IEEE Photonics Society

08/12/2026

A new approach to computational imaging could help cameras stay sharp across changing imaging conditions—without relying on constant mechanical refocusing.

Published in the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, the research introduces a defocus-resistant cubic-metalens that combines a lens and wavefront-coding phase mask in a single ultrathin metasurface.

See how the technology performed across different focal distances and even in the presence of transparent obstacles.

🔗 Read the full story: https://ieeephotonics.org/announcements/ieee-study-develops-a-compact-metalens-that-keeps-images-sharp-across-different-distances/

Researchers develop a metasurface that combines an optical lens and focus-correcting functionalities into one flat device July 27, 2026 Keeping cameras in focus without constant refocusing may soon become much […]

08/11/2026

In the latest President’s Column in the Newsroom, Society President Gabriella Bosco reflects on her recent travels and opportunities to connect with the global photonics community.

In her column, Gabriella highlights how a conversation with a , an introduction at a conference, a Chapter activity, or an opportunity to volunteer can open the door to new ideas, collaborations, and lasting professional relationships.

Read more about her call for our community to stay connected, get involved, and create meaningful opportunities for one another: https://bit.ly/4cxiO4E

08/10/2026

Nominate a pioneer in fiber optic technology for the John Tyndall Award!

Co-presented by Optica and the IEEE Photonics Society, the Tyndall Award honors contributions that have stood the test of time and have proven beneficial to science, technology, or society.

The deadline for the 2027 award is quickly approaching: 10 August!

Submit your nomination for a colleague today: https://bit.ly/44ccMC2

08/06/2026

Researchers have developed a machine learning-based design approach for generating high-energy ultrashort pulses in the mid-infrared spectral region. By optimizing a Praseodymium-doped As₂S₃ tapered photonic crystal fiber within a nonlinear amplifying loop mirror configuration, the team achieved simultaneous pulse amplification and compression, reducing 5 ps pulses to 282.6 fs.

This strategy demonstrates the growing role of artificial intelligence in photonics and could support the development of advanced mid-infrared light sources. Read the article to know more: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11534531

08/06/2026

IEEE Photonics Society congratulates Arthur Hartog, recipient of the 2026 Industry Achievement Award!

The 2026 IEEE Photonics Society Industry Achievement Award recognizes Arthur Hartog, Co-Founder of FOSINA, for demonstrating the first distributed fiber optic sensor and then continuously leading its development and commercialization into a globally deployed technology that transformed industrial monitoring across energy, infrastructure, and environmental applications.

For more than four decades, Hartog has pioneered the advancement of distributed optical fiber sensing (DFOS), helping transform groundbreaking research into technologies now used worldwide for energy production, infrastructure monitoring, environmental sensing, and telecommunications. His leadership and entrepreneurial vision have made a lasting impact on the global photonics industry.

Please join us in congratulating Arthur Hartog and FOSINA on this well-deserved recognition.

🔗 Learn more: https://ieeephotonics.org/announcements/2026-industry-achievement-award-recipient-announced

08/05/2026

Marine biodiversity monitoring depends on efficient communication between underwater sensors and above-water platforms. A new study in IEEE Photonics Journal evaluates a direct water-to-air wireless optical communication channel using underwater sensor nodes and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). By developing a comprehensive propagation model and analyzing system performance under realistic environmental conditions, the researchers demonstrate the practical feasibility and potential of this approach for efficient and cost-effective marine monitoring. Know more: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11512973/

08/05/2026

IEEE Photonics Society congratulates Judy Donnelly, recipient of the 2026 Technical Skills Educator Award!

The 2026 IEEE Photonics Society Technical Skills Educator Award recognizes Professor Emerita Judy Donnelly, formerly of Three Rivers Community College, for lifelong dedication to optics and photonics education, advancing scientific training, innovation, and global educational development in photonics worldwide.

Throughout her distinguished career, Donnelly has transformed photonics education through the creation of innovative technician training programs, hands-on STEM outreach initiatives, curriculum development, and faculty professional development. Her decades of leadership have inspired countless students and educators while expanding access to optics and photonics education around the world.

Please join us in congratulating Judy Donnelly on this well-deserved recognition.

Learn more:https://ieeephotonics.org/announcements/2026-ieee-technical-skills-educator-award-recipient-announced/

08/04/2026

A new study published in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, presents passive radiative daytime cooling (PDRC) coated textiles based on glass fiber, carbon fiber, and Kevlar that demonstrate enhanced cooling performance even under extreme temperature conditions. Read more: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10985781/

08/04/2026

IEEE Photonics Society congratulates Carmen Menoni, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award!

The 2026 IEEE Photonics Society Distinguished Service Award recognizes Carmen Menoni, University Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Colorado State University, for pioneering and sustained contributions to publications, conferences, and leadership to the IEEE Photonics Society and IEEE broadly.

A former IEEE Photonics Society President (2020–2021), Menoni has played a transformative role in advancing the Society through her leadership in publications, conferences, and governance while making groundbreaking contributions to laser science, dielectric coatings, extreme ultraviolet microscopy, and inertial fusion energy research.

Please join us in congratulating Carmen Menoni and Colorado State University on this well-deserved recognition.

Learn more: https://ieeephotonics.org/announcements/2026-ieee-photonics-distinguished-service-award-recipient-announced/

08/03/2026

IEEE Photonics Society congratulates the recipients of the 2026 Quantum Electronics Award, Chao-Yang Lu and Jian-Wei Pan, recognized for pioneering work on single photon sources and optical quantum computing.

Chao-Yang Lu, Chair Professor of Physics at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and Jian-Wei Pan, Professor of Physics at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), have made groundbreaking contributions that continue to advance the fields of quantum photonics and quantum information science.

Please join us in congratulating Chao-Yang Lu and Jian-Wei Pan of the on this well-deserved recognition.

Learn more: https://ieeephotonics.org/announcements/2026-quantum-electronics-award-recipients-announced/