Happy International Day of Light! This global initiative, hosted by @unesco, exists to celebrate the role that light plays in science, culture and art, education, sustainable development, and in diverse fields such as medicine, communications, and energy. • • The date May 16th has significance too; it is the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman! • • Today, lasers are everywhere — in research labs, medical clinics, supermarkets, just to name a few places. They are also used regularly for manufacturing automobiles and plastics. The invention of the laser is a perfect example of how a single scientific discovery can positively impact society beyond its original scope in healthcare, engineering, communications, and many other diverse fields. • • Despite the current global challenges that we are facing, light-based technology is providing efficient and affordable solutions across many different sectors. For example, fiber optics provides high-speed connectivity, which makes remote work and online schooling possible. Optics and photonics technology is empowering doctors and researchers to diagnose and treat patients with COVID-19 more effectively. Farmers are also leveraging light science with the help of imaging to monitor their crops and livestock, which is becoming more and more important as the need for sustainable agriculture and energy continues to grow. • • Light science is without a doubt impacting virtually all areas of our lives, and that’s why we’ll hope you’ll celebrate International Day of Light with us! #IDL2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CAQZA2AD71s/?igshid=85jyfofrmpfv