| Credit: Clara Saraceno (left) and Anna Ono Suzuki in the lab. [©RUB, Marquard] |
| The terahertz spectral region was traditionally referred to as the “THz gap” due to the lack of technologies that could efficiently generate and detect such radiation. Today, however, the generation, manipulation, detection and application of THz radiation are now highly active areas of research, with technologies increasingly reaching commercial systems and industrial applications. A feature article in the October issue of Optica’s magazine Optics & Photonics News (OPN) looks at how advances in ultrafast laser–driven secondary sources are pushing terahertz science to new limits. |
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| Portrait of Joseph Eberly. [University of Rochester Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation] |
| 2007 Optica President Joseph H. Eberly was a pioneer in theoretical quantum optics and scientific publishing. An article in OPN highlights his contributions to physics, mentorship, and the development of Optica's groundbreaking open-access journal, Optics Express. It explores his life, career, collaborations, and legacy, emphasizing his impact on quantum optics, global scientific collaboration, and electronic publishing. |
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A new chip-based quantum random number generator (QRNG) combines miniaturization with high-speed, high-quality operation. The researchers showed it can generate unpredictable random numbers at a rate of 3 Gbps.
Credit: Raymond Smith, Toshiba’s Cambridge Research Laboratory
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| Researchers developed a chip-based quantum random number generator (QRNG) combining miniaturization with high-speed, high-quality randomness generation, essential for secure digital infrastructure. The QRNG uses integrated photonics and noise-rejection features to improve signal clarity and reduce post-processing needs, achieving a generation rate of 3 Gbps. The device demonstrates stability and scalability, aiming for a compact, standalone design for commercial use. The Optica Quantum journal highlights advancements in quantum information science and technology. |
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Researchers designed and fabricated elastic spoof surface plasmonic waveguides, which fully recover their original size and shape after being stretched and maintain efficient, stable signal transmission even when bent or twisted.
Image Credit: Zuojia Wang, Zhejiang University |
| Researchers from Zhejiang University developed stretchable plasmonic waveguides capable of stable signal transmission even when bent, twisted, or stretched. This innovation could enable wearable devices for health monitoring, wireless communication, and seamless integration with fabrics and skin. The waveguides, designed with helically wound metallic wires on thermoplastic polyurethane, offer elasticity, mechanical stability, and compatibility with textiles. Prototypes demonstrated efficient signal transmission with minimal variation under physical deformation. Future developments include integrating these waveguides into smart textiles for advanced applications. |
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| Photo courtesy of Aleksandra Foltynowicz |
| Looking back over her career so far, Aleksandra Foltynowicz credits her outstanding foundational education in Poland and later the hands-on laboratory experience and open climate for young researchers she encountered in Sweden. Now, as her career develops, she has the opportunity to give back. Recently, she became an Associate Editor for Optics Express, which has been an important learning experience and perspective shift. She also participates in her university’s mentor match program, sharing, “I know how much it means to get to talk to someone who has gone a few steps ahead. So I'm trying to give back what I got to someone else.” |
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| Submit Here |
| Submit to Quantum 2.0 and showcase your research in quantum computing, communication and sensing. Accepted papers are published and indexed worldwide. |
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| Submit OFC Research |
| Share your research at OFC 2026 & expand your influence. Accepted papers are published in IEEE Xplore and the Optica Publishing Group's platform and indexed in top databases. |
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| The WORKinOPTICS Winter Career Fair is a virtual hiring event for professionals in optics, photonics, and engineering. Job seekers can explore new opportunities while employers connect with qualified candidates. Optica Members receive discounted registration rates. |
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