Applied Optics Feature Announcement

Light and Color in the Open Air

Submissions Open: 15 January 2017

Submission Deadline: 15 February 2017

The Light and Color in the Open Air feature issue of Applied Optics explores the wide range of natural optical phenomena that can be seen in our natural environment, and the results of experimental and theoretical investigations undertaken to improve understanding of these phenomena. The title of this feature issue is reminiscent of the famous book of similar title published by the Dutch astronomer Marcel Minnaert in 1937 (The nature of light and color in the open air). The spirit of this classic book, which provides rigorous scientific analysis of everyday naked-eye phenomena, combined with widely accessible explanations, will serve as a guide for submissions to this feature issue.ns to this feature issue.

Topics include but are not limited to:

  • Meteorological optical displays from cloud particle refraction, reflection, and diffraction effects (e.g. rainbows, glories, coronas, iridescence, halos, arcs, subsuns, and pillars);
  • Atmospheric refraction and scattering (mirages, the green flash, sky colors, multiple scattering, and polarization);
  • Auroras, airglow, and noctilucent clouds;
  • Studies of ice crystals, snowflakes, or water droplets that help explain natural optical phenomena;
  • Illusions of perception (Mach bands and the moon illusion);
  • Space optics (the opposition effect and other natural optical phenomena viewable through binoculars or telescopes);
  • Biological colors and iridescence (structure and colors of feathers, insect wings, fish scales, etc.);
  • The use of electronic imaging or sensors to enhance understanding of visual optical phenomena;
  • Computer simulation of atmospheric colors and light scattering;
  • Optics in art and history;
  • Laboratory observation of any of the foregoing or related effects;
  • Theoretical developments related to these effects;
  • Quantitatively supported photographic and naked-eye observations.

All papers need to present original, previously unpublished work, and will be subject to the normal standards and peer-review process of the Journal. Manuscripts must be prepared in standard Applied Optics format; see the Author Resource Center for style guides, templates, and further details. Authors should specify that the manuscript is for the Light and Color in the Open Air feature issue in the drop-down menu.

Feature Editors

Joseph A. Shaw, Montana State University, USA
Raymond L. Lee, Jr., US Naval Academy, USA
Philip Laven, UK