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Advances in silicon photonics, compound III–V semiconductor technology and hybrid integration now mean that powerful, programmable optical integrated circuits could be within sight.
First studied more than a decade ago, the field of spin–orbit interactions of light has accelerated in recent years and is now being exploited in nanophotonics and the generation of complex optical fields.
US$610 million has been secured for a US initiative into high-tech manufacturing involving 20 states with the hope of leveraging the capabilities of photonics.
Fears of an imminent capacity crunch in optical networks may be alarmist but new more efficient technologies for transporting data will be required in the future.
Nikola Tesla is known for his work on alternating current power systems, induction motors and wireless transmission but he is also an unsung hero of research into X-rays and light sources.
New synchrotron sources are being commissioned and built around the globe, with an emphasis on developing countries. Given the obvious benefits, the trend is encouraging.
Are true theorists a dying breed? Does more need to be done to support and encourage young scientists to devote themselves to inventing new theoretical concepts and models?
