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Quantum properties of multimode light observed despite extreme losses

A team of scientists has developed a method to measure multiple quantum channels of light simultaneously, even when almost all the light is lost before reaching the detector. This breakthrough enables the detection of complex quantum states and provides a practical route toward real-world high-dimensional quantum technologies.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

“Achieved with a single laser process”: DGIST creates a photoelectric conversion junction in a two-dimensional semiconductor

The research team developed a technology that directly forms a junction structure within a 2D semiconductor using a laser to enhance photodetection performance. The resulting energy barrier rapidly separates the positively and negatively charged carriers generated by light, suppressing their recombination.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 1, 2026

“Seeing clearly even in the fog”: DGIST develops next-generation infrared image sensor for autonomous driving

A research team at DGIST has developed a next-generation near-infrared image sensor technology combining quantum dots with two-dimensional semiconductors. The new sensor exhibits high responsivity and detectivity, enabling rapid detection of weak infrared signals in fog or smoke.

Ultra-sensitive multi-band infrared polarization photodetector based on 1T'-MoTe2/2H-MoTe2 van der Waals heterostructure

The device exhibits outstanding performance across a broad optical spectrum, with high responsivity and specific detectivity. Its polarization-sensitive detection capability enables the direct deciphering of light's polarization state without external filters.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Self-powered asymmetric Schottky photodetector integrated with thin-film lithium niobate waveguide

A team of researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a self-powered asymmetric Schottky photodetector integrated with thin-film lithium niobate waveguide. The device leverages the property of internal stress in MoTe2 to enhance light absorption and exhibit pronounced self-powered behavior.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalChip·TypeNews article·DateNov 11, 2025

KAIST innovates mid-infrared photodetectors for exoplanet detection, expanding applications to environmental and medical fields​

KAIST researchers developed a highly sensitive mid-infrared photodetector that operates at room temperature, enabling low-cost mass production and real-time sensing of various molecular species. The technology has potential applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and industrial process management.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 9, 2025

Infrared heavy-metal-free quantum dots deliver sensitive and fast sensors for eye-safe LIDAR applications

Scientists have created a new method to create silver telluride colloidal quantum dots that overcome challenges of high dark current, limited linear dynamic range, and response speed. The team developed the first proof-of-concept SWIR LIDAR using these non-toxic materials, measuring distances over 10 meters with decimetre resolution.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 3, 2025

IEEE study reveals breakthroughs in high-performance photon detectors

Researchers developed a fabrication technique to overcome design challenges for scalable single-photon detectors, enabling ultra-fast detection of photons regardless of direction or polarization. The study provides a comprehensive guide to fabricating high-quality fractal SNSPDs with improved sensitivity and system detection efficiency.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

A look into the dark

A new technique allows for precise tracking of tiny particles known as dark excitons in time and space. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of solar cells and other devices.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025

Quantum experiments and high-performance computing: new methods enable complex calculations to be completed extremely quickly

Scientists at Paderborn University used high-performance computing to analyse a quantum photonics experiment, performing calculations in just minutes. The findings have significant implications for characterising photonic quantum computer hardware and will shape the future of quantum research.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalQuantum Science and Technology·DateOct 24, 2024

Researchers achieve practical 3D tracking at record-breaking speeds

Researchers have developed a new 3D method for fast-moving object tracking at unprecedented speeds, with potential applications in autonomous driving, industrial inspection and security surveillance. The approach uses single-pixel imaging to calculate the object's position in real-time, reducing data storage and computational costs.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 20, 2024

New technology gives people a better sense of what they’re breathing

Scientists developed a miniaturized micro-spectrometer to detect multiple toxic and greenhouse gases, offering increased control over individual exposure. The technology uses machine learning and metasurface spectral filter arrays to create a compact sensor that can be integrated into wearable devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

New all-optical approach to revolutionize night vision technology

Researchers at TMOS have developed a new infrared filter thinner than cling wrap, which can be integrated into everyday eyewear, allowing users to view both visible and infrared light spectra. This breakthrough miniaturizes night vision technology, opening up new applications in safety, surveillance, and biology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Innovative bird-eye-inspired camera developed for enhanced object detection

Researchers have developed a new perovskite-based camera inspired by the structures and functions of bird's eyes, specializing in object detection. The camera features an artificial fovea and multispectral image sensor that detects UV and RGB light, providing greater motion detection capabilities than conventional cameras.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 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

Lighting the way to noninvasive blood glucose monitoring using portable devices

A novel approach estimates metabolic activity and infers blood glucose levels from near-infrared measurements in commercial smartphones and smartwatches. The phase delay between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals closely relates to oxygen consumption during cardiac cycles, serving as a gauge for metabolism.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMar 8, 2024

Perovskite single-pixel detector for efficient extraction of meta-images in complex environments

A new perovskite single-pixel detector efficiently extracts dual-color metasurface images in complex environments, leveraging wavelength-selective properties and high detection sensitivity. The system streamlines image extraction with no need for additional filters, reducing cost and time.

UCF researcher discovers new technique for photon detection

A new technique for photon detection has been developed by UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, offering ultra-sensitive detection at room temperature. The method uses a phase-change material to modulate the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the way for low-cost, high-efficiency uncooled infrared detectors and imaging systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Thermal impact of 3D stacking photonic and electronic chips

The study found that 3D integration can lead to significant heat spreading and crosstalk, reducing heater efficiency by up to -43.3% and increasing thermal crosstalk by up to +44.4%. However, optimizing design variables, such as spacing between µbumps and interconnect linewidth, can minimize the thermal penalty of 3D integration.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateDec 7, 2023

Orbital-angular-momentum-encoded diffractive networks for object classification tasks

Researchers developed three diffractive deep neural networks using orbital angular momentum to recognize objects in images, achieving accuracy comparable to wavelength and polarization-based models. The technology has potential for real-time processing applications like image recognition and data-intensive tasks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateNov 27, 2023