Breakthroughs in Photonics 2011

Summary form only given, as follows. Breakthroughs in Photonics is a Special Issue of the IEEE PHOTONICS JOURNAL that contains a compilation of short reviews describing significant accomplishments in selected areas of Photonics within the last year. Breakthroughs in Photonics 2011 is comprised of 19 invited comprehensive refereed reviews written by experts that cover progress in the following areas: Coherent Photon Sources, Photonics Materials and Engineered Photonic Structures, Nanophotonics, Biophotonics, Silicon Photonics, Solid-State Lighting, Photovoltaics, Sensors, Imaging and Visualization, and Integrated Photonic Systems. The selection of the topics that make up the Special Issue lies entirely with the Editorial Board of IEEE PHOTONICS JOURNAL. In a process that starts in December, the team identifies topics and experts in key areas of Photonics that mirror the scope of the JOURNAL. With the support of the editorial staff and the editorial office, Breakthroughs in Photonics is published online Open Access annually every April. As a prelude to changes that are about to be implemented, I take this opportunity to announce that starting July 2012, IEEE PHOTONICS JOURNAL is moving to an Bopen access[ publication model. Open access capabilities, coupled with an average time of 5 weeks from submission to online publishing, will provide authors with enhanced visibility and a much wider readership of their published articles. I am grateful to the authors, the IEEE PHOTONICS JOURNAL editorial board and editorial staff, and IEEE Publications for their invaluable contributions to Breakthroughs in Photonics 2011.