 |
|
Pushing light beyond its known limits
November 13, 2009Scientists at the University of Adelaide have made a breakthrough that could change the world's thinking on what light is capable of.
The researchers in the University's new Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS) have discovered that light within optical fibers can be squeezed into much tighter spaces than was previously believed possible.
Optical fibers usually act like pipes for light, with the light bouncing around inside the pipe. As you shrink down the size of the fiber, the light becomes more and more confined too, until you reach the ultimate limit - the point beyond which light cannot be squeezed any smaller.
This ultimate point occurs when the strand of glass is just a few hundred nanometers in diameter, about one thousandth of the size of a human hair. If you go smaller than this, light begins to spread out again.
The Adelaide researchers have discovered they can now push beyond that limit by at least a factor of two.
They can do this due to new breakthroughs in the theoretical understanding of how light behaves at the nanoscale, and thanks to the use of a new generation of nanoscale optical fibers being developed at the Institute.
This discovery is expected to lead to more efficient tools for optical data processing in telecommunications networks and optical computing, as well as new light sources.
IPAS Research Fellow Dr Shahraam Afshar has made this discovery ahead of today's launch of the new Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing.
The Australian Government, South Australian Government, Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO), Defence SA and the University of Adelaide have committed a combined total of more than $38 million to support the establishment of the new Institute.
IPAS is a world leader in the science and application of light, developing unique lasers, optical fibers and sensors to measure various aspects of the world around us. A strong focus of the new Institute is in collaboration with other fields of research to find solutions to a range of problems.
"By being able to use our optical fibers as sensors - rather than just using them as pipes to transmit light - we can develop tools that, for example, could easily detect the presence of a flu virus at an airport; could help IVF (in vitro fertilization) specialists to determine which egg should be chosen for fertilization; could gauge the safety of drinking water; or could alert maintenance crews to corrosion occurring in the structure of an aircraft," says Professor Tanya Monro, Federation Fellow at the University of Adelaide and Director of IPAS.
Professor Monro says Dr Afshar's discovery is "a fundamental breakthrough in the science of light".
Another IPAS researcher, Dr Yinlan Ruan, has recently created what is thought to be the world's smallest hole inside an optical fiber - just 25 nanometers in diameter.
"These breakthroughs feed directly into our applied work to develop nanoscale sensors, and they are perfect examples of the culture of research excellence that exists among our team members," Professor Monro says.
"They will enable us to study the applications of light at much smaller scales than we've ever thought possible. It will help us to better understand and probe our world in ever smaller dimensions."
University of Adelaide
This ultimate point occurs when the strand of glass is just a few hundred nanometers in diameter, about one thousandth of the size of a human hair. If you go smaller than this, light begins to spread out again.
The Adelaide researchers have discovered they can now push beyond that limit by at least a factor of two.
They can do this due to new breakthroughs in the theoretical understanding of how light behaves at the nanoscale, and thanks to the use of a new generation of nanoscale optical fibers being developed at the Institute.
This discovery is expected to lead to more efficient tools for optical data processing in telecommunications networks and optical computing, as well as new light sources.
IPAS Research Fellow Dr Shahraam Afshar has made this discovery ahead of today's launch of the new Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing.
The Australian Government, South Australian Government, Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO), Defence SA and the University of Adelaide have committed a combined total of more than $38 million to support the establishment of the new Institute.
IPAS is a world leader in the science and application of light, developing unique lasers, optical fibers and sensors to measure various aspects of the world around us. A strong focus of the new Institute is in collaboration with other fields of research to find solutions to a range of problems.
"By being able to use our optical fibers as sensors - rather than just using them as pipes to transmit light - we can develop tools that, for example, could easily detect the presence of a flu virus at an airport; could help IVF (in vitro fertilization) specialists to determine which egg should be chosen for fertilization; could gauge the safety of drinking water; or could alert maintenance crews to corrosion occurring in the structure of an aircraft," says Professor Tanya Monro, Federation Fellow at the University of Adelaide and Director of IPAS.
Professor Monro says Dr Afshar's discovery is "a fundamental breakthrough in the science of light".
Another IPAS researcher, Dr Yinlan Ruan, has recently created what is thought to be the world's smallest hole inside an optical fiber - just 25 nanometers in diameter.
"These breakthroughs feed directly into our applied work to develop nanoscale sensors, and they are perfect examples of the culture of research excellence that exists among our team members," Professor Monro says.
"They will enable us to study the applications of light at much smaller scales than we've ever thought possible. It will help us to better understand and probe our world in ever smaller dimensions."
University of Adelaide
Optical Fibers Current Events and Optical Fibers News RSSOptical refrigeration expected to enhance airborne and spaceborne applications
Under an Air Force Office of Scientific Research, multi-university grant, a team led by University of New Mexico professor, Dr. Mansoor Sheik-Bahae created the first-ever all-solid-state cryocooler that can be applied to airborne and spaceborne sensors.
MIT neuroengineers silence brain cells with multiple colors of light
Neuroscientists at MIT have developed a powerful new class of tools to reversibly shut down brain activity using different colors of light.
Dark Energy From the Ground Up: Make Way for BigBOSS
Several ways have been proposed to examine dark energy, in hopes of finding out just what it is. One of them, "supernovae" for short, certainly works: it's how dark energy was discovered in the first place. Other independent techniques, such as weak gravitational lensing and baryon acoustic oscillation, also promise great power but are as yet unproven.
Caltech scientists create nanoscale zipper cavity that responds to single photons of light
Physicists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed a nanoscale device that can be used for force detection, optical communication, and more.
Spreading high-speed Internet to rural areas
To cut the cost of bringing high-speed Internet to rural areas, Dr. Ka Lun Lee and colleagues at the University of Melbourne and NEC Australia in the state of Victoria are experimenting with a way to boost the reach of existing technology.
Engineers ride 'rogue' laser waves to build better light sources
A freak wave at sea is a terrifying sight. Seven stories tall, wildly unpredictable, and incredibly destructive, such waves have been known to emerge from calm waters and swallow ships whole.
Scientists closer to making invisibility cloak a reality
J.K. Rowling may not have realized just how close Harry Potter's invisibility cloak was to becoming a reality when she introduced it in the first book of her best-selling fictional series in 1998. Scientists, however, have made huge strides in the past few years in the rapidly developing field of cloaking. Ranked the number five breakthrough of the year by Science magazine in 2006, cloaking involves making an object invisible or undetectable to electromagnetic waves.
Targeted nanospheres find, penetrate, then fuel burning of melanoma
Hollow gold nanospheres equipped with a targeting peptide find melanoma cells, penetrate them deeply, and then cook the tumor when bathed with near-infrared light, a research team led by scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reported in the Feb. 1 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
Tiny lasers get a notch up
Tiny disk-shaped lasers as small as a speck of dust could one day beam information through optical computers. Unfortunately, a perfect disk will spray light out, not as a beam, but in all directions.
Silicon optical fiber made practical
Scientists at Clemson University for the first time have been able to make a practical optical fiber with a silicon core, according to a new paper published in the current issue of the Optical Society's open-access journal, Optics Express.
More Optical Fibers Current Events and Optical Fibers News Articles
 |
RF Photonic Technology in Optical Fiber Links by William S. C. Chang (Editor) RF photonic components, transmission systems, and signal processing examples in optical fibers are reviewed by leading academic, government, and industry scientists working in this field. This volume introduces various related technologies such as direct modulation of laser sources, external modulation techniques, and detectors. The text is aimed at engineers and scientists engaged in the research and development of optical fibers and analog RF applications. |
 |
High Quality Toslink / Toslink Digital Fiber Optical Cable, 5.0mm 12 ft by CableWholesale This is our high quality optical cable that can carry high-resolution digital audio to and from devices such as DVD players stereo receivers, TVs or any device that calls for an optical connection. Fiber optic cables are the best choice, when available, for transmission of audio signals. Virtually no signal loss means you get the very best quality sound your device can produce. |
 |
Eforcity Black Molded 12 Foot Digital Optical Audio TosLink Cable for CD, D/A Converters, Dolby Digital DTS Surround sound receivers, DVD, MiniDisk players and recorders, Pro Audio cards by Eforcity Toslink Digital Audio Cable provides you the cleanest possible signal, even at extreme volume levels. These cables use 1mm low-loss core, low-jitter synthetic fiber and heavy metal connectors to dampen vibration, giving you the ultimate listening experience. Optical cables transfer the signal using light; thus completely eliminating any chance for RFI, EMI or ground loop interference. The stylish PVC HEAVY 5.0mm JACKET helps prevent cable damage and adds flexibility and durability for years of listening pleasure. MOULDED STRAIN RELIEFS reduce stress where cable and connectors meet. GOLD-PLATED FERRULE prevents corrosion and provides for maximum protection of the fiber tip. PRECISION POLISHED FIBER TIPS for maximum signal transfer (includes tip protectors). Connect to your DVD, CD, Mini... |
 |
Ideal 45-352 MiniLite-Strip Optical Fiber Stripper by Ideal Two V-notch blades provides two tools in one. The large V-notch blade removes outer jacket insulation, and the small V-notch blade removes buffer and coating from 125µ fiber. (USA) |
 |
2PCS 12ft Digital Audio Optical Fiber Toslink Cable by Eforcity Eforcity Branded Accessory. Enjoy 30-Days Money Back Guarantee if purchased through Eforcity. |
 |
Acoustic Research PR182N Fiber Optical/Toslink Digital Cable (12 feet) by Acoustic Research Precision-made fiber optic cable is engineered for high-capacity signal delivery to digital audio/video systems for crystal clear sound.PRODUCT FEATURES:Highly-polished, convex lens precisely focuses light for accurate digital signal transfer for true sound reproduction;24K gold-plated collar protects lens from damage;Heavy-duty strain relief and large diameter outer jacket help prevent kinking and maintains digital signal integrity;Proprietary design rubber/metal grip: easy, non-slip installation and removal;Internal cladding over optical fiber: lower refractive index, preserves fiber strength for maximum light transfer;High grade digital audio optical fiber meets high speed signal demands of digital audio components. |
 |
Mini Fiber Optic Light by Westminster Enhance the romance with the elegance of fiber optic lighting -- Turn off the lights and see floating blue dots shining in the air. Fiber Optic lighting is the technology of transmitting light from a centralized source (illuminator) through and acrylic cable (stranded or solid core) to a feature or fixture. -- This classic Fiber Optic Light is great for a table topper at parties or anywhere in the house. 12 hours battery life. Silver base. Measures 9" tall. -- Requires 3 AA batteries (not included), can also run off a 4.5V power adapter (not included). |
 |
Universal Optical Cable by MadCatz The next generation is here. Ensure you are ready to maximize everything it has to offer with the Mad Catz Universal Optical cable. Experience vibrant, crystal clear digital surround sound to the fullest—as it is meant to be heard. Satisfy your discriminating taste with superior quality multi-channel surround sound through an optical audio port with this Dolby Digital and DTS compatible premium quality fiber optic cable. High quality construction makes this durable, reliable cable the premier choice for getting the most from your next generation gaming console. Mad Catz promises you innovative, quality products for all your gaming needs. |
 |
Cables4PC 10FT THIN TOSLINK Fiber Optical Toslink Digital Audio Optic Interface by Cables4PC If you're serious about your home theatre system, you know the importance of using quality sound cables. When it comes to digital audio, there's nothing better than Toslink for maximum audio clarity and resolution. With no distortion or signal interference, Toslink gets the most out of your digital audio gear for rich, detailed sound, even at extreme volumes.Thinner and more flexible than the regular Toslink cables, these cables are perfect for installations where space is tight. The flexible PVC jacket construction lets you bend the cable into any position you need while maintaining optimum fiber alignment so the sound quality doesn't drop. Experience the sound quality that only a pure digital connection can provide with StarTech.com Toslink cables. |
|
Optical Fiber Bragg Gratings [VHS] Starring: Brown, Zhang |
| © 2010 BrightSurf.com |