Near-infrared spectroscopy technologies offer improved quality of life through portable, sensitive, and non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The latest advances enable researchers to investigate complex illnesses and dysfunctions.
Researchers have developed an optical magnetic field sensor that can detect ultra-small magnetic fields from the nervous system. The sensor uses a gas of caesium atoms and measures electrical impulses without contact, offering new possibilities for medical diagnoses.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a composite material that can enhance specific properties on an object's surface, allowing curved surfaces to appear flat to electromagnetic waves. This practical demonstration could lead to improved antenna designs and applications in the aerospace industry.
Researchers suggest Rembrandt used lenses and projections to achieve realistic self-portraits, citing Chiaroscuro effects and unusual head proportions. The study's findings support the idea that Old Masters utilized optical technology.
Colorado State University researcher Jesse Wilson is developing a new microscope that can distinguish between benign and malignant pigmented skin lesions without a biopsy. The pump-probe technology uses a simpler laser source that's already widely used in telecommunications applications, making it more realistic for melanoma applications.
A new concept in space telescope design proposes a modular structure and an assembly robot to build extremely large telescopes in space. The robotic system would enable tasks to be performed without astronaut fatigue.
Plasmonic lasers use metal films to confine light energy and have potential applications in integrated optics and ultrafast digital processing. The researchers developed a scheme that emits radiation at extremely long wavelengths with a narrow beam divergence angle of just 4 degrees, the narrowest achieved for such terahertz lasers.
Researchers have developed new time-domain diffuse optics systems that provide deeper insights into human bodies using light. These systems have the potential to detect and identify tissue components, including organs and functions previously unreachable with traditional diagnostic devices.
A researcher at the University of Houston is developing a new technique to map the cornea's structural integrity using high-resolution imaging and mechanical mapping. This emerging field, optical elastography, holds promise for early diagnosis and treatment of kerataconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea that affects about one in ...
Researchers at LMU Munich develop a new method to probe the geometry of electronic states in solids using ultracold atoms in an optical lattice. The technique, based on Wilson lines, reveals both local and global properties of the band structure, including topological aspects.
Physicists observe nanoscale light-matter phenomenon lasting only attoseconds, studying collective electron motions and near fields in gold nanoneedles. The development enables precise characterization of near-field vibrations, paving the way for complex studies of light-matter interactions in metals.
Plants utilize microfluidics and optics to control movement, photosynthesis, and water transport, highlighting the intersection of light and fluid in plant physiology. Researchers explore how plants optimize energy conversion, conserving water through stomata control.
A team of physicists at LMU Munich has used laser pulses to selectively remove and reattach hydrogen atoms from a hydrocarbon molecule, opening up new possibilities for chemical synthesis. This technique could lead to the creation of new substances by controlling individual steps in chemical reactions.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created compact holograms using nanostructures sensitive to light polarization, improving anti-fraud holograms and wearable optics. These holograms can encode multiple images and protect against counterfeiting.
A team of researchers led by Robert W. Boyd has demonstrated up to 100 times greater nonlinearity in indium tin oxide than other known materials, revolutionizing photonics applications. This breakthrough opens the door for more careful study of the material's unique properties and potential applications.
Researchers have developed a method that uses laser pulses to identify brain tumors without labeling or staining, providing histological detail comparable to conventional techniques. The technique allows for fast and accurate diagnosis in the operating room, potentially enabling real-time tumor detection before surgery.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed a method for reconfigurable optical elements using multimode interference devices. The team shows that intricate interplay between modes can be dynamically controlled, allowing to freely route light in a static silicon element.
Researchers successfully mapped spatial distribution of excitonic coupling in well-defined arrangements of zinc-phthalocyanine molecules. They also observed enhanced single-molecule superradiance for in-line arrangements of up to four molecules.
Twisted light has been characterized using a new method that involves obtaining the Wigner distribution, which completely describes a system in terms of two conjugate variables. This technique is suitable for quantum information applications involving a large number of orbital angular momentum states.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed new liquid crystal formulations that enable LCD displays in cars to function in a wider temperature range. The breakthrough allows screens to maintain speed and brightness in extreme environments.
A new technique enables rapid and accurate measurement of bacteria levels in packaged food and medical samples without physical contact. The method uses tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and can provide real-time analysis, reducing the risk of food poisoning and improving blood quality.
A new type of laser enables the creation of twisted light with controlled spin, producing vector vortex beams and polarised light. This innovation has significant applications in optics, machining metals, and communication.
Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a simplified approach to fabricating flat, ultra-thin optics using plasmon-assisted etching. This technique enables simple etching without hazardous chemical agents, greatly simplifying design iteration steps and reducing workload in cleanrooms.
Colorado State University's new mass-spectral imaging system allows for unprecedented detail in cellular analysis, mapping surface composition in three dimensions. Researchers can now examine how cells respond to new medications and investigate antibiotic resistance, with potential applications in combating tuberculosis and bioterrorism.
Researchers used OCT to visualize and assess biofilm on intubated endotracheal tubes in vivo, detecting the presence of pneumonia-related bacteria. The study showed that OCT can measure biofilm thickness and gather information about its extent, potentially leading to reduced infection rates.
Professor José Azaña has been elected Fellow by the Optical Society (OSA) in recognition of his remarkable contributions to ultrafast photonics. He is the only Quebec academic and one of three Canadian researchers among this year's group of 77 OSA Fellows.
Scientists have developed a method to detect the shape of light waves with unprecedented precision by studying the behavior of 'quasiparticles' - ripples in the electric field that emerge when light meets solid surfaces. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications in metrology, chemical sensing, and adaptive optics.
A $400,000 NSF-funded study at RIT examines workplace trends in photonics and optics to prepare students for emerging jobs. The research identifies key math, physics, and communication skills used in the industry.
The James Webb Space Telescope's 'Pathfinder' telescope completed its second super-cold optical test, using specialized equipment to simulate star images and perform end-to-end testing. The successful test demonstrates the ability to optically test and align the telescope at planned operating temperatures.
Researchers have developed a mechanism to extract single photons from a stream, enabling practical applications in quantum communication. The discovery relies on a physical effect called single-photon Raman interaction, which allows for the selective capture of individual photons.
A new gamma-ray spectroscope using europium-doped strontium iodide detects valuable minerals in asteroids, moons, and other celestial objects. The breakthrough technology enables accurate analysis of rock-forming elements and precious metals at lower costs and with reduced power requirements.
NASA engineers have developed a new mirror technology that can take almost any shape, reducing package size and improving image quality. This 'freeform optics' technology is ideal for compact telescopes on small satellites and CubeSats.
Researchers demonstrated the fabrication of high-Q LN microresonators using femtosecond laser micromachining, achieving efficient second harmonic generation (SHG) in the visible wavelength range. The normalized conversion efficiency of SHG was measured to be 1.35×10-5 /mW.
The University of Texas at Arlington has developed a sensing and therapeutic tool called the SMART bandage, which can monitor and cure wounds in real-time. This innovative technology will help doctors and healthcare workers better treat patients' complex wounds more quickly and effectively.
The Journal of Biomedical Optics special section honors Osamu Shimomura's work on green fluorescent protein, enabling researchers to observe molecular-level activity in live cells. Recent studies detail new applications of protein photonics, including multicolor imaging and monitoring cellular magnesium levels.
The Soft X-ray focusing Telescope (SXT) onboard Astrosat successfully saw its first light on Oct. 26, 2015, after the camera door was opened at 06:30UT. The telescope's mirrors were aligned perfectly to image a single point, and data quality is excellent.
Researchers successfully mimic quantum entanglement using a laser pointer, doubling data speed in laser communication. The team demonstrated nonseparability of the laser beam's shape and polarization, enabling encoding of two bits of information.
David R. Williams, renowned expert on human vision, has received the Sigma Xi William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement. His pioneering work on adaptive optics technologies improved vision in patients with contact lenses, intraocular lenses, and laser refractive surgery.
Researchers have developed a new noninvasive light-based imaging technology that can see inside the living brain, providing a tool to study how diseases change brain tissue over time. The method doubles the image depth range, enabling examination of acute and chronic morphological or functional vascular changes in the deep brain.
Scientists applied remote sensing and GIS to study bearded capuchin monkey habitats in northeastern Brazil, finding that distance to human influence and elevation are key landscape characteristics. The study's findings inform conservation efforts for this species' unique stone tool use.
The new augmented microscopy technology overlays real and computer-generated images to help surgeons visualize blood flow, cancerous tissue, and anatomical structures more accurately. This innovation aims to improve the translation of research into clinical practice, particularly in neurosurgery and laser surgery.
Researchers at TU Wien and TriLite Technologies have developed a 3D display technology using micro optics and moving micro mirrors. This innovation enables the creation of 3D images without 3D glasses, marking a significant advancement in the field.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a nanoscale photodetector that can detect optical plasmons, generating current with light. The device expands on previous work demonstrating light transmission through silver nanowires, paving the way for miniaturized photonic circuits.
A team of researchers has developed a unique source of coherent radiation for identifying and quantifying molecules in complex mixtures. The new laser can detect minimal amounts of disease markers present in exhaled breath, with the potential to diagnose potentially lethal diseases early.
Researchers at ICFO have developed a new light source that detects minute changes in spectral features, ideal for identifying DNA mutations and cellular malfunctions. The mid-wave infrared range is crucial for resonantly exciting molecular vibrations, leaving fingerprints in the spectrum for identification.
The University of Rochester team aims to reduce the cost of electricity from solar power by replacing expensive panels with plastic solar concentrators. Their planar light guide using micro-optics can concentrate direct sunlight onto a single photovoltaic cell, reducing the need for expensive PV cells.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology have made significant advancements in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for solid-state lighting. The team developed flexible electrodes using graphene, conducting polymers, and silver nanowires, which demonstrated good electrical, optical, and mechanical performance.
Researchers at University of Illinois develop a data-based method to diagnose breast cancer using spatial light interference microscopy, promising fast and accurate results. The technique uses quantitative imaging parameters to analyze breast tissue lesions, overcoming limitations of manual inspection.
Researchers propose a mesh of Mach-Zehnder interferometers to overcome limitations in traditional optics, enabling perfect performance. This approach enables the creation of custom optical devices with improved power consumption and sensitivity.
David Williams, a leading expert on human vision, has received the Beckman-Argyros Award for his pioneering work on adaptive optics technologies. The award recognizes his transformative breakthroughs in vision research, enabling improved vision correction and treatment of eye diseases.
The UT Arlington Research Institute and Skyven Technologies have received a $25,000 grant to build and test a novel optics system that can concentrate sunlight over 1,000 times. The system aims to create cost-effective energy for the commercial market, reducing reliance on foreign oil and stress on the electrical grid.
Scientists observe a Many-Body Localized state in ultracold atoms trapped in light crystals, where interactions fail to lead to thermalization. This peculiar insulating state retains a quantum memory of its initial state, even at elevated temperatures.
The NASA-led group has developed a wide-field-of-view imager capable of detecting soft X-ray emissions produced when the solar wind encounters neutral gas, including Earth, Mars, and comets. The imager uses Lobster-Eye optics to focus soft X-rays onto a plane located at half the radius of the sphere.
Researchers discovered human eyes can distinguish between thin films of different thickness by observing color differences, achieving precision beyond normal human vision. This ability rivals techniques like ellipsometry, which measure minute thicknesses, and could be used as a quick check by experienced technicians.
Researchers have created and controlled surface plasmon wakes of light-like waves on a metallic surface, demonstrating a new technology with potential applications in nanotechnology and optics. The discovery uses a faster-than-light running wave of charge along a metamaterial to create and steer the wakes.
Researchers used OCT to study brain vascular imaging during real-time experimental stroke, revealing high-resolution images of in vivo vascular networks and biologically initiated rescue mechanisms. This could provide guidance for clinicians treating stroke patients.
Scientists developed a technique to enhance nanoparticle signals using an optical microcavity, achieving near fundamental diffraction limit resolution. This enables the study of individual nanoparticles' optical properties, promising potential breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, and nanoscience.
Medical laser technologies hold promise for various applications, including iron deficiency screening, breast cancer treatment, glioblastoma multiforme surgery, nasal airway obstruction relief, and varicose vein treatment. However, their translation into clinical practice is hindered by multiple barriers that need to be overcome.
A research team at Georgia Institute of Technology has realized a nonlinear material with opposite refractive indices at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies of light, as predicted theoretically. This discovery has significant implications for controlling light in information processing, sensing, and signal generation.
The Journal of Biomedical Optics publishes a special section on advances in biomedical optics, celebrating the United Nations-declared International Year of Light. Papers report new methods for noninvasive disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring using light-based technologies.