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Applied Optics Feature Issue Announcement

Light and Color in the Open Air

Submission Opens: 15 July 2014

Submission Deadline: 8 September 2014

OSA is soliciting papers on light and color in the open air to be published in Applied Optics in early 2015. This feature issue explores the wide range of natural optical phenomena that can be seen in our natural environment, and the results of experimental and theoretical investigations undertaken to improve understanding of these phenomena. The title of this feature issue is reminiscent of the famous book of similar title published by the Dutch astronomer Marcel Minnaert in 1937. The spirit of this classic book, which provides rigorous scientific analysis of everyday naked-eye phenomena, will serve as a guide for submissions to this feature issue.

Laser-materials interaction is the fascinating nexus where laser physics, optical physics and materials science intersect.

Topics include:

  • Meteorological optical displays from cloud particle refraction, reflection, and diffraction effects (e.g. rainbows, glories, coronas, iridescence, halos, arcs, subsuns, and pillars);
  • Atmospheric refraction and scattering (mirages, the green flash, sky colors, multiple scattering, and polarization);
  • Auroras and airglow;
  • Studies of ice crystals, snowflakes, or water droplets that help explain natural optical phenomena;
  • Illusions of perception (Mach bands and the moon illusion);
  • Space optics (the opposition effect and other natural optical phenomena viewable through telescopes);
  • Organic iridescence (structure colors of feathers, insect wings, fish scales, etc.);
  • The use of electronic imaging or sensors to enhance understanding of visual optical phenomena;
  • Computer simulation of atmospheric colors and light scattering;
  • Optics in art and history (prehistoric and historic renderings and accounts);
  • Laboratory observation of any of the foregoing or related effects;
  • Theoretical developments related to these effects.
  • Quantitatively supported photographic and naked-eye observations.

Manuscripts must be prepared according to the usual standards for submission to Applied Optics; see the Information for Contributors in any printed issue or the OSA Style Guide. Manuscripts must also be uploaded through OSA's electronic submission system. All manuscripts must be submitted to the Lasers, Photonics, & Environmental Optics Division. Please specify that the manuscript is for the Light and Color in the Open Air feature (choose from the feature issue drop-down menu).

Feature Editors

Joseph A. Shaw, Montana State University, USA (Lead)
Raymond L. Lee, Jr., US Naval Academy, USA
Philip Laven, Switzerland