Fiber sensing scientists from Shenzhen University have developed an encrypted fiber optic tag that can be used for all-optical labeling and recognition of optical transmission channels. The team proposed a method using fiber Bragg grating arrays prepared by femtosecond laser direct writing to flexibly store different coding sequences.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 4, 2023
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking photonic integrated circuit chip that combines light source, modulator, photodiode, waveguide, and Y-branch splitter on a single substrate. The GaN-on-silicon platform reduces fabrication complexity and cost, enabling compact and high-performing devices.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJun 21, 2023
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.
Optical memristors have the potential to transform high-bandwidth neuromorphic computing, machine learning hardware, and artificial intelligence. However, scalability is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed to unlock their full potential.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 5, 2023
Researchers have created a 19-core optical fiber with a standard cladding diameter, achieving a record transmission capacity of 1.7 petabits per second over 63.5 km. This design uses randomly coupled multi-core fibers and MIMO digital signal processing to minimize power consumption.
SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023
Researchers demonstrate probabilistic computing's capabilities by simulating networks of stochastic nanodevices to solve specific NP problems. The simulations agree with theoretical solutions, indicating the potential for scaling up this approach.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateApr 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists have created a novel method to fabricate miniature optical fibers (MNFs) with high precision and minimal loss. The technique utilizes plasmonic heaters embedded in metal plates to heat the fibers, eliminating the need for bulky components like translation stages or flame burners.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateApr 11, 2023
Researchers developed a miniaturized viscometer using GaN optical device and bendable strip, achieving an ultra-wide viscosity range of 10^0 - 10^6 mPa·s. The viscometer demonstrated real-time monitoring capabilities and low sample consumption, making it suitable for practical applications.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateFeb 21, 2023
Researchers from University of the Witwatersrand developed a new approach to studying complex light in complex systems. They found distortion-free forms of structured light that emerge undistorted from noisy channels, unlike other forms of structured light which become unrecognizable. This breakthrough has the potential to pave the wa...
SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 8, 2023
Researchers developed a self-powered nanowire sensor that can detect nitrogen dioxide in the air without power source. The sensor has potential applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial safety.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023
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.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed an optoelectronic resonator that enhances the sensitivity of an electron pulse detector, allowing for ultrafast electronic characterization of proteins or materials. This breakthrough may aid in the study of biomolecules and industrial materials.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Photonics·DateDec 14, 2022
Researchers at Chalmers University have developed an optical hydrogen sensor that can detect extremely low levels of hydrogen, allowing for early detection and alarm. The sensor uses AI technology to optimize particle arrangement and geometry, achieving sensitivity in the parts per billion range.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2022
Scientists successfully transmit and switch 15-mode multiplexed signals over a 6.1 km long multi-mode fiber ring in Italy, demonstrating a new approach to increasing fiber network capacity. This achievement is significant for future communication systems beyond 5G.
SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022
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.
Researchers studied diatom shells to understand how they perform photosynthesis in low-light conditions. They found that the frustule can contribute a 9.83% boost to photosynthesis, especially during transitions from high to low sunlight.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateNov 22, 2022
Harvard scientists create a high-performance on-chip femtosecond pulse source using a time lens, enabling broadband, high-intensity pulse sources. The device is highly tunable, integrated onto a small chip and requires reduced power compared to traditional table-top systems.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2022
Researchers demonstrate world's first 55-mode transmission at 1.53 petabits per second, outperforming previous records by three times in spectral efficiency. The technology holds promise for future high-capacity backbone networks and the development of Beyond 5G infrastructure.
SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to identify topological materials using machine learning and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The method is over 90% accurate in identifying known topological materials and can predict properties of unknown compounds.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 28, 2022
The researchers used a 3D laser printing approach to create high-quality, complex polymer optical devices directly on the end of an optical fiber. The device turns normal laser light into a twisted Bessel beam with low diffraction and can be used for applications like STED microscopy and particle manipulation.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers developed a silicon photodiode array for in-sensor processing, allowing for real-time image filtering and extraction of relevant visual information. The technology has potential applications in machine vision, bio-inspired systems, and intelligent imaging devices.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Electronics·DateAug 26, 2022
Customized fibers have been engineered to generate Bessel beams, opening up new applications in imaging and communications. The fibers use a technique called two-photon lithography to fabricate special beam-shaping elements, enabling the creation of compact Bessel beam generators.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOptica·DateAug 9, 2022
Researchers have created a new glass-ceramic that emits light in response to mechanical stress, enabling potential applications for monitoring stress in artificial joints and structures.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJul 26, 2022
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.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have successfully developed a novel Vacuum Ultra-Violet (VUV) meta-lens, which can generate and focus the VUV light. The focused VUV light source enables nanolithography, material processing, and advanced manufacturing applications.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
Recent research reviews progresses in miniaturized spectrometers, focusing on integrated spectrometers with CMOS-compatible integration platforms. The authors establish performance benchmarks and discuss technological advancements in wavelength de-multiplexing and multiplexing-based spectrometers.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 8, 2022
Researchers from NICT demonstrated a record-breaking 1.02 petabit per second transmission capacity in a 4-core MCF with a standard 0.125 mm cladding diameter, exceeding 20 THz optical bandwidth with 801 parallel wavelength channels.
SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2022
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.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a single-material diamond mirror that withstood a 10-kilowatt Navy laser without damage. The mirror's unique nanostructure design makes it 98.9% reflective, potentially enabling more robust high-power lasers for various applications.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2022
A new approach using artificial intelligence generates designs automatically, allowing researchers to create complex metasurfaces with billions of nanopillars. This enables the development of larger, more complex metalenses for virtual reality and augmented reality systems.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2022
Researchers proposed and experimentally demonstrated an all-optical random bit generation method using chaotic pulses quantized in the optical domain. This method generated a 10 Gb/s random bit stream, potentially operable at higher rates by exploiting ultrafast fiber response.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMay 2, 2022
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.
Scientists at IIT realized coupled light vortices forming an ordered structure, a light crystal. They developed metasurfaces to control laser beams and created 100 light vortices with tunable topology, enabling new properties for optical communications and simulations of complex systems.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
Scientists at Stanford University have created a stretchy display that can change shape in response to user interaction. The display uses elastic light-emitting polymers and has a maximum brightness two times that of a typical cellphone, allowing it to be stretched up to twice its original length without tearing.
Scientists have created a flexible, multipoint microLED array film that enables simultaneous optical stimulation at specific or multiple regions in the brain. The technology has potential broader applications in neuroscience research and could lead to new understanding of brain function and behavior.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022
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.
Researchers developed a metasurface attachment that can turn any camera into a polarization camera, capturing light's polarization at every pixel. This innovation benefits various fields like face recognition, self-driving cars and remote sensing, revealing hidden details and features.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateMar 18, 2022
Researchers created a dental tool that measures plaque acidity using an LED light and FDA-approved chemical dye, providing dentists with early warning signs of cavity development. The device can help limit the need for specific harmful bacteria tests and educate patients about sugar's impact on oral health.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022
Researchers at Penn State developed a computational optimizer to design a 3D unit cell with cube-shaped cavities that enables asymmetric transmission of linearly polarized light across a wide frequency range. The optimized design was successfully fabricated and tested, demonstrating robust optical properties.
SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 2, 2022
Researchers have discovered a new material, α-MoO3, that can be used to create invisibility concentrators with improved performance and lower production costs. The study suggests the use of α-MoO3 to control energy flow and scatter light, enabling the creation of devices with near-perfect invisibility.
SourceDe Gruyter·JournalNanophotonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 21, 2021
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.
Femtosecond laser precision engineering enables micro/nano-structure creation with high resolution and dry processing. Key challenges include achieving small heat affected zones and ensuring sufficient processing speeds for industrial needs.
SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 3, 2021
On-chip frequency shifters in the gigahertz range enable precise color shifting for high-speed optical communication. This innovation has significant implications for the development of quantum computers and future network infrastructure.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2021
A clinical study found that severe COVID-19 patients exhibit impaired microvascular function, which correlates with disease severity. Non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring may help predict disease course and select responders to novel therapies.
SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalCritical Care·DateNov 23, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a simple spatial light modulator made from gold electrodes covered by a thin film of electro-optical material. This device can control light intensity and pixel by pixel, enabling compact, high-speed, and precise optical devices.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2021
George Mason University Assistant Professor Zhisheng Yan is leading a project to create augmented 360-degree video for firefighters, enabling remote commanders to visualize the entire emergency scene in all directions. The research aims to enhance firefighting productivity and safety by providing panoramic visual cognition.
A portable optical sensor system could diagnose traumatic brain injury severity in the field from a single drop of blood, potentially reducing costs and improving treatment outcomes
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.
Researchers developed a precise stopwatch to count single photons, enhancing imaging technologies like forest mapping and disease diagnosis. The new time lens technology improves photon timing resolution by orders of magnitude.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateAug 24, 2021
Researchers at Harvard SEAS have demonstrated a new way to control polarized light using metasurfaces, enabling holographic images with an unlimited number of polarization states and manipulation in virtually infinite directions. This advancement could lead to applications in imaging, microscopes, displays, and astronomy.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 13, 2021
Researchers at Aalto University have discovered that fibrous red phosphorous, when electrons are confined in its one-dimensional sub-units, shows large optical responses. The material demonstrates giant anisotropic linear and non-linear optical responses, as well as emission intensity.
SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2021
Researchers developed the first transparent fiber–millimeter-wave–fiber system in the 100-GHz band using a low-loss broadband optical modulator with direct photonic down-conversion. The system successfully demonstrated high-speed transmission of over 70 Gbit/s over a wired and wireless converged system.
SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateAug 6, 2021
Researchers at Penn State have developed new methods to enhance light emission and increase signal strength in 2D materials. By altering the atomic makeup and physical shape of these materials, they created new types of materials that can attract different molecules and induce superconductivity. These advancements have significant impl...
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 27, 2020
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.
Researchers create a device that displays directionally asymmetric reflective colors based on viewing direction, enabling information encryption via optical camouflage. The design allows for bidirectional display of tuneable messages/images, opening up new photonic applications.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateOct 20, 2020
Dr. Koby Scheuer's plastic-based technology uses nano-sized grooves to filter noise from information in optical devices, making them smaller, more flexible, and powerful.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 3, 2010
University of Florida engineers have successfully installed a tiny on-chip antenna, enabling radio communication across distances of up to 16 feet. The achievement marks a significant step towards building an 'ultrasmall radio chip' for various applications, including border security and bridge monitoring.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateMay 11, 2004
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.