Optics is playing such an important role in the life sciences and medicine that organizations concerned with these disciplines need to recogn ize and adjust to these developments. Optical Sensing, Lighting, anti Energy Advances in lighting sources and light distribution systems are poised to dramatically reduce the one-fifth of U.S. electricity consumption now devoted to lighting. These developments will affect energy and environmental concerns on a national scale. Optical techniques have become crucial in such diverse industries as semiconductor manufacturing, construction, and chemical production. Every semiconductor chip mass produced in the world today is manufactured using optical lithography.
Optics can play an important role in ensuring a healthy U.S. manufacturing enterprise.
Sophisticated satellite sur- veillance systems are a keystone of intelligence gathering. Manufacturing of Optical Systems and Components As the impact of optics has increased, changes have become neces- sary in how optical components and systems are designed and made. One example is the emergence of new classes of numerically controlled optical grinding and polishing machines. Another is a better understanding of the characteristics of optical materials, from glasses to polymers to metals, thus permitting broader use of these automated technologies. A key U.S. strength is in optical design, which is being revolutionized by the development of fast and affordable ray- tracing software.