The Optics Express Focus Issue on Modular Ultrafast Lasers showcases state-of-the-art developments in femtosecond lasers, enabling new applications in biology, medicine, chemistry, and energy research. Key findings include the generation of broad-bandwidth frequency combs for precision metrology and spectroscopy.
Researchers at the National Physical Laboratory have developed a new model for piezoelectric energy harvesters that can convert up to 25% more energy from unwanted mechanical vibrations. The new design covers only two-thirds of the cantilever's length, reducing internal power loss and increasing overall efficiency.
Researchers found that the egg sac silk of the cocoon stalk was more stretchable than any previously tested egg sac silk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, may provide insight into super-stretchable biological materials and bio-inspired nanomaterials.
The Galileo program seeks to bridge the precision fiber optic controls and long-baseline astronomical interferometry technical communities to enable faster imaging of objects in geosynchronous orbit. By harnessing the power of flexible fiber optics, researchers aim to create a new means of better, faster imaging of objects in GEO.
Researchers have demonstrated a prototype device capable of absolute measurements of optical power delivered through an optical fiber, outperforming existing devices with improved temperature control and speed. The new radiometer can measure power levels as low as 10 nanowatts with high accuracy, paving the way for ultraprecise calibra...
The European Metrology for Earth Observation and Climate (MetEOC) project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate data by developing a coordinated international capacity. The project will focus on optical domain calibration, ocean color measurements, and ground-based prototype development.
Researchers developed a new chip using SPIDER technology to measure ultrafast optical pulse intensity and phase without expensive equipment. The breakthrough paves the way for applications in metrology and optical telecommunications.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) released four reports detailing information used to craft an updated EHS research strategy. The reports outline areas of focus, including human health, instrumentation, and risk management methods.
Rogers' groundbreaking research combines soft, stretchable materials with micro-and nanoscale electronic components to create devices with diverse practical applications, including solar power and biocompatible sensor arrays. He is recognized for his ability to bridge incongruent fields of work and translate science into products.
Researchers at NIST have developed an electronic technique called Johnson noise thermometry to measure the Boltzmann constant with an uncertainty of 12 ppm. This method has the potential to advance international efforts to revamp the world's scientific measurement system, enabling more precise definitions of units like the Kelvin.
The Avogadro project has achieved a milestone in measuring the Avogadro constant with unprecedented precision, using a highly enriched single crystal of silicon-28. The measurement uncertainty has been reduced to 3 × 10^(-22), enabling a more accurate definition of the kilogram based on fundamental constants.
A new generator has been developed to produce synthetic breath for evidential breath analyzers, reducing measurement uncertainty in alcohol concentration. The device can also be used to calibrate other sensors with different components.
Researchers have developed a new technique using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and differentiate explosives. This technology provides rapid identification of components in explosives like C4, including the explosive active components, additives, binders, and contaminants.
Researchers successfully tracked a human heartbeat using NIST's miniature atom-based magnetic sensor, confirming its potential for biomedical applications. The device measured the heart's magnetic signature in picoteslas and demonstrated sensing stability lasting tens of seconds.
Researchers at NIST demonstrated the conversion of near-infrared single photons to a near-visible wavelength, aiding hybrid quantum systems. This enables devices to generate and store photons with conflicting requirements, enhancing quantum communication, computation, and metrology.
UCLA Engineering has received a $6 million award from NIST to construct the Western Institute of Nanotechnology on Green Engineering and Metrology (WIN-GEM), a cutting-edge facility supporting energy conservation technologies in microelectronics and nanotechnology.
Researchers have developed a new method to accurately synchronize clocks by leveraging both GPS and the Internet. This technique uses a common-view disciplined oscillator (CVDO) to set clocks within 10 nanoseconds of a reference clock, providing unparalleled accuracy in complex systems such as computers, telecommunications, and more.
Physicists have made significant progress in understanding the properties of helium, a key element used in lasers, nuclear reactors, and space exploration. The new findings may enable more accurate measurements of temperature and pressure, benefiting fields such as low-temperature condensed matter physics and metrology.
Researchers developed a fluorescence method to measure photosensitizer concentration in target tissue, predicting PDT effectiveness. The therapeutic effect correlation index (TECI) was also proposed, showing positive correlation with PDT outcome.
A new method uses laser ablation and multicollector ICP-MS to detect small variations in sulphur isotopes in hair, which can be linked to a person's geographical movements. The technique has been tested on volunteers with different diets and origins, showing promise for tracking international criminals.
Scientists at Caltech develop method to detect entanglement shared among multiple parts of an optical system, using the uncertainty principle. They demonstrate detection of entanglement in a W state with only a small number of measurements.
The European Union has launched a €400 million research program to develop highly precise measurements in healthcare, energy, environmental and advanced technology sectors. The EMRP program aims to bring together the best minds from one research area, creating new foundations for metrology.
Researchers developed a technique to extract body shape components from 3D data, classifying trunk shapes into five types. The study aims to improve clothing fit, comfort, and safety, with potential implications for body image disorders and ergonomics.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have demonstrated an optical device that filters two photons based on their polarisation correlations, a key characteristic of quantum entanglement. This 'entanglement filter' has significant implications for quantum technologies, including computers, communication, and advanced measurement.
The EuroQUASAR programme will develop next-generation quantum standards for precise optical clocks and inertial sensors. Researchers, including Professor Markus Arndt, are working on new methods for quantum interferometry to measure molecular details such as mass and geometry.
A new technology developed by University of Leeds engineers can monitor crystals as they form in drug manufacture, providing a method to ensure production of desired drug compounds. This can lead to huge delays and costly challenges for drug companies, but the technology has enormous commercial potential.
Researchers at NIST have built a system that measures temperatures with precision, which may help update the definition of the Kelvin. The system uses electrical noise to measure temperatures with accuracy and is simpler than other systems, making it ideal for industrial thermometry labs.
A team of physicists and engineers at the University of Bristol demonstrated control of single particles of light on a silicon chip, a crucial step towards a super-powerful quantum computer. The controlled-NOT gate, the building block of a quantum computer, was achieved with high-fidelity operation.
The NIST device can accurately count 1, 2 or 3 photons at least 83 percent of the time, a capability essential for advanced precision optical metrology. The detector has an internal quantum efficiency of 68 ± 18 percent and potential to operate at higher temperatures than other single-photon detectors.
The US Senate has approved $1 million in funding for the New York Center for National Competitiveness in Nanoscale Characterization, a partnership between CNSE and NIST. The center aims to strengthen the US R&D-manufacturing-commercialization ecosystem in nanotechnology.
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis who received REMICADE showed significant improvement in spinal mobility and reduced spinal inflammation over two years. This study found that REMICADE-treated patients experienced sustained reductions in spinal inflammation, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), compared to placebo group.
Veeco will receive funding to further develop its Ion Beam Deposition Tool, critical for EUV photomask production. This project is part of SEMATECH's $320M economic impact and 1,650 high-tech jobs generated in New York.
Researchers have successfully observed electrons tunnelling through the binding potential of an atom nucleus under the influence of laser light. This breakthrough allows scientists to study electron movement in real-time and has implications for microelectronics and radiation therapy.
Researchers at NIST have taken the first two-dimensional pictures of a frequency comb, revealing colors and intensity of all lightwaves simultaneously. The technique transforms the comb into a twodimensional brush, enabling scientists to measure and manipulate optical frequencies in a massively parallel manner.
The Sistema Interamericano de Metrologia (SIM) network enables faster time comparisons between countries, allowing small nations to evaluate their measurements against world standards. National metrology institutes in member OAS nations participate in the network, which currently compares times between Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the US.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed a new precision instrument for directly measuring AC voltages, which is expected to improve measurement accuracy by 1,000-fold at low voltages. The instrument uses Josephson junction technology to generate precise AC pulses over a range of audio frequencies.
Researchers developed a new method to measure the stiffness of soft substrates by using sensor films with known properties. The technique tracks changes in stiffness across gradients of material properties, allowing for the mapping of spatial variations in rigidity in complex materials.
NIST creates a new test protocol and performance measure for evaluating 3D imaging systems, including indoor, artifact-based facilities and outdoor ranging capabilities. The standards will provide objective comparisons of different devices, reduce confusion, and increase user confidence.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have created a highly sensitive atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology called FIRAT, capable of high-speed imaging 100 times faster than current AFM. FIRAT can capture material property imaging and parallel molecular assays for drug screening and discovery.
Researchers at EPFL successfully demonstrate controlling the speed of light in an optical fiber, slowing it down by a factor of 3.6 and speeding it up to exceed the speed of light without violating relativity. This breakthrough has significant implications for optical computing and telecommunications.
Researchers at NIST found a significant difference between white light interferometric microscopes and phase shifting interferometers in measuring surface roughness, with discrepancies peaking at 100 nanometers. The study evaluated five instruments from three vendors and compared them to stylus profiling instruments.
Gene expression is a complex process that translates genetic information into biological activity, impacting various diseases. NIST's Metrology for Gene Expression Program aims to evaluate and standardize microarray analysis techniques to ensure quality and comparability.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a way to image and digitally restore mechanical audio recordings, such as shellac phonograph discs. This technology enables the mass digitization of thousands of blues, classical, jazz, and spoken word recordings in the Library of Congress's archives.
The new database contains approximately 100 Reference Measurement Procedures, including 30 developed and maintained by NIST. The database lists 96 approved reference materials; NIST is the source for 72 of these, facilitating worldwide comparability of clinical measurements and reducing technical barriers to trade.
A NIST scientist has demonstrated efficient production of single photons at the highest temperatures reported for a photon source. The advance is a step toward practical, ultrasecure quantum communications and useful for certain types of metrology.
Researchers have developed the most effective commercially available black coating, NPL Super Black, with a low reflectance of 0.35% in the visible region. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like radiometry, spectroscopy, and optical metrology, where stray light reduction is crucial.
The SPHERES project aims to test formation flying technologies and measure key parameters in microgravity. The mini satellites, the size of volleyballs, are being tested aboard NASA's KC-135 airplane, allowing researchers to validate control algorithms, metrology, and autonomy.
Toichiro Kinoshita's numerical integration method achieves the most accurate estimates of the fine structure constant to date. The result has a high statistical confidence, standing out from other values vying for acceptance as the next standard.