreneurship than others. Those characteristics include the following: renewed access to government funding to build a strong in-house research infrastructure and scientific workforce; strategic R&D planning that incorporates commercial objectives and an environment that encourages a culture of entrepreneurship among employees; the ability to act as the driving force of a network of academic, government and private sector organizations. From a policy perspective, the INO case indicates that the main value of using RTOs as entrepreneurship instruments does not lie in profitability but rather in developing dynamic regional systems of innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a curated list of peer-reviewed articles from 2019 onward that cover topics such as optical microscopy, photonics, and solar cell technologies. Topics include advancements in optical fault isolation, photovoltaics, and LEDs, with entries organized alphabetically by author and title.

The classic Grangier et al. (1996) experiment is revisited to suggest an alternative model of a single photon. Photon-counting experiments using spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) show that not every single-photon incident on a detector triggers it, and that coincident triggering of detectors can occur during a single gate. The latter is usually interpreted as being caused by spurious photons entering the gate from different SPDC events. However, a pseudo-classical-type model is suggested which dispenses with these intruder photons. Here, a single-photon manifests as a transversely-iterated front of non-rotating screw threads. Each advancing thread has the potential to trigger a detector, and each allows the transfer of spin angular momentum (SAM). On exiting a beam splitter, a single-photon front can produce multiple triggering of detectors on different parts of the front with a probability of at most 5. 0 2 × 1 0 − 5 − 3. 5 4 × 1 0 − 4 for the experiments presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, flat optics, also known as flat metasurfaces, have been a new hot topic in the photonics community. The application opportunities seem nearly limitless. In this article, we will discuss the exciting potential of flat optics for the photonics industry and market. We will also discuss some of the requirements and challenges [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) have attracted intensive attention for the unprecedented developments of light–matter interactions in optics and photonics, providing a feasible method for light confinement and transmission at a subwavelength scale. However, SPPs traditionally suffer from large losses due to the intrinsic dissipations and absorptions, which hinder further development and applications of SPPs. Here, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the concept of stepped waveguide metamaterials behaving as low-loss effective replicas of SPPs. The proposed structure without natural plasmonic material maintains the identical field configuration to that in regular SPP but avoids the inherent losses, outperforming regular low-loss SPP design with natural plasmonic materials on SPP propagation lengths. Furthermore, stepped waveguide metamaterial exhibits excellent compatibility in direct interconnections with arbitrary regular SPP and potentially represents a feasible route toward new SPP devices with low-loss advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscale functional materials permit advanced applications in optics and photonics. This work presents the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional structured phosphors emitting red, green, blue, and white. The development is a step forward to realizing additive colour synthesis within complex architectures of relevance in integrated optics or light-emitting sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During its fifty-five years of history, the flagship journal of the scientific society SEDOPTICA has, together with its members, witnessed the transformation of a country. In this article we analyse how values such as equality between men and women have been reflected in the magazine over this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mathematical modeling and the associated numerical simulation of the light–matter interaction (LMI) process are well-known to be quite complicated, particularly for media where several electronic transitions take place under electromagnetic excitation. As a result, numerical simulations of typical LMI processes usually require a high computational cost due to the involvement of a large number of coupled differential equations modeling electron and photon behavior. In this paper, we model the general LMI process involving an electromagnetic interaction medium and optical (light) excitation in one dimension (1D) via the use of a dynamic deep learning algorithm where the neural network coefficients can precisely adapt themselves based on the past values of the coefficients of adjacent layers even under the availability of very limited data. Due to the high computational cost of LMI simulations, simulation data are usually only available for short durations. Our aim here is to implement an adaptive deep learning-based model of the LMI process in 1D based on available temporal data so that the electromagnetic features of LMI simulations can be quickly decrypted by the evolving network coefficients, facilitating self-learning. This enables accurate prediction and acceleration of LMI simulations that can run for much longer durations via the reduction in the cost of computation through the elimination of the requirement for the simultaneous computation and discretization of a large set of coupled differential equations at each simulation step. Our analyses show that the LMI process can be efficiently decrypted using dynamic deep learning with less than 1% relative error (RE), enabling the extension of LMI simulations using simple artificial neural networks.

The deep-learning revolution is providing enticing new opportunities to manipulate and harness light at all scales. By building models of light–matter interactions from large experimental or simulated datasets, deep learning has already improved the design of nanophotonic devices and the acquisition and analysis of experimental data, even in situations where the underlying theory is not sufficiently established or too complex to be of practical use. Beyond these early success stories, deep learning also poses several challenges. Most importantly, deep learning works as a black box, making it difficult to understand and interpret its results and reliability, especially when training on incomplete datasets or dealing with data generated by adversarial approaches. Here, after an overview of how deep learning is currently employed in photonics, we discuss the emerging opportunities and challenges, shining light on how deep learning advances photonics.

Modular light (ModLight) sources can be integrated into complex systems for microscopy, medical imaging, remote sensing, and many more. Motivated by the need for affordable and open-access alternatives that are globally relevant, we have designed and presented light devices that use simple, off-the-shelf components. Red, green, blue, white and near-infrared LEDs are combined using mirrors and X-Cube prisms in novel devices. This modular nature allows portability and mounting flexibility. The ModLight suite can be used with any optical system that requires single- or multi-wavelength illumination such as bright-field and epifluorescence microscopes.

Optics means a general area of physics that covers a broad range of topics relevant to the study of light. Optics has subfields they are quantum optics, geometrical optics, and physical optics. Photonics refers to a subset of the optics discipline. The simplicity, high efficiency, reliability, transparency, and robust feature of PID controllers were few factors behind the reasons for its acceptance and more popularity for control in processing industries globally. All the conventional techniques for PID controller design and tuning offer early workable values for reaching favorable performances. The manual tuning of the PID controller variables becomes a difficult role that needs comprehensive knowledge and expertise in that field. Certain meta-heuristic techniques are explored to design PID controllers with the main aims of attaining minimum overshoot in lesser settling time and steady state response. For accomplishing enhanced robustness, minimization of disturbance elimination, operating, and physical restraints are treated as multi-optics functions. Therefore, this article presents a modified honey badger optimization (MoHBO) algorithm-based parameter tuning of the PID controller for optics and photonics. The tuning of the PID controller with constraints on the relative delay margin was considered an optimum disturbance rejection issue and summarized the tuning process. The presented MoHBO algorithm is derived by the inclusion of oppositional based learning (OBL) with standard HBO algorithm. In addition, the MoHBO algorithm is tested using the Magnetic Levitation System (MLS) and Phase Locked Loop system (PLL) to assure the enhanced robust nature of the PID controller. A wide ranging comparison study with other metaheuristic optimization algorithms demonstrates the better performance of the MoHBO algorithm over recent algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We develop the theory of optical beam shifts (both Goos–Hänchen and Imbert–Fedorov) for the case of near-normal incidence, when the incident angle becomes comparable with the angular beam divergence. The developed theory uncovers the unified origin of the anomalous beam shift enhancement via the geometric Berry phase singularity. Particularly, we predict the large Goos–Hänchen shift occurring for small incidence angles. We also propose a simple experimental scheme involving a quarter-wave q-plate that allows us to observe the giant transverse and longitudinal, spatial and angular beam shifts simultaneously. Finally, we analyze the relevant beam parameters, polarization structure, and intensity profiles of the shifted transmitted beam. Our results can find applications in spin–orbit photonics, polarization optics, sensing applications, and quantum weak measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical vortices have drawn extensive research interests due to their widespread applications in various fields. Therefore, it is of great significance to modulate optical vortices to endow them with more properties. Herein, the autofocusing and self-healing properties are introduced to optical vortices via implementing circular cubic phase modulation. The propagation dynamics of the modulated optical vortex is analyzed, and the experimental results match well with the simulations. Moreover, the autodefocusing optical vortices can also be generated, and the flexible switching between the autofocusing state and autodefocusing state can be easily realized by adjusting the helicity of the incident circular polarization. Besides, the topological charges of the two states are also experimentally verified. Our study provides a novel way to modulate optical vortices, which may enrich their applications in optics and photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a straightforward theoretical approach for the direct observation of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) charge inherent in structured light. Our method involves utilizing phase-shift interference of beams to discern the sign and magnitude of the topological charge associated with Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beams. Specifically, we demonstrate that the topological charge of an LG beam can be ascertained through the interference with a corresponding helical wavefront beam possessing an opposite charge due to the reflection in Mach–Zehnder-like interferometer. The determination of the topological charge magnitude is facilitated by examining the interference pattern's half number of petals. Additionally, our study reveals that the petal-like interference pattern undergoes azimuthal shift, with the direction of rotation being contingent upon the sign of the topological charge of the beam. Notably, for a negative phase shift, a anti-clockwise azimuthal shift corresponds to a positive topological charge, while an clockwise rotation is associated with a negative topological charge. This work contributes to the advancement of methods for characterizing structured light based on OAM charge, with potential applications in diverse fields such as optics, telecommunications and topological photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiative cooling with eco-friendly and zero-energy advantages is considered one of the most viable solutions to address the conflict between traditional energy-intensive cooling systems and global decarbonization. Despite significant advances, the development of radiative cooling still faces many challenges, such as fine-engineering of materials and structures to enhance solar reflection and mid-infrared emission, solar absorption caused by coloring for colorful radiative cooling, and spectral modulation for environmental-adaptative dynamic radiative cooling. Over millions of years of natural selection, utilizing a limited set of biomaterial palettes, optimized strategies, and micro-nano structural design, natural organisms have demonstrated fine control over light-matter interactions at different wavelength scales. Including broadband reflection of the sunlight to prevent solar heating, narrowband reflection of visible light to display brilliant colors, strong emission of mid-infrared wave to complete its cooling, and environmental-adaptative spectral modulation to achieve camouflage or thermal regulation. These biological structures and strategies provide extremely valuable inspiration for the development of advanced radiative cooling techniques. In this review, we systematically summarized the research progress of bioinspired radiative cooling technologies. Emphatically introducing the mechanism of key biological structures to achieve several optical functions, and discussing the various bioinspired radiative coolers and their application potential in different fields. Finally, we present the remaining challenges and outlook on the possible research directions in the future. It is hoped that this review will contribute to further research on bioinspired radiative cooling technology and make exciting progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present practical laboratory work for master's students in photonics. The laboratory session is based on the construction of a telescope, emulating the one used by Galileo Galilei and analyzing the effect of aberrations and other practical limitations on the quality of the image. Different situations and configurations are analyzed, and the recreation of historical observations is carried out to generate a debate on the limitations of real telescopes with the students. The impact on the learning procedure of the students is analyzed by means of the results they have obtained during several academic years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This communication analyzes the potential for immersive virtual reality (IVR) to improve efficiency in optics education. We first critically review the common motivations to use IVR in education. Second, we highlight the two capabilities of IVR that distinguish it from the other visualization technologies that can be used in education: immersion and analysis of the learner's movement. Then, we identify four characteristics of situations in which IVR can efficiently support optics learning: large equipment, operating with distraction, security training, and feedback for motor skills. We illustrate these findings with 11 concrete examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public educational outreach is critical for introducing students to the field of optics. Video-sharing platforms, including YouTube and TikTok, are powerful tools for introducing optics to young students, especially as video consumption rates continue to rise. The proliferation of short, casual videos shot vertically on a cell phone on these applications and other social media platforms has greatly reduced the barriers to entry for educating through video. This work will cover the strategies and tactics used by Edmund Optics in recent years to establish and rapidly scale up a video-based outreach program that now reaches up to 13 million views per month. While this scale may at first seem unattainable, short-form video on social media provides a low-cost, low-time-requirement method for achieving this level of reach. In addition to practical guidance for educational video creation, the benefits of such an effort to the company or institution who sponsors it and tips to get buy-in from organizational leadership will be shared. A digital video-based optics outreach program can serve as the foundation for a larger outreach effort that develops the future photonics workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]