Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Fringe projection profilometry enters the era of intelligent perception

FPP is evolving from geometric triangulation to light transport analysis with AI and CI, expanding its capabilities beyond shape acquisition. The new framework enables a deeper understanding of light transport, material properties, and scene formation mechanisms, opening opportunities for intelligent perception technologies.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 10, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Fully in-house pipeline for X-ray nanofocusing mirrors at NSLS-II

A US team has created an integrated manufacturing framework to produce atomic-scale optics for next-generation light sources. The pipeline links atomic-scale fabrication and precision metrology to in-situ X-ray beam validation, achieving deterministic delivery of nanofocusing mirrors.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 10, 2026

Distant time crystals oscillate in unison

Physicists at TU Dortmund University demonstrate non-local synchronization of electron-nuclear spin oscillations, opening routes to controllable spin networks. Many time crystals can form in the same material and synchronize their oscillations, even at distances exceeding one thousand times the size of an individual oscillator.

SourceTU Dortmund University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Researchers generate quantum entanglement using sunlight

Scientists have demonstrated that quantum entanglement between photons can be generated directly from sunlight, opening the possibility of more energy-efficient and accessible quantum technologies. The researchers achieved an entanglement rate of about 94% similarity to a perfectly entangled state.

SourceOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New Record: DTU researchers double the range of low-noise "white lasers" in a single fibre

Researchers at DTU Electro have developed a method to double the usable wavelength range of ultra-low-noise supercontinuum lasers in a single fiber. This breakthrough enables stable broadband light with exceptionally low noise, benefiting medical imaging, gas sensing, and spectroscopy. The new source spans from 0.86 to 2.90 micrometers...

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalOptica·DateAug 6, 2026

Self-powered perovskite photodetector with chocolate-chip-cookie structure

Researchers have developed a novel perovskite photodetector structure, combining two materials with different bandgaps to enhance current flow. The 'chocolate-chip-cookie' design allows for efficient charge transfer and photocarrier generation, enabling fast photoresponse and linear dynamic response.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 5, 2026

Dynamic terahertz wavefront control using stretchable single-walled carbon nanotubebased metasurfaces

Researchers have developed a novel solution for dynamic terahertz wavefront control using stretchable single-walled carbon nanotube-based metasurfaces. The devices enable focal-length-tunable and beam-steering capabilities through simple mechanical deformation, opening up new avenues for smart and wearable THz components.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 5, 2026

High-density integrated photonic convolution: a scalable spatiotemporal interleaving network

Researchers have developed a new photonic architecture that enables scalable spatiotemporal interleaving networks for high-density integrated photonic convolution. The SPIN (Spatiotemporal Photonic Interleaving Network) framework reduces waveguide complexity and increases programmability in wavelength-domain interleaving, enabling comp...

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

Advanced nanoporous SiO₂ coatings for ultraviolet laser-resistant optics

Researchers have developed a new approach to create large-scale uniform porous SiO2 monolayer coatings for high-reflection and anti-reflection optics. The coatings demonstrate excellent laser damage resistance, surpassing that of fused silica substrates.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 3, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Spectroscopy system detects aerosols using everyday surfaces

Researchers developed an infrared spectroscopy system that can rapidly detect chemical aerosols from a distance using common surfaces like traffic signs and tree trunks. The method eliminates the need for mirrors, making it practical for real-world applications.

SourceOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2026

Algorithm-designed photonic circuits beyond human intuition

A team of researchers at Harvard and Max Planck Institute have developed three new functional components for photonic microchips using an inverse design algorithm. The compact designs are about 500 times smaller than conventional designs and offer a path toward higher-performance integrated light technologies.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 24, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Femtosecond laser direct writing “guiding” Leidenfrost droplet motion

A team of scientists has developed a method to control the motion of Leidenfrost droplets on a heated surface using femtosecond laser processing. The droplets exhibit a hybrid boiling state, combining the advantages of film and transition-boiling states, allowing for efficient heat transfer and directional propulsion.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 22, 2026

2026 Optica Fellow: It’s a good look for electrical and computer engineering professor Andreas Beling

Andreas Beling, a professor at the University of Virginia, is recognized for his work on high-power photodetectors and integrated optical detectors for quantum applications. His research enables faster data transmission and higher-speed communication systems, with potential impact on quantum computing and medical imaging.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJul 21, 2026

Advantages of multimode Si-ITO electro-optical modulators for balanced signal routing

A team of scientists developed a hybrid plasmonic modulator based on Si-ITO-SiO₂-Au, using a multimode silicon waveguide to create two spatially separated channels with precise phase shift. This device enables compact, high-speed optical links for data centers, telecommunications, and microwave photonics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 20, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Bioinspired planar intelligent nanophotonic sensor for wide-angle accurate motion perception and prediction

A new bioinspired planar intelligent nanophotonic sensor has been developed for wide-angle accurate motion perception and prediction. The system uses a metalens array to achieve an ultra-wide viewing angle of 135° and enables the extraction of velocity and direction information of moving targets with high accuracy.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 20, 2026

Full-chip EUV curvilinear mask optimization

The study introduces an integrated full-chip EUV curvilinear MO framework that merges deep-learning-enabled forward modeling and gradient-based inverse optimization. It reduces model complexity and memory usage through tunable U-Net surrogate models and slice-based approximated gradient calculation schemes.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 16, 2026

Talbot effect in diatom-inspired structures in the THz range

Researchers successfully demonstrated the Talbot effect in diatom-inspired three-dimensional structures in the terahertz range. The fabricated structures replicate the native architecture of diatom frustules and reveal distinct optical roles for each layer.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 16, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tiny infrared chip could improve detection of gases and heat

Researchers at MIT have developed a microscopic pixel-based tunable lens that controls incoming infrared light for more precise thermal imaging, chemical sensing, or pollution monitoring. The system enables compact, dynamic infrared cameras with potential applications in environmental protection, space research, and military technology.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2026

2D thermo-optic modulation enabled by Ag2Te QD film based micro-ring resonator

Scientists developed a 2D thermo-optic modulation platform using QD film based micro-ring resonators, achieving a 19.77-fold increase in tuning sensitivity and a 50-fold improvement in modulation speed compared to conventional devices. The hybrid system enables real-time high-speed reconfiguration with enhanced performance and reduced ...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 14, 2026

NSF selects Rochester, New York, as national laser innovation hub

The University of Rochester-led NSF STELLAR Engine launches to strengthen US competitiveness in global markets by advancing lasers and laser application research. The project aims to bring New York laser research, development, and manufacturing to a scale that can compete globally.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateJul 14, 2026

Single-QTF dual-gas LITES sensor using mixed-frequency heterodyne demodulation

A new mixed-frequency heterodyne demodulation (MHD) architecture has been developed to address limitations of existing multi-gas LITES systems. The novel architecture enables simultaneous detection of two gas species, achieving low-crosstalk detection and excellent linearity.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 14, 2026

Scientists unveil technique to build ultra-thin material stacks that promise quantum breakthrough

Researchers unveiled a technique to build ultra-clean 2D heterostructures using muscovite crystals, eliminating microscopic residues that disrupt electronic device performance. This method enables precise stacking of atomic layers, leading to new properties and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and nanoelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

L²-CPI: High-resolution computational phase imaging with an arbitrary field of view

The L²-CPI system extends optical microscopy capabilities by capturing data 'on the fly' and retrieving phase information with high precision. This allows for non-destructive inspection of large-scale nanometrology samples, such as wafer defect arrays, with sub-wavelength defect detection.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 13, 2026

Off-axis bright- and dark-field OCT for non-destructive subsurface defect detection in silicon carbide

A new off-axis bright- and dark-field OCT architecture enhances detection robustness by capturing complementary defect information. The system balances high axial resolution with deep penetration, allowing for precise defect localization and improved classification accuracy.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 13, 2026

Digital phase-shift mask projection lithography for sub-diffraction nanofabrication

A novel digital phase-shift mask projection lithography strategy has been proposed to overcome limitations of conventional photolithography. The approach integrates phase-shift mask principles into a programmable maskless lithography platform, enabling sub-diffraction-limited patterning with improved image contrast and resolution.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 12, 2026

Multimodal imaging: A highly integrated fluorescence-phase microscopy system

A new multimodal fluorescence-phase microscopy (MFPM) system combines fluorescence excitation with label-free imaging, achieving precise spatial co-registration and maximizing data acquisition efficiency. This unified platform enables comprehensive biological investigations with enhanced imaging throughput.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 8, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Dual-band hydrochromic optical modulator for multimodal anticounterfeiting and encryption

A team of scientists developed a dual-band hydrochromic optical modulator for multimodal anticounterfeiting and encryption. The device changes its appearance in the visible and mid-infrared regions through three modes: water-triggered visible switching, infrared emissivity modulation, and chemical signature authentication.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 8, 2026

Making heat behave like data

Scientists developed a device that controls heat radiation direction and switches this effect on and off, enabling 'heat programming' like microchip data. The new material exhibits different responses depending on light direction, improving efficiency compared to previous devices.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2026

New ultrathin lens focuses light into an optical needle

Researchers have created a special flat lens that shapes light into an optical needle, allowing for deeper imaging while maintaining high resolution. This innovation combines with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to extend imaging depth by a factor of nine without requiring a complicated redesign.

SourceOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Freeform terahertz structures fabricated by multi-photon lithography and metal coating

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology developed a transformative approach to fabricate high-performance terahertz components with sub-micrometer precision. They combined multi-photon lithography with highly directive metal deposition techniques, achieving ultra-broadband chip-to-chip connections and suspended on-chip antennas.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 2, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Precise motion tracking and velocimetry using chirped power oscillation wave

Researchers developed a method using chirped power oscillation waves to track high-speed motion with sub-micrometer accuracy. This technique directly uses time-domain intensity signals to eliminate frequency resolution limitations in short time windows.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 1, 2026

Professor Robert Thomson to receive The Princess Royal Silver Medal

Professor Robert Thomson will receive the prestigious Princess Royal Silver Medal for his groundbreaking work in photonics, particularly in developing an integrated photonic lantern that can be mass-produced. This technology has numerous applications, including astronomy, advanced medical sensing, and telecommunications.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·DateJul 1, 2026

Surface plasmon resonance holographic microscope: new breakthrough in measuring refractive index and thickness

A new SPR holographic microscope has been developed with high sensitivity, label-free, non-invasive, and real-time measurement capabilities. It achieves ultrahigh RI resolution of 2.58 × 10⁻⁷ RIU and sub-nanometer thickness profiling resolution of 0.6 nm for atomic layer materials.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJun 28, 2026

Assessing clinical skills through the examiner's eyes

A pilot study found that an examiner-worn, neck-mounted camera can supplement the observation and review of clinical skills during OSCE assessments. The results showed moderate to strong agreement between live and video-based assessments, with the wearable camera enabling more observations to be evaluated than the fixed camera.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJMIR Medical Education·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Imaging microscale thermal properties of thermal interface materials using frequency-domain thermoreflectance microscopy

Researchers developed a frequency-domain thermoreflectance microscopy approach to visualize thermal conductivity and interfacial thermal conductance in thermal interface materials. The study reveals pronounced microscale heterogeneity, with high- and low-conductivity zones observed in particle-loaded thermal greases.

SourceScience Exploration Press·JournalThermo-X·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2026

WVU physicists unlock plasma’s mysteries with lasers

Researchers at WVU are developing new laser-based techniques to observe plasma behavior in unprecedented detail, allowing them to examine how charged particles and energy move between plasmas and material surfaces. This study could lead to improved understanding of plasma sheaths and their role in surface wear and material lifetime.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJun 23, 2026

Rayleigh-driven ethanol cluster inference based on non-contact optical sensing and deep learning

Researchers developed a non-contact optical sensing strategy to detect ethanol molecules in air using light-field distortions and deep learning. The system employs a graphene-based Fresnel lens to focus light through interference, capturing minute changes in the focal spot formed by the lens.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

Artificial intelligence-generated photonics: Map optical properties to subwavelength structures directly via a diffusion model

Researchers have developed an AI-generated photonic framework that maps optical properties to subwavelength structures directly via a diffusion model. The system achieves high-precision mapping, flexible design constraints, and fuzzy search capability, transforming the field of photonic innovation.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJun 22, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Imprinted high-Q polymer micro-ring resonator array

Researchers have developed a polymer-based microring resonator array with over 40 elements, demonstrating broadband acoustic detection and fine spatial resolution. The system achieved strong correspondence with biological structures, including blood vessel regions, in imaging mouse prostate tissue.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2026

Shaping luminescence in 3D: Advanced fabrication of YAG:Ce³⁺ microstructures

Scientists create microscopic 3D light-emitting ceramic structures using chemical synthesis and advanced laser-based 3D printing, enabling the fabrication of single-phase crystalline YAG:Ce³⁺ with high precision. This technology has the potential to transform the design and manufacturing of optical devices, leading to more energy-effic...

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

Digital twin optical computing system

Researchers propose a Digital Twin Optical Computing System that reduces dependence on physical hardware for task development. The DT-OCS framework enables offline simulation, training, and optimization of computational tasks, improving research efficiency and application flexibility.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

CUHK develops all-optical signal processor to break AI data centre transmission bottleneck

Researchers from CUHK develop an integrated all-optical signal processor that corrects distorted signals in real-time, improving communication efficiency between servers and data centres in large-scale AI systems. The OSP achieves aggregate data rates of 1.6 Tb/s with latency below 60 picoseconds and low energy consumption.

SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Blurred lines: Reconstructing depth from a single snapshot

A team of researchers from The University of Osaka has developed a new approach for depth reconstruction from defocus, estimating distances by analyzing blur in an image. Their method combines a coded-aperture camera with diffusion-model-based AI to accurately estimate depth and produce high-quality images.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computational Imaging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

“Flawless on the outside, flipped within”: Detecting hidden defects in 2D dielectrics with light

Researchers developed an interferometric second-harmonic generation imaging approach to identify antiparallel domains and detect hidden structural defects in hBN thin films. The study finds that SHG intensity is closely associated with differences in crystal orientation and destructive interference between domains.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 5, 2026

Magnon momentum microscopy: A new window into nanoscale spin-wave physics

Researchers developed a new method to observe nanoscale spin waves, directly detecting short-wavelength magnons using resonant soft X-rays. The technique, called magnon momentum microscopy (MMM), reveals strong nonlinear interactions and four-magnon scattering processes in magnetic materials.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

Teaching AI to design optical surfaces using real-world imperfections

Researchers developed a deep-learning framework that uses real-world measurements to design optical surfaces with precise control over light behavior. The AI model achieves high consistency with experimental results while reducing simulation costs and time.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhotoniX·DateJun 4, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

UC San Diego team pairs AI with tiny optical device to correct distorted light for sharper imaging

Researchers created a way to spot and correct distortions in light using artificial intelligence and a tiny optical element. The approach can improve the quality of images in fields like biology, astronomy, and precision manufacturing by making advanced optical systems faster, smaller, and easier to use.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 4, 2026

3D printing tissue-like structures with light

Researchers from EPFL have developed a new holographic approach to volumetric 3D printing, enabling cell-compatible, high-resolution printing at near-clinical scales. The method uses phase control to produce higher-fidelity objects in light-scattering media, such as those containing living cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 21, 2026

Revealing the invisible: a new baseline for Salish sea diatoms answers a global call

Researchers have published a new checklist of 924 diatom taxa alongside a curated dataset of 11,469 records in the open-access journal Biodiversity Data Journal, providing a long-needed foundation for environmental monitoring across the region. This dataset directly answers a key recommendation from the UN Plankton Manifesto and will s...

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMay 19, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Powerful shrinking technique could enable devices that compute with light

Researchers at MIT have developed a technique to create nanoscale features in hydrogel materials, shrinking them down to 100 nanometers or smaller. This allows for the creation of photonic devices that can manipulate visible light, enabling optical computing and potential applications in high-speed imaging and information processing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 12, 2026

"Breaking the limits of OLED: Postech achieves low-votage freely color tunable ultra-pure laser emission"

A research team at Postech has developed a next-generation laser emission platform capable of precise color control under battery-level low voltage. The technology achieves ultra-high color purity and continuous spectral tunability within a single device, overcoming limitations of conventional display light sources.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateMay 12, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.