For three decades, Optics Letters has been considered THE model for rapid publications of extremely high quality research in the broad field of optics. Its breadth and depth is astounding, covering all topics that the OSA members have potential interest as well as producing articles that are held as key seminal contributions that can ignite a field. I am greatly excited to have been given the wonderful opportunity and privilege to serve our community as the incoming Editor of Optics Letters.

Optics Letters has been guided by several extraordinarily distinguished and selfless Editors-in-Chief: Robert Terhune (1977–1983), Paul Kelley (1984–1989), Peter Smith (1990–1995), Anthony Johnson (1996–2001), and Anthony Campillo (2002–2007). I have the deepest respect for them as individuals and for what they have accomplished with Optics Letters. The journal has grown dramatically over the years, and yet high quality was always the driving motivator and never compromised.

Optics Letters is a prestigious and premier publication due to the high quality of our authors, reviewers, and editors. Researchers worldwide know Optics Letters and are proud to publish with us. (When a student of mine had a manuscript recently accepted to Optics Letters, his pride in his accomplishment from such a selective publication was infectious!)

Although I will try to help Optics Letters grow in various ways, I feel strongly that I should “do no harm” to its existing excellence. I will jealously guard the prestigious reputation and extremely high standards that are at our core. Of course, I welcome suggestions from our community of ways to better OL.

I wish to express my deepest appreciation to Tony Campillo, and he leaves very big shoes to fill. Tony has always impressed me by his stature in our community as well as his infinite dedication to Optics Letters. I hope to emulate his high standards and attention to detail. Over the past few months, Tony has been an invaluable mentor to me, providing extreme insight into the workings and subtleties of Optics Letters. I know that I can count on him for advice and support in the future. If anybody loves Optics Letters and wants it to thrive, it is Tony. We have all been fortunate to have Tony as our Editor.

I want to thank the OSA publications staff for producing a top-quality publication and for helping me with valuable directions and good cheer during the transition. Finally, I am extremely grateful to Tony Heinz, Chair of the OSA Board of Editors, for his generous guidance, encouragement, and support.

With your help, I look forward to building on our past and providing the most impact to our readers, authors, and entire community.

Respectfully submitted,