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SPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics


Towards inclusive wearable sensors: Polarized light boosts accuracy of wearable health sensors for all skin tones

A newly developed wearable sensor uses polarized light to improve photoplethysmography (PPG) signal accuracy across different skin tones. The device splits light into two channels, detecting co-polarized and cross-polarized signals to filter out superficial scattering and capture stronger signals from deeper tissue.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2025

K-DRIFT pathfinder: A compact telescope for observing faint galactic structures

The K-DRIFT pathfinder telescope, a compact off-axis freeform three-mirror system, has been developed to capture faint galactic structures. With its improved performance, the telescope achieves higher resolution and sharper images, paving the way for uncovering the hidden history of galaxy formation and evolution.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Astronomical Telescopes Instruments and Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2025

New design tackles heat challenges in high-power fiber lasers

Researchers at Fraunhofer IOF have developed a single-material cladding light stripper with self-adapting behavior, overcoming nonlinear effects and heat buildup in thulium fiber lasers. The design enables over 20 W of stripped signal light at 2 µm and up to 675 W at 793 nm, setting a new record for single-material CLS designs.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Smartphone imaging system shows promise for early oral cancer detection in dental clinics

A low-cost smartphone imaging system called mDOC combines autofluorescence and white light imaging with machine learning to accurately identify oral lesions requiring specialist referral. The system achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.778, outperforming dental providers in sensitivity and specificity.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateOct 16, 2025

Researchers integrate waveguide physics into metasurfaces for advanced light control

Scientists have developed a new type of metasurface that combines waveguide physics with planar design to achieve precise control over light at the nanoscale. The metasurfaces produce photonic flatbands across wide angles while preserving ultrahigh quality factors, enabling efficient trapping of light and strong interactions with matter.

New imaging system maps retinal oxygen in unprecedented detail

A new dual-imaging system simultaneously maps retinal structure and capillary oxygen levels in live mice, allowing researchers to study vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. This non-invasive approach offers a powerful tool for elucidating local capillary values and tracking changes in retinal oxygenation.

New photodiode design solves key challenge in on-chip light monitoring

A new photodiode design using germanium-ion-implanted silicon overcomes trade-offs in existing power monitors for on-chip light monitoring, enabling faster processing speeds and higher energy efficiency. The device demonstrates high responsivity and low dark current, making it suitable for integration into photonic circuits.

Portable light-based brain monitor shows promise for dementia diagnosis

Researchers have demonstrated a portable, noninvasive technology that can detect metabolic changes linked to Alzheimer's disease by measuring cytochrome c oxidase activity. The study found that including oxCCO measures improved the ability of the brain-monitoring tool to capture clinically relevant brain changes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateSep 11, 2025

New imaging approach simplifies retina exams by enabling digital refocusing

A new imaging approach has simplified retina exams by eliminating the need for mechanical focusing, making fundus cameras more accessible. The system uses a diffuser to capture 3D light information and digitally refocus images after they are taken, producing consistent resolution of about 7-10 line pairs per millimeter.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateSep 10, 2025

Imaging study reveals how tiny brain vessels pulse to regulate blood flow

Scientists have discovered that tiny brain vessels pulse to regulate blood flow through bursts of contraction and relaxation. The research reveals that these bursts originate from the walls of small arteries and spread through the vascular network in short intervals, providing insights into how the brain regulates its blood supply.

Optical imaging technique could help spot colorectal cancer sooner

A new study introduces an optical imaging technique that uses autofluorescence to detect colorectal cancer in real time, offering a promising tool for improving cancer detection during endoscopic procedures. The technique achieved high accuracy rates and the potential to guide doctors during colonoscopy or surgery.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2025

Rethinking phototherapy: Why skin color matters for infant jaundice

Researchers suggest that phototherapy for newborn jaundice may require adjustments based on a baby's skin tone. The study found that darker-skinned infants may receive up to 5.7 times less effective light dose under identical settings, leading to predicted bilirubin reductions of about 40.8 percent compared to lighter-skinned infants.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateAug 22, 2025

Researchers boost performance of perovskite lasers by suppressing energy-draining process

A research team at Zhejiang University has demonstrated a simple method to overcome the problem of Auger recombination in perovskite lasers, leading to record-setting performance for near-continuous operation. By suppressing this process, researchers were able to sustain carrier densities required for efficient stimulated emission.

Breathing in 4D: Optical technique maps airway wall elasticity during bronchoscopy

Scientists developed a new 4D optical coherence tomography technique that measures airway wall elasticity in under 42 seconds, enabling detailed assessment of respiratory tissue mechanics. This faster approach may help diagnose and monitor upper airway disorders, assess injury, and guide treatment decisions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateAug 14, 2025

Dual-mode optical imaging system offers new noninvasive approach to skin cancer diagnosis

Researchers develop compact, noninvasive imaging system combining LC-OCT and Raman microspectroscopy to examine skin cancer structures and chemical composition. The AI model achieves high classification accuracy for basal cell carcinoma and other types, offering new insights into cancer development and behavior.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJul 30, 2025

Polarized light imaging enhances accuracy of deep brain stimulation

A new study explores catheter-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) as a tool for improving the precision of electrode placement in deep brain stimulation. PS-OCT provides high-resolution intraoperative visualization of deep brain structures, distinguishing between white and gray matter more clearly than MRI.

TFLN-based RGB multiplexer for energy-efficient laser beam scanning

Researchers have developed a new RGB multiplexer based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) that enables faster and more energy-efficient light modulation for laser beam scanning systems. The multiplexer successfully combined red, green, and blue laser beams, generating mixed colors such as cyan, magenta, and yellow, and even white light.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJul 28, 2025

New LED-based imaging system could transform cancer detection in endoscopy

A new prototype imaging system combines light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with hyperspectral imaging technology to create detailed maps of tissue properties invisible to conventional cameras. The system shows promise for cancer detection during endoscopy, achieving real-time speeds and high-quality data comparable to reference systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateJul 8, 2025

Bimodal video imaging platform predicts hyperspectral frames from RGB video

Researchers developed a bimodal video platform combining hyperspectral and RGB video to predict high-quality spectra from lower-cost RGB data. The platform demonstrates improved performance in the visible spectrum but faces challenges in the near-infrared range, highlighting the need for broader spectral coverage.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Applied Remote Sensing·DateMay 23, 2025

Fresh route to more efficient cooling using light and heat

Researchers have developed a theoretical model that enhances passive radiative cooling by generating positive photon chemical potential, allowing for more efficient heat emission. The system can reach cooling powers of up to 485 watts per square meter, surpassing typical radiation power from a blackbody at room temperature.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateMay 16, 2025