Browse hot topics, Virtual Collections, and more in celebration of light and its role in advancing scientific discovery.

Light beams shining out from blue solar panels

The International Day of Light, held each year on May 16, is a global initiative that celebrates the importance of light and its ever-growing contributions to the advancement of science, art, education, and sustainable development.

May 16 marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman. The laser is a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare, and many other fields.

To celebrate this year’s International Day of Light, we present a collection of resources highlighting noteworthy contributions in ACS Journals across all areas of optics and photonics. We hope you enjoy the selections below, and we encourage you to submit your own work in these exciting fields.

Recent and Relevant Virtual Issues

Hot Topics and Research Highlights from ACS Journals

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