OSA’s advocacy efforts through the National Photonics Initiative helped to secure over $300 M for quantum information science and technology research to be directed to U.S. agencies in the 2020 funding bills signed into law in late December 2019. These bills govern U.S. federal funding through 30 September 2020. The funding breakdown is given in USD below.

National Institute of Standards and Technology: $10 M above last year’s funding level, resulting in $40 M.

National Science Foundation: $106 M, of which up to $50 M can be used to establish up to five new centers.

Department of Energy: $195 M total, of which $120 M is for research and $75 M for up to five new centers.

This is an incredible start for the first year of the U.S. National Quantum Initiative. OSA, through the NPI, led advocacy for quantum funding in the United States.

OSA Fellow Jelena Vuckovic was awarded the Harvey Engineering Research Prize from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), U.K., to develop an on-chip integrated pulsed laser, which will impact fields such as medicine, optical communications, quantum computing and self-driving cars. Congratulations, Dr. Vuckovic!

Congratulations to 2020 class of inductees to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, including OSA Member R. Rox Anderson of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine (pictured left) for laser dermatology & OSA Fellow Ming-Jun Li of Corning Incorporated (pictured right) for bend-insensitive optical fiber.

Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Affiliation: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Location: USA
Pictured Center, Front Row

I had a wonderful visit at the OSA UFABC Student Chapter in Santo Andre, Brazil. What I enjoyed the most were the interactions with the chapter members during a two-hour coffee break. As a recently established chapter, they had a lot of questions about how to manage a chapter and recruit new members as well as ideas on what events and outreach activities to organize. I enjoyed sharing my experiences as a former Vice-President of the University of Latvia OSA Student Chapter.

They did a great job advertising my lecture. They had printed a large poster and many smaller flyers about my talk, and it paid off – there were around 50 people in the audience, mostly students, but also around 5 faculty members. Overall, I am very pleased with the visit. The chapter members were very welcoming and engaging, and, I hope, my experiences and advice will help them grow their chapter into an even more successful one.

The University of Warsaw is hosting the 2020 Siegman International School on Lasers 18-25 July. Deadline to apply: 1 March 2020.

Network with 100 graduate students from around the world and a list of renowned physicists during this week-long experience while enjoying the area of Warsaw, Poland.

The Bernard J. Couillaud Prize application is now open through 14 February 2020. One early-career professional demonstrating a meaningful and positive impact on the science and applications of ultra-fast lasers will receive a merit-based award which includes a $20,500 USD stipend and $5,000 USD in travel expenses.

OSA is accepting applications for co-sponsorship of meetings taking place between May and August 2020. The financial support is not intended to fully underwrite a meeting and should be used for student prizes or to directly support student, invited speaker and/or attendee participation. Priority is given to meetings held in developing or underrepresented countries or focused on emerging topics of interest to the OSA community. The next application deadline is 15 February 2020.

The OSA Fellow Lecturer Program has sent Fellows to developing nations to help foster optics programs for over a decade. The next application deadline is 5 February 2020.

WORKinOPTICS.com connects you to the largest network of qualifed scientists, engineers, and industry leaders in optics and photonics.

Post your opportunity, search a tailored resume database and track your results with OSA's unparalleled resources for recruitment.

The OFC Career Zone is a perfect opportunity to interview qualified candidates from across the country and fill your open positions. Reach job seekers in the exhibit hall and online.

10 - 12 March 2020, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, USA -- View the Career Zone on the Exhibit Hall Floor Plan

OFC exhibitors receive a 15% discount, email careerzone@ofcconference.org to request the discount code.

Save the date! The International OSA Network of Students (IONS) locations for 2020 have been announced. Established in 2006, IONS are three to five day student-managed conferences that occur around the globe, annually.

The goal of IONS is to provide students the opportunity to build a program where they can:

• Engage with our peers by showcasing technical content they are currently researching
• Receive professional development training for career advancement
• Network with luminaries and peers from around the world to identify the latest advances in science and determine strategies for success as we look to take the next step in our profession

To learn more check out OSA.ORG/IONS.  

OSA Fellow Eugene S. Polzik, has been named the 2020 recipient of the Herbert Walther Award for "pioneering experimental contributions to quantum optics including the demonstration of spin squeezing and entanglement of atomic ensembles, quantum teleportation between light and matter, a quantum memory for light, and hybrid atomic-mechanical coupling.”

The Walther Award, co-sponsored by OSA and the Deutsche Physikalische Gesell­schaft (DPG), recognizes distinguished contributions in quantum optics and atomic physics as well as leadership in the international scientific community. 

It's a new year, and time again to look at the year ahead. What can we expect for the optics and photonics market in 2020? We limit ourselves to ten items, with some new and some returning from 2019:

1. It's about the economy. It's a U.S. presidential election year, and to voters, the economy—which now includes trade frictions—outranks all other issues. It outranks everything to our member companies as well. An outright recession now appears less likely than a year ago, but it remains a significant risk. Hear more at OIDA market update events like the OIDA Market Update Breakfast at OFC.

2. Embedded photonics. Following decades of anticipation, the time has finally come where we can talk about near-term integration of photonics inside the same package with commercial switch electronics for use in hyperscale data centers. Learn more at our OIDA workshop in March.

3. Optics in autonomy. While we patiently wait for auto companies to implement LIDAR and other features into cars, others are looking at using LIDAR, conventional imaging and other optical solutions for use in a wide range of other applications—from air, land, and sea vehicles to robots. Gain the latest insights at our OIDA forum in June.

4. Quantum photonics will remain a mostly R&D topic but some products have emerged in the market and there is over US$1.5 B in investment pouring in per year. OIDA will release a quantum photonics technology roadmap this spring, and OSA will debut a new conference, Quantum 2.0, in June.

5. Workforce shortage. Companies struggle with the shortage of skilled workers in optics and photonics, not just in the U.S. but across the world. In a time of high employment and a strong optics sector as we are enjoying now, workers are harder to find and more expensive to keep than ever. Look for OIDA and OSA career programs throughout the year, such as the Innovation School, Mid-Manager Summit, student Lunch & Learn events and career accelerators to find and train the talent your organization needs.

6. Diversity and inclusion are priorities in industry as well as academia. To excel in the global marketplace, our community must improve efforts to intentionally attract and engage workers from differing backgrounds. See OSA's efforts here and the results of the joint OSA-SPIE survey on professional conduct here.

7. MicroLEDs. Just when you think that display technology is maturing, something new comes along. This time it's microLEDs, competing with liquid crystal and OLED technology for displays both small and large.

8. Perovskite materials. In contrast to displays, silicon-based solar cells remain dominant in the photovoltaic market. Silicon is a robust material and decades into the learning curve. But as a new material, perovskites are promising, and may be useful in other applications, if not in solar cells.

9. 5G, AR and the Internet of Things. Everyone wonders, will 5G live up to the promise? This year will be a critical test, as handset makers roll out new 5G phones and carriers measure traction. But 5G is supposed to be bigger than just another handset upgrade, it can enable innovations in industrial IoT (Internet of Things), online video gaming, augmented reality and much much more. Stay tuned, and see OIDA and OSA programming here, here and here.

10. Flat optics promises to take optics beyond diffractive optics with sub-wavelength structures. It's not likely to displace conventional optics in any large way, and is still in its early stage, but there may be many interesting market opportunities for innovators. Learn more and join OSA at our February incubator.

Attend this 1-day workshop and get a deep look at the key challenges and opportunities associated with manufacturing embedded photonic devices for data centers. Data centers are the new growth engine for the photonics industry. Will you and your company be ready to capitalize on this business and overcome the significant technical, manufacturing and cost barriers? This workshop is co-located with OFC, but requires a separate registration.

Four immersive panel discussions - all led by subject matter experts - will help you gain a better understanding of the issues that could impact your company.

Session 1: Data Center Requirements and Technology Roadmap
Session 2: Embedded Photonic Products for Future Data Centers
Working Lunch and Breakout Session
Session 3: Metrics Discussion
Session 4: Manufacturing Embedded Photonics
Session 5: Workshop Wrap-Up
Networking Reception

View the program and register by 27 January to take advantage of discounted registration.

Attending OFC? Add value to your OFC experience. Register to attend OIDA Executive Forum — the premier event for leaders in optical networking and communications. Exclusive for OIDA Members: Buy one discounted registration and bring a customer or colleague for free! 

Hear C-Level speakers from major companies lead broad conversations on the state of the global industry, emerging trends and recommended courses of action. Network with colleagues at breakfast, lunch two coffee breaks and an evening reception.

Registration includes a full program:

Panel 1: Will Open Optical Networking Change the Service Provider Landscape?
Panel 2: Network Automation: When Do We Get There?
Panel 3: The Next Big Things — AI, Cloud Gaming, and AR/VR
Panel 4: What is Going on at the Edge?
Fireside Chat: The View from the Top

PLUS Featured Keynote Speaker Elizabeth Rivera Hartling, Subsea Optical Network Architect, Facebook

View the program and register by 27 January to take advantage of discounted registration.

Miguel Alonso Becomes New Editor-in-Chief of Optics Letters
OSA Publishing is pleased to welcome Miguel Alonso as the new Editor-in-Chief of Optics Letters. Alonso joined the faculty of the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics in 2003 and is currently on sabbatical while teaching and conducting research at Institut Fresnel, Ecole Central Marseille, Aix-Marseille Université in France. His research focuses on mathematical aspects of wave propagation, in particular on the description and applications of beams with structured intensity and polarization distributions, optical coherence, and the connection between the ray and wave models of light. Alonso is an OSA Fellow and has been active on program committees for several OSA conferences. For 12 years, he was a member of the Optics Express Editorial Board as an Associate and Deputy Editor. He then served as an Associate Editor for Optica for six years. Additionally, Alonso founded and chaired OSA Publishing’s Spotlight on Optics Panel for over seven years. Alonso takes over the Editor-in-Chief position from Xi-Cheng Zhang, who led the journal from 2014 - 2019.

Prem Kumar Assumes New Role of Optica Editor-in-Chief
OSA Publishing welcomes Prem Kumar as the new Editor-in-Chief of Optica. Kumar is the SBC Professor of Information Technology in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director of the Center for Photonic Communication and Computing in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University. He also holds an appointment as Professor of Physics and Astronomy in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University. His research focuses on the development of novel fiber-optic devices for ultrahigh-speed optical and quantum communication networks. Kumar is an OSA Fellow who has been active on various OSA conference program committees.  He served on OSA’s Publications Council, led a student chapter, and was a member of a committee to review Optics Express.  Kumar was an Associate Editor for Optics Letters for ten years and guest edited the JOSA B centennial article collection in 2016. He takes over the Editor-in-Chief position from Alexander L. Gaeta, who led the journal from its inception in 2014 through 2019. 

Guifang Li Named New Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Optics and Photonics
OSA Publishing is pleased to welcome Guifang Li as the new Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Optics and Photonics (AOP). Li is a professor of Optics, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics at the University of Central Florida’s Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL). His research interests include optical communication and networking, RF photonics and all-optical signal processing. An OSA Fellow, Li served as an Associate Editor for Optica for six years and was an Associate and Deputy Editor for Optics Express for nine years. He has also served on several OSA conference program committees. Li takes over the Editor-in-Chief position from Govind Agrawal, who led AOP from 2014 - 2019.

Applied Optics and Journal of the Optical Society of America A
Digital Holography and 3D Imaging 2019

Optical Materials Express
Bio-inspired and Bio-integrated Photonic Materials and Devices

Applied Optics
Feature Issue: Advanced Infrared Technology and Applications (AITA) 2019
Submission Deadline: 15 January 2020
Editors: Marija Strojnik (Lead), Mario D'Acunto, and Antoni Rogalski

Feature Issue: Light and Color in Nature
Submission Deadline: 17 February 2020
Editors: Charles Adler (Lead), Laura Bagge, and Alex Haußmann

Journal of Optical Communications and Networking
Feature Issue: Future PON Architectures Enabled By Advanced Technology
Submission Deadline: 18 February 2020
Editors: Roberto Gaudino (Lead), René Bonk, Derek Nesset, and Josep Prat

Journal of the Optical Society of America A
Feature Issue: Advances in Optical Metrology & Instrumentation
Submission Opens: 15 February 2020; Submission Deadline: 1 April 2020
Editors: Jonathan D. Ellis (Lead), Han Haitje, Xiangqian (Jane) Jiang, Ki-Nam Joo, and Richard Leach 

Journal of the Optical Society of America A and Journal of the Optical Society of America B
Feature Issue: Optics in Africa
Submission Opens: 15 March 2020; Submission Deadline: 1 May 2020
Editors: Andrew Forbes (Lead), Rim Cherif, Alain Dikande, Angela Dudley, and Ahmadou Wague

Optical Materials Express
Feature Issue: Photonic Topological Materials
Submission Opens: 15 March 2020; Submission Deadline: 1 May 2020
Editors: Alberto Amo (Lead), Tomoki Ozawa, and Ramy El-Ganainy

Optics Express
Feature Issue: Asia-Pacific Optical Sensors Conference (APOS)
Submission Deadline: 15 February 2020
Editors: Cushla McGoverin (Co-Lead), Frédérique Vanholsbeeck (Co-Lead), Judith Dawes, Xinyu Fan, and Yosuke Mizuno

Feature Issue: Advances in Thermophotovoltaics
Submission Opens: 15 February 2020; Submission Deadline: 15 June 2020
Editors: Rodolphe Vaillon (Lead), Alejandro Datas, Mathieu Francoeur, and Makoto Shimizu

Optica
Big Sensitivity Boost for Spectroscopic Analysis – Technology Networks
Hamamatsu produces terahertz waves at 450 μm – Optics.org
Source Article: Terahertz gas phase spectroscopy using a high-finesse Fabry–Pérot cavity

New Ghost Imaging Nanoscopy Approach Captures the Details of Processes Occurring in Living Cells – SciTechDaily
Advanced imaging technique could be used to image living cells faster – Drug Target Review
Source Article: Single-frame wide-field nanoscopy based on ghost imaging via sparsity constraints

Optics Express
Quantum Light Improves Sensitivity of Biological Measurements – Novus Light Technologies Today
Collaborative Work Advances Quantum Sensors for Bio Applications – Photonics.com
Source Article: Adaptive tracking of enzymatic reactions with quantum light 

Optics Letters
New Laser-Integrated, Chip-Based Sensor Detects Cancer Biomarker in Urine Samples – AzoSensors.com
Optical Sensor Detects Cancer Biomarker In Urine – Worldhealth.net
Source Article: Al2O3:Yb3+ integrated microdisk laser label-free biosensor