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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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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

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
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.

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
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.

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

Pushing back the limits of optical imaging by processing trillions of frames per second

A new ultrafast camera system called SCARF has been developed by Professor Jinyang Liang's team at INRS, capturing up to 156.3 trillion frames per second with astonishing precision. This breakthrough enables real-time imaging of unique phenomena that are ultrafast, non-repeatable, or difficult to reproduce.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Pixelated non-volatile programmable photonic integrated circuits

The researchers achieved 20-level intermediate states of phase change materials using a micron-scale laser writing system. This allows for the demonstration of ultra-high flexibility in phase modulation and potential applications in neuromorphic photonics, optical computing, and reconfigurable metasurfaces.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 21, 2024

Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor.

Researchers have developed a miniaturized optical sensor that can detect glucose levels in human blood plasma with comparable sensitivity to laboratory-based sensors. The device operates wirelessly using a coin battery and has demonstrated its viability in detecting glucose levels between 50-400mg/dL.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Sensor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024
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.

Would the highly sensitive transparent ultrasound transducer revolutionize biomedical imaging technology?

A novel transparent ultrasonic transducer (TUT) developed by POSTECH researchers offers exceptional optical transparency and maintains acoustic performance, surpassing conventional limitations. This breakthrough enables high-depth-to-resolution ratios for ultrasound imaging, with applications in various medical devices and fields.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2024

Researchers edge closer to delivering personalized medicine to cancer patients

A team of physicists and veterinary scientists at Purdue University has developed a method to detect chemoresistance in cancer patients using biodynamic imaging (BDI). This technique measures the motions inside cancer cells and how they respond to chemotherapy, identifying patients who will not respond to treatment. The study shows pro...

SourcePurdue University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 13, 2024

Researchers find new multiphoton effect within quantum interference of light

Researchers from Leibniz University Hannover have disproved a previously held assumption about the impact of multiphoton components in thermal fields and parametric single photons. Their experiment reveals a new fundamental characteristic that was not considered in previous calculations, enabling the prediction of quantum interference.

SourceLeibniz University Hannover·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 23, 2024

Bringing quantum computing to light

Researchers explore quantum optical technology to solve scalability and accuracy issues in quantum computing, aiming to develop new drugs faster and more efficiently. Photon-based systems offer a solution by reducing physical components, increasing opportunities for scaling and stability.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

'Doughnut' beams help physicists see incredibly small objects

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new technique using doughnut-shaped beams of light to take detailed images of objects too tiny to view with traditional microscopes. This approach could help scientists improve nanoelectronics by inspecting semiconductors without damaging them.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateDec 4, 2023

Broadband buzz: Periodical cicadas' chorus measured with fiber optic cables

A new proof-of-concept study demonstrates the use of distributed fiber optic sensing to detect and analyze the sound of periodical cicadas. The technology shows promise for charting the populations of these famously ephemeral bugs, with potential applications in monitoring insect abundance across seasons and years.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Nextgen computing: Hard-to-move quasiparticles glide up pyramid edges

Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a new way to move quasiparticles, which could lead to more efficient devices and room temperature quantum computers. The team used a laser to create a cloud of quasiparticles that migrated up the pyramid's edge and settled at the peak.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 28, 2023

‘Hot’ new form of microscopy examines materials using evanescent waves

Researchers have developed a new form of microscopy that can probe details in an object's surface using evanescent waves. The technique, which detects radiation emitted by the object itself, has been used to examine thermally excited evanescent waves in dielectric materials with nanoscale precision.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

AI helps bring clarity to LASIK patients facing cataract surgery

Scientists developed computational eye models to help patients and surgeons select ideal intraocular lenses and predict visual outcomes. The technology uses anatomical information of the patient's eye to provide guidance on expected optical quality post-operatively.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

A new way to create germ-killing light

Researchers at Osaka University have created a new optical device that generates deep-UV light using second harmonic generation, killing germs while remaining harmless to humans. The device is more efficient and compact than previous options, paving the way for commercial applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Realizing ultrafast imaging from 2D to quasi 3D

Scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology have developed an ultrafast quasi-three-dimensional technique, enabling higher dimensions to analyze ultrafast processes. This method breaks through the limitations of original observational dimensions, enhancing our ability to analyze ultra-fast processes comprehensively.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateAug 30, 2023

Controlling the source of electromagnetic waves enables control of the period of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS)

Controlling the source of electromagnetic waves enables control of the period of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), increasing fabrication speed and accuracy. Researchers discovered that varying the substrate material affects the LIPSS period, allowing for more precise manipulation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·DateAug 15, 2023

Self-supervised AI learns physics to reconstruct microscopic images from holograms

Researchers created a self-supervised AI model called GedankenNet that learns physics laws and thought experiments to reconstruct microscopic images. The model successfully reconstructed human tissue samples and Pap smears from holograms without relying on real-world experiments or data.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Scientists edge toward scalable quantum simulations on a photonic chip

Researchers from the University of Rochester have made an important step toward developing computers advanced enough to simulate complex natural phenomena at the quantum level. They developed a new chip-scale optical quantum simulation system that could help make such a system feasible, using photonics-based synthetic dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023
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 developments for high-speed internet from space enabled by coherent modulation and adaptive optics

A team of researchers demonstrated a 1 Terabit per second line-rate over a wireless distance of 53.42 km using advanced optical modulation formats. Adaptive optics mitigation technique improved received optical power, enabling high data-rates despite atmospheric turbulence.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 27, 2023

Move over diamond. hBN is quantum’s new best friend.

Researchers have developed a method to stabilize the –1 state of boron vacancy defects in hBN, enabling it to replace diamond as a material for quantum sensing and quantum information processing. The team discovered unique properties of hBN and characterized its material, opening up new avenues for study.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

New microcomb device advances photonic technology

A new microcomb device developed by researchers at the University of Rochester offers a promising approach to generating stable microwave signals. The device's high-speed tunability enables applications in wireless communication, imaging, atomic clocks, and more.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2023
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.

The Good Fight: Advance in flexible photodetector could improve monitoring of greenhouse gases

Researchers have developed flexible photodetectors that can detect visible to long-wave infrared radiation, covering the full spectrum of greenhouse gases without complex optical components. The new detectors are simple and cost-effective to make, with production at room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

A liquid laser that is robust under air and tunable by wind

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a liquid droplet-based laser that remains stable under ambient conditions and can be tuned using gas convection. The development enables the creation of flexible optical communication devices with potential applications in airflow detectors and fiber-optics communications.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateJun 1, 2023

Android-based application for photoacoustic tomography image reconstruction

A mobile application utilizing Python and a single-element ultrasound transducer has been developed for photoacoustic tomography (PAT) image reconstruction. The application successfully reconstructs high-quality images with signal-to-noise ratio values above 30 decibels, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnosis in low-resource se...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 27, 2023

Scientists open door to manipulating ‘quantum light’

Researchers at the University of Sydney and the University of Basel have demonstrated the ability to manipulate and identify small numbers of interacting photons with high correlation. This achievement represents a significant step towards advancing medical imaging and quantum computing technologies.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

CityU scholars unify color systems using prime numbers

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a unified colour system based on prime numbers, called C<sub>235</sub>, which can represent various colours more efficiently than existing systems like RGB and CMYK. The new colour system has potential applications in designing energy-saving LCD systems and colourizing DNA codons.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023
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.

Researchers create first supermode optical resonator

The new optical resonator developed by Capasso's team provides precise control over the mode of light and enables multi-mode coupled light to exist within the resonator. This breakthrough could influence how resonators are understood and open doors for new capabilities, including fundamental physics experiments and manipulation of mate...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2023

GHz burst mode femtosecond laser pulses can create unique two-dimensional (2D) periodic surface nanostructures

Researchers demonstrate the ability of GHz burst mode femtosecond laser pulses to create unique two-dimensional (2D) periodic surface nanostructures on silicon substrates. The GHz burst mode enhances ablation efficiency and quality compared to conventional single-pulse mode, enabling the formation of distinctive 2D LIPSS.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJan 24, 2023
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.

Nearly 50-meter laser experiment sets record in University of Maryland hallway

Researchers at the University of Maryland successfully guided a 45-meter-long beam of light through an unremarkable hallway, pushing the limits of an innovative technique. The team utilized ultra-short laser pulses to create a plasma that heated air, forming a high-density core and enabling efficient light delivery.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 19, 2023