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The US has a new most powerful laser

The US National Science Foundation-funded ZEUS facility at the University of Michigan has roughly doubled the peak power of any other laser in the country with its first official experiment reaching 2 petawatts. Research at ZEUS will have applications in medicine, national security, materials science and astrophysics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMay 19, 2025

Advances bring us closer to new ‘light-squeezing’ technologies

Researchers have developed thin films that can compress infrared light, improving its propagation distance and wavelength range. The technology has potential applications in thermal management, molecular sensing, and photonics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Programmable electron-induced color router array

A new programmable color router array is designed to manipulate photon momentum in multi-frequency channels, enabling efficient spectrum utilization and encryption. The device utilizes dichromatic photon momentum and beam intensity to promote information processing ability, increasing capacity based on frequency-dependent angular measu...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 14, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Spatially accurate & fast printing of testing sensors

A research group at Chuo University has developed an all-printable device fabrication strategy to overcome technical limitations of multi-functional image sensor sheets. The new technique accurately prints carbon nanotube channels and integrates other constituents into single devices, facilitating non-destructive monitoring.

SourceChuo University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2025

One glass, full color: sub-millimeter waveguide shrinks AR glasses

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have developed an achromatic metagrating that handles all colors in a single glass layer, eliminating the need for multiple layers. This breakthrough enables vivid full-color images using a 500-µm-thick single-layer waveguide.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 8, 2025

Turning light into usable energy

Scientists at UC Riverside are investigating plasmonic materials that can transfer energy when struck by light. Their findings could lead to sensors capable of detecting molecules at trace levels and other technologies with practical applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMay 8, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A Snapshot of Relativistic Motion: Special relativity made visible

Researchers from Vienna University of Technology successfully reproduced the Terrell-Penrose effect using laser pulses and precision cameras, demonstrating the relativistic length contraction and its impact on perceived rotation. The experiment uses a novel technique inspired by art to recreate the effect in the laboratory.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2025

Filipino scientists develop low-cost liquid lenses

Researchers at Ateneo de Manila University create hydrophobic surfaces using electrospun polymer fibers to hold water droplets in a dome shape, allowing for dynamic adjustment of magnifying power. This discovery has potential practical applications in science classrooms, remote areas, and research labs.

SourceAteneo de Manila University·JournalResults in Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025
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.

Scientists create a ‘brilliantly luminous’ nanoscale chemical tool

Researchers developed fluorescent polyionic nanoclays that can be customized for medical imaging, sensor technology, and environmental protection. These tiny clay-based materials exhibit high brightness and versatility, enabling precise tuning of optical properties.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 16, 2025

A compact, mid-infrared pulse generator

Physicists at Harvard SEAS have created a compact, on-chip mid-infrared pulse generator that can emit short bursts of light without external components. This device has the potential to speed up gas sensor development and create new medical imaging tools.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025
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.

Do neurons transmit light?

Scientists investigate whether living neurons can transport light through their axons, which would significantly change current models of the nervous system. If successful, it could have major implications for treating brain diseases and healing the brain.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateApr 14, 2025

Light that spirals like a nautilus shell

Harvard physicists develop an optical vortex beam that twists and changes shape, resembling spiral shapes found in nature. The 'optical rotatum' has potential applications in controlling small particles and micro-manipulation, and its creation is made possible with a single liquid crystal display.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

Amplifier with tenfold bandwidth opens up for super lasers

A new amplifier developed by Chalmers University of Technology can transmit ten times more data per second than current systems, holding significant potential for various critical laser systems, including medical diagnostics and treatment. The amplifier's large bandwidth enables precise analyses and imaging of tissues and organs.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

A router for photons

Harvard researchers have created a photon router that could plug into quantum networks to create robust optical interfaces for noise-sensitive microwave quantum computers. The breakthrough enables control of microwave qubits with optical signals generated many miles away, bridging the energy gap between microwave and optical photons.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Three University of Virginia Engineering faculty elected as AAAS Fellows

Three UVA Engineering faculty members have been elected as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in computer architecture, energy transport, and hydrology. Sandhya Dwarkadas, Patrick E. Hopkins, and Venkataraman Lakshmi were recognized for their innovative research and contributions to their respective fields.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 1, 2025
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.

New 3D technology paves way for next-generation eye-tracking

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new 3D imaging technique, deflectometry, paired with advanced computation to improve eye-tracking accuracy. The method can capture gaze direction information from more than 40,000 surface points, theoretically millions, increasing accuracy by a factor of over 3,000 compared to c...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2025

Twisting atomically thin materials could advance quantum computers

Scientists at the University of Rochester have discovered a way to create artificial atoms within twisted monolayers of molybdenum diselenide, retaining information when activated by light. This breakthrough could lead to new types of quantum devices, such as memory or nodes in a quantum network.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 17, 2025

Cold atoms on a chip

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop photonic integrated 3D-MOT, a miniaturized version of equipment used to trap and cool atoms. This innovation enables new applications in sensing, precision timekeeping, and quantum computing, and paves the way for accessible quantum research projects.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOptica Quantum·DateMar 4, 2025
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.

Innovative 7-axis synchronization strategy for enhanced laser texturing of freeform surface

Researchers developed a 7-axis synchronization algorithm for freeform surface laser texturing, achieving high efficiency and accuracy without stitching errors. The approach improves processing efficiency by up to 559% and reduces errors by 60%, making it suitable for industrial applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJan 22, 2025

Harnessing electromagnetic waves and quantum materials to improve wireless communication technologies

A team of researchers from the University of Ottawa has developed innovative methods to enhance frequency conversion of terahertz (THz) waves in graphene-based structures, unlocking new potential for faster, more efficient technologies in wireless communication and signal processing. These advancements hold great promise for wireless c...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025
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.

NASA awards SwRI $60 million contract to develop next-generation coronagraphs

SwRI's novel Space Weather Solar Coronagraph (SwSCOR) will provide early detection and characterization of Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs), helping to predict geomagnetic storms and protect Earth assets. The instrument suite includes rapid data reduction software, delivering processed images to NOAA forecasters within minu...

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateNov 18, 2024

Towards a hydrogen-powered future: highly sensitive hydrogen detection system

Researchers developed a highly sensitive hydrogen detection system using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) with high selectivity and rapid response. The new method achieved accurate measurements of hydrogen concentrations from 0.01% to 100%, improving the detection limit at longer integration times.

SourceChiba University·JournalOptics & Laser Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Turning up the signal

Researchers developed a new biocompatible sensor substrate using Ag nanoislands protected with column-structured silica, increasing fluorescence and Raman signals by 10 million times. The technique enables non-invasive monitoring of biological processes without disrupting cell function or causing damage.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 29, 2024

Ultra-small spectrometer yields the power of a 1,000 times bigger device

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a highly accurate and affordable spectrometer that can be customized for specific applications. The device uses machine learning algorithms to reconstruct images with high accuracy, enabling astronomers to study phenomena such as exoplanet atmospheres and dark matter in faint galaxies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAPL Photonics·DateOct 23, 2024

Reconfigurable simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer system with MIMO configuration

The study introduces a reconfigurable simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer (SLIPT) system using a MIMO-based configuration, addressing existing OWC systems' limitations. The system achieves high-speed communication and efficient energy harvesting, enabling autonomous IoT devices in harsh environments.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateOct 15, 2024

A new apparatus for analyzing partial coherence in integrated photonic networks

A new device has been developed to analyze and control partial coherence in multimode spatial light fields, utilizing integrated photonics platforms and arrays of reconfigurable Mach-Zehnder interferometers. This technology can enhance applications in advanced imaging systems, environmental sensing, and optical communications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateOct 15, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

An OLED for compact, lightweight night vision

A new type of OLED device can amplify and convert near infrared light into visible light, promising low power consumption and long battery life. The device has a memory effect that could enable computer vision systems to sense and interpret incoming light signals.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 17, 2024

Super-precise spectrometer enabled by latent information carried by photons

Researchers at the University of Warsaw developed a quantum-inspired super-resolving spectrometer that uses latent information carried by photons to improve spectral resolution. The device offers over a two-fold improvement in resolution compared to standard approaches and has potential applications in optical and quantum networks.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalOptica·DateSep 12, 2024
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.

Unique nanodisk pushing photonic research forward

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully combined nonlinear and high-index nanophotonics in a single nanoobject, creating a disk-like structure with unique optical properties. The discovery has great potential for developing efficient and compact nonlinear optical devices.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

New study accelerates AI-based particle size probe for medication manufacturing

A new study introduces a faster approach to analyzing scattered light, enabling real-time monitoring of medication manufacturing. The technique reduces reconstruction time from 15 seconds to 0.25 seconds and offers a low-cost non-invasive particle size probe for efficient production.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 10, 2024

Yellow dye solution makes tissue transparent on living animals

A team of researchers led by Dr. Zihao Ou successfully made the skin on live mice transparent using a mixture of water and tartrazine, a common food coloring. This breakthrough allows for direct observation of organs and tissues beneath the skin, opening up new possibilities for biomedical research.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024
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.

The world’s fastest single-shot 2D imaging technique films ultrafast dynamics in flames

Researchers develop femtosecond laser sheet-compressed ultrafast photography (fsLS-CUP) to capture ultrafast dynamics in flames. The technique enables simultaneous imaging of soot particles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), revealing their formation and growth in flames.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 2, 2024

Mid-infrared computational temporal ghost imaging

A new scheme extends temporal ghost imaging to arbitrary wavelengths, enabling flexible operation in the mid-infrared. Computational TGI allows for scan-free imaging and studying ultrafast dynamics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 26, 2024

Coherence entropy unlocks new insights into light-field behavior

Researchers at Soochow University introduced coherence entropy as a global characterization of light fields subjected to random fluctuations. Coherence entropy remains stable during the propagation of light through complex media, making it a robust indicator of light field behavior in non-ideal conditions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 13, 2024

Tiny quantum sensor to make a big impact

Researchers developed a new 2D quantum sensing chip using hexagonal boron nitride that can simultaneously detect temperature anomalies and magnetic fields in any direction. The chip is significantly thinner than current quantum technology for magnetometry, enabling cheaper and more versatile sensors.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

You're just a stick figure to this camera

A new camera system called PrivacyLens can replace people in images with generic stick figures, protecting their identities and reducing unnecessary surveillance. This technology could prevent embarrassing photos from being shared online and make patients more comfortable using cameras for chronic health monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 15, 2024

Researchers engineer new approach for controlling thermal emission

A team of researchers has created a novel approach to control thermal emission by designing an interface that joins two surfaces with different geometric properties. This allows for localized thermal emissions from designated areas, enabling applications in infrared optics, sensing, and satellite technology.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing transforms crop monitoring

A new, tuneable edge-detecting filter for flat-optic imaging systems can switch between an image of an object's outline and a detailed infrared image, enabling precise crop management and habitat restoration. The filter is compact, lightweight, and can be mass-manufactured.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Streamlined microcomb design provides control with the flip of a switch

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new microcomb laser design that provides low power efficiency, high tunability, and easy operation. The simplified approach enables direct control over the comb with a single switch, opening up potential applications in telecommunications systems, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2024

New surface acoustic wave techniques could lead to surfing a quantum internet

Scientists at the University of Rochester have developed a technique for pairing particles of light and sound, allowing for faithful conversion of information stored in quantum systems. The method uses surface acoustic waves, which can be accessed and controlled without mechanical contact, enabling strong quantum coupling on any material.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2024
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.

Unveiling a polarized world – in a single shot

Scientists at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a compact, single-shot polarization imaging system that can provide a complete picture of polarization. The system uses two thin metasurfaces to capture the most complete polarization response of an object in real-time.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 2, 2024

The future of online security safeguarded by AI and metasurfaces

The team created ten holograms with varying colors and shapes using an inverse design technique driven by artificial intelligence. They integrated an oblique helicoidal cholesterics-based wavelength modulator to accurately implement the designed holograms, enabling the establishment of an optical security system.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 14, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

AI makes retinal imaging 100 times faster, compared to manual method

Researchers at NIH developed a novel AI-based method called P-GAN to improve next-generation imaging of cells in the retina. The technique reduces imaging acquisition and processing time by 100-fold, yielding greater contrast and improving image quality.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

Will the convergence of light and matter in Janus particles transcend performance limitations in the optical display industry?

Researchers pioneer technique to control polaritons, unlocking potential for next-generation materials and surpassing performance limitations of optical displays. The breakthrough enables stable generation of polariton particles with enhanced brightness and color control.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 8, 2024