Harnessing Light: Optical Science and Engineering for the 21st Century
Optical science and engineering affect almost every aspect of our lives. Millions of miles of optical fiber carry voice and data signals around the world. Lasers are used in surgery of the retina, kidneys, and heart. New high-efficiency light sources promise dramatic reductions in electricity consumption. Night-vision equipment and satellite surveillance are changing how wars are fought. Industry uses optical methods in everything from the production of computer chips to the construction of...
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Optical science and engineering affect almost every aspect of our lives. Millions of miles of optical fiber carry voice and data signals around the world. Lasers are used in eye, kidney, and heart surgery. Industry uses optical methods in everything from the production of computer chips to the construction of tunnels. Harnessing Light surveys this multitude of applications, as well as the status of the optics industry and of research and education in optics, and identifies actions that could enhance the field's contributions to society and facilitate its continued technical development.
Executive Summary1Overview51Optics in Information Technology and Telecommunications29Information Transport32Information Processing46Optical Storage58Displays672Optics in Health Care and the Life Sciences83Surgery and Medicine84Tools for Biology106Biotechnology1173Optical Sensing, Lighting, and Energy125Optical Sensors and Imaging Systems127Lighting148Optical Sensors and Lighting in Transportation155Energy1584Optics in National Defense169Surveillance173Night Vision176Laser Systems Operating in the Atmosphere and in Space179Fiber-Optic Systems184Displays186Special Techniques1885Optics in Industrial Manufacturing195Use of Light to Perform Manufacturing197Use of Optics to Control Manufacturing210Specific Industrial Applications215Increasing Use of Optics in Industrial Manufacturing2296Manufacturing Optical Components and Systems235Introduction235Low-Volume Manufacturing of Specialty Optics239High-Volume Manufacturing of Optics253Crosscutting Issues2627Optics Research and Education275Introduction275Research Opportunities279Education in Optics308App. A: Collected Recommendations321App. B: Workshop Participants331
