Institute of Optics Archives - News Center

URochester student wears augmented reality glasses and gestures in the air.

Science & Technology

Metasurfaces show promise in boosting AR image clarity and brightness

November 11, 2025

New design could make augmented reality glasses more power-efficient and practical for everyday wear.

person in protective gear works inside a high-tech laser research facility with glowing panels and precision equipment.

Science & Technology

University-led STELLAR project named a finalist in national ‘innovation engines’ competition

September 18, 2025

The National Science Foundation recognizes the Rochester/Finger Lakes region as a potential hub for laser science and development.

two students make adjustments to two yellow panels on the ground.

Rochester engineers serve the community through design capstone projects

August 21, 2025

Rochester seniors and master’s students provide businesses and nonprofits solutions to real-world problems.

Chunlei Guo hovering over a simulator to test sunlight absorption of a solar thermoelectric generator device he holds.

Science & Technology

Black metal could give a heavy boost to solar power generation

August 12, 2025

Researchers improved solar power technology by engineering a solar thermoelectric generator 15 times more efficient than current state-of-the-art devices.

A technician maneuvers a laser diagnostic outside the target chamber of the Omega EP laser at the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

Science & Technology

University’s STELLAR project advances in national ‘innovation engines’ competition

The National Science Foundation grant will connect University, industry, and business partners to grow the region’s laser workforce.

Close-up of a blue-gloved finger holding an intraocular lens.

Science & Technology

What are intraocular lenses? And how can they restore sight for patients with cataracts?

New technology is quickly improving the world’s most common form of eye surgery.

Graphic that shows a photo of Sarah Bjornland alongside the University of Rochester "spirit R" and text that reads "Alumni Connections: Sarah Bjornland '17, optics."

Sarah Bjornland ’17: Embracing her management superpowers

Meaningful connections with faculty and industry experts helped the Rochester graduate find her niche in the field of optics.

Close up of fiber optics cables lit up with a woman out of focusing behind them looking at the cables.

Science & Technology

The surprising way that fiber optics connects us

An optics expert explains how thin strands of glass that transmit light make modern telecommunications possible.

Close-up of a chip-scale laser held in front of a penny, highlighting its miniature size and intricate gold circuitry.

Science & Technology

New laser smaller than a penny can measure objects at ultrafast rates

The chip-scale laser has applications ranging from guiding autonomous vehicles to detecting gravitational waves.

Joseph Eberly

Science & Technology

Pioneering physicist and optical scientist Joseph Eberly remembered

His serendipitous original foray into optics research would help advance the fields of quantum optics and optical physics.