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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

"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

Flexible neural sheet device reaches deep cortical regions without brain penetration

A team of researchers has developed a flexible neural sheet device that can record and stimulate neural activity across multiple sensory cortices in mice. The device, which is thinner than a human hair, is inserted into the epidural space to avoid brain penetration, allowing for wide-area coverage of the temporal and deep cortical areas.

SourceMeijo University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2026

Wafer-level manufactured meta-aspheric lens enables ultracompact wide-FOV near-infrared imaging

A team of scientists developed a wafer-level-manufactured meta-aspheric lens that achieves simultaneous wide field-of-view, ultrathin form factor, and high imaging quality. The design enables compact near-infrared imaging systems with robust performance in eye tracking, blood vessel imaging, and computational pixel super-resolution tasks.

Non-destructive homogeneity measurement for transparent cylindrical materials without slicing

A new method for measuring homogeneity in transparent cylindrical materials has been developed, allowing for non-destructive inspection without slicing. This approach significantly reduces costs and improves quality control, making it suitable for industries such as semiconductor manufacturing and medical imaging.

Fiber endoscopy: Physics-guided network erases honeycomb artifacts

A physics-guided neural network called SGARNet is developed to address challenges in lensless multi-core fiber imaging. It reveals the frequency-domain characteristic of honeycomb artifacts and introduces a SpectralGate module to selectively suppress artifact-related components, preserving useful image details.

Curvature-optimized multilevel SERS substrates formed by femtosecond laser shaping based on electrons dynamics control

Researchers developed curvature-optimized multilevel SERS substrates using femtosecond laser shaping, exhibiting enhanced Raman signal intensity and uniformity. The substrate features triple cross-scale structures with flexible shape parameters, promoting dimensionally ordered hot spots for improved detection sensitivity.

MIT researchers find self-organizing “pencil beam” laser could help scientists design brain-targeted therapies

Researchers leveraged a surprise discovery to devise a new bioimaging method that captures 3D images of the human blood-brain barrier 25 times faster than existing technology. This technique enables scientists to test whether new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases reach their targets in the brain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2026

Ultra-thin optical film sharpens 3D printing precision

A new ultra-thin optical film improves the quality of light used in LCD resin-based 3D printers, ensuring precise details and reducing printing errors. The film's design enhances collimation and uniformity, paving the way for affordable industrial or medical-grade products.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 23, 2026

Ben-Gurion University researchers propose new way to secure optical communication using light itself

Researchers propose a new approach to secure optical communication by hiding information in the physical structure of light, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or decode. Computer simulations showed that the method can transmit information reliably without revealing it through changes in beam size or intensity.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalOptical and Quantum Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 15, 2026

An advance in single-chip, energy-efficient LEDs

Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a new LED structure that generates circularly polarized light from a single chip, reducing energy-conversion loss. This advancement could support smaller and more energy-efficient optical devices for next-generation technologies.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalOptical Materials Express·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2026

Making light spin with a gold nanorod

By striking a gold nanorod off-center with an electron beam, researchers created rotating circular polarization in light, a property useful for controlling information encoding and transmission. This simple approach could enable new ways to encode, route, and process information using light.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Laser optothermal nanobomb for efficient flattening of nanobubbles in van der Waals materials

Researchers have developed a novel all-optical method called laser optothermal nanobomb (LOTB) for efficient flattening of nanobubbles in 2D materials. The method leverages an optothermally induced phase transition and stress-pulling effect to remove gas from the bubbles, flattening the film without damaging its intrinsic properties.

Tailoring sapphire–Invar welds using burst femtosecond laser

The study achieves stable welding between sapphire and Invar under non-optical-contact conditions, with a maximum shear strength of 11.73 MPa. High-speed imaging techniques reveal the coupling of linear absorption and nonlinear absorption at the interface, sustaining plasma and energy deposition.