Current Areas of research in Optics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around current areas of research in optics, with a focus on distinguishing between theoretical and applied aspects of the field. Participants explore various subfields and institutions involved in optics research.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about current research areas in optics, expressing uncertainty about the specificity of the question.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for clarification on whether the interest lies in theoretical physics, applied physics, or technology within optics.
  • A participant mentions a focus on theoretical optics but acknowledges interest in experimental work, noting that much current research is related to quantum field theory rather than traditional light studies.
  • It is noted that theoretical research in optics spans various subfields, including ultrafast optics, quantum optics, and laser technology, with specific institutions highlighted for their research contributions.
  • A participant shares their current work in transformation optics and suggests looking into specific universities for more information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific areas of research, as the discussion remains open-ended with multiple perspectives on the focus of optics research.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific definitions of subfields and does not resolve the distinctions between theoretical and applied optics. There are also assumptions regarding the relevance of quantum field theory to current research.

Niflheim
Messages
143
Reaction score
19
Hello, I'm not sure whether this thread should be in a guidance section or here, but I think its more closely related to this area.

As the title of the thread says, what are some current areas of research in Optics, if any?

Thanks for any and all replies
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Of course there is any and your question itself is still way too general. Which research field in optics do you want to know, is it more into theoretical physics,more into applied physics, or more into technology?
 
I'm mainly into theoretical, but maybe dabbling into some experimental stuff too. I said "if any" because as far as basic theoretical optics goes as far as I know most everything going on is closer to quantum field theory and not pure light studies.
 
People do theoretical research in optics in all the subfields: ultrafast, quantum, lasers, etc. Check out research at Texas A&M, University of Arizona, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Maryland, Rochester, and others but these ones come to mind first. I currently do transformation optics.
 
Thanks for the reply, I will look into those sources
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K