Editorials in 2021

Two visionaries of optical lattice clock technology have received recognition in this year’s Breakthrough Prizes.

As they race towards commercialization, perovskite solar cells are receiving critical acclaim with numerous awards.

News of a 1.3-MJ-output-energy experiment at the National Ignition Facility in the United States in August has raised hopes that laser-based fusion is back on track.

Solution-processing of light-emitting devices is attracting much attention due to low manufacturing costs and access to new materials. In this month’s Focus issue we highlight some of the advances and challenges in the field.

Artificial intelligence deployment in photonics has spawned much research activity during 2020, but optimism must be balanced by realism. This month we celebrate the advances in the field with a focus issue.