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Shedding light on why blue LEDS are so tricky to make

Scientists at UCL have discovered the root of the problem in making blue LEDs by examining gallium nitride's unusual behavior using sophisticated computer simulations. The study reveals that doping with magnesium is necessary to achieve the desired properties, but the complexity of the process was previously unknown.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 7, 2015

Organic electronics could lead to cheap, wearable medical sensors

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new organic optoelectronic sensor that can accurately measure blood-oxygen levels and is thin, flexible, and disposable. The device uses red and green light to detect changes in oxygen saturation levels, making it potentially cheaper and more convenient than conventional pulse oximeters.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Finding the Achilles' heel of GaN-based LEDs in harsh radiation environments

Researchers investigated GaN-based LED structure irradiation with protons and found increased resistance in p-type GaN layers compared to n-type. The observed increase is attributed to lower initial carrier density in p-type GaN, resulting from inadequate doping technology.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEICE Transactions on Electronics·DateDec 7, 2014

Giving LEDs a cozy, warm glow

Scientists develop a thermoresponsive coating that changes the color of white LEDs when dimmed, creating a warmer glow. This innovative technology uses liquid crystal and polymeric materials to create a temperature-dependent shift in light emission.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 19, 2014
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.

Engineers find a way to win in laser performance by losing

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to reverse optical loss and increase laser intensity by modulating loss in the system. By adding loss to a laser system, they achieved energy gains and demonstrated new nonlinear phenomena.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

A brighter design emerges for low-cost, 'greener' LED light bulbs

Scientists have developed a new family of materials for making household LED bulbs without using rare earth elements, which are increasingly expensive. These materials, made from copper iodide, offer a warm white glow and low-cost solution process, showing significant promise for general lighting applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 15, 2014

Beyond LEDs: Brighter, new energy-saving flat panel lights based on carbon nanotubes

Researchers have developed a new type of energy-efficient flat light source using highly crystalline single-walled carbon nanotubes as field emitters, demonstrating potential for low-power lighting devices. The device has a brightness efficiency of 60 Lumen per Watt and requires only 0.1 Watt of power consumption.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 14, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Revving up fluorescence for superfast LEDs

Duke University researchers have developed a way to increase the photon emission rate of fluorescent molecules, reaching record levels. This breakthrough has significant implications for ultrafast LEDs and quantum cryptography, enabling secure communication that could not be hacked.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 12, 2014

Live long and phosphor: Blue LED breakthrough for efficient electronics

Researchers at the University of Michigan have extended the lifetime of blue organic light emitting diodes by a factor of 10, improving OLED efficiencies for smartphones and large-screen TVs. The new design spreads out light-producing energy to prevent damaging synergy, resulting in a tenfold increase in lifetime.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2014

'Bendy' LEDs

A Korean research team has successfully grown gallium nitride micro-rods on graphene substrates, enabling the creation of bendable light-emitting diodes. The technology has significant implications for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateSep 23, 2014
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.

Fingertip sensor gives robot unprecedented dexterity

Researchers equipped a robot with a novel tactile sensor, allowing it to grasp and manipulate objects in unprecedented ways. The sensor uses optics and computer-vision algorithms to infer the three-dimensional structure of surfaces, giving the robot feedback in real-time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 19, 2014

Making quantum dots glow brighter

Researchers have discovered a way to control the properties of quantum dots by using ultrathin layers of metal oxides. This new approach makes quantum dots glow brighter and enhances their emission efficiency, which is crucial for applications such as sensors, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 16, 2014

Pesky insect inspires practical technology

Scientists replicated the structure of compound eyes to create miniature devices that emit light uniformly in all directions. The findings have potential applications for extremely wide field-of-view detectors, enabling new technologies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 9, 2014
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.

LEDs made from 'wonder material' perovskite

A hybrid form of perovskite has been used to make high-brightness LEDs with a simple and scalable process, potentially replacing conventional methods. The results could provide a lot of value to the flat-panel display industry.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 5, 2014

LEDs shine in bedding plant production study

A new study shows that LED lighting can produce favorable results in greenhouse grown annual bedding plant seedlings. The optimal LED red:blue light ratio was found to be between 70:30 and 100:0, resulting in higher stem caliper and root dry mass compared to high-pressure sodium lamps.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 21, 2014
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.

'Nanocamera' takes pictures at distances smaller than light's own wavelength

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to record near-field optical information in nanoantennas, enabling the creation of optofluidic channels without walls. This technology has potential applications for optical data storage and other photonic applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 17, 2014

First evidence for painless atrial fibrillation treatment

Researchers have developed a method of shockless defibrillation using optogenetics, achieving cardioversion into sinus rhythm without pain. The technique involves genetically inserting depolarising ion channels into the heart that can be activated by light, promising a new approach for treating atrial fibrillation.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateJul 4, 2014

Light-emitting diode treatments outperform traditional lighting methods

Researchers found that specific LED treatments were more effective than high-pressure sodium lighting for greenhouse tomatoes, increasing fruit and biomass production. The study's results show that LEDs can be customized to target specific wavelengths used by plants, leading to improved plant growth.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJun 23, 2014

LED phosphors: Better red makes brighter white

Researchers at LMU Munich have developed a novel red phosphor material that significantly enhances the performance of white-emitting LEDs. The new material generates 14% more light than conventional white-light LEDs while maintaining an excellent color rendering index.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 23, 2014

Novel NIST laser system mimics sunlight to test solar cell efficiency

Researchers at NIST have created a new laser-based instrument that simulates sunlight across a broad spectrum, allowing for accurate testing of solar cell properties and potential efficiency boosts. The instrument uses optical-fiber amplifier technology to boost power and a photonic crystal fiber to broaden the spectrum.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Journal of Photovoltaics·DateMay 30, 2014
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.

Under some LED bulbs whites aren't 'whiter than white'

Researchers found that different LED light sources render white differently, affecting product appearance. Participants struggled to distinguish between cards under blue-pumped LEDs, highlighting the need for spectrum engineering to accurately render whiteness.

SourcePenn State·JournalLEUKOS The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America·DateApr 18, 2014

To bridge LEDs' green gap, scientists think small... really small

Researchers found that reducing indium nitride's dimensions can produce green light with higher energy, leading to more efficient LEDs. The nanostructures can be tailored to emit different colors of light, enabling the creation of natural-looking white lighting.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 4, 2014

New technique makes LEDs brighter, more resilient

Researchers at NC State University have developed a new processing technique that increases luminescence in LEDs by coating gallium nitride (GaN) with phosphorus-derived acid. This enhances the material's stability, making it more suitable for biomedical applications such as implantable sensors.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 19, 2014
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.

LED lamps: Less energy, more light

LEDs are expected to capture up to 90% of the lighting market by 2020, offering environmental benefits and high efficiency. GaN transistors enable faster switching speeds, leading to reduced energy consumption and increased light output.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 11, 2014

Two-dimensional material shows promise for optoelectronics

MIT researchers have successfully created devices that harness or emit light using a novel material called tungsten diselenide, which is just a few atoms thick. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultrathin, lightweight, and flexible photovoltaic cells, LEDs, and other optoelectronic devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 10, 2014

Scientists build thinnest-possible LEDs to be stronger, more energy efficient

University of Washington researchers develop two-dimensional, flexible semiconductors to build the thinnest-known LED, only three atoms thick yet mechanically strong. The LED can be used in a wide range of applications, including lighting and optical communication, offering high energy efficiency and miniaturization possibilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 10, 2014

Atomically thin solar cells

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created the world's thinnest solar cells using tungsten diselenide, a material that can absorb light and convert it into electrical power. The ultrathin layers exhibit high transparency and efficiency, making them suitable for flexible displays and glass facades.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 9, 2014

Quantum dots provide complete control of photons

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to emit polarized light directly from quantum dots, achieving an average polarization of 84%. This breakthrough enables the creation of more efficient polarized light-emitting diodes for LCD screens and wiretap-proof communications.

SourceLinköping University·DateJan 31, 2014
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 transparent display system could provide heads-up data

Researchers at MIT have developed a new transparent display system that can project images onto glass while maintaining transparency, enabling wide-angle views. The system uses nanoparticles to scatter specific wavelengths of light, allowing for clear visibility through the display.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2014
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.

Researchers test effects of LEDs on leaf lettuce

Researchers found that a mixture of blue and red LEDs enhances lettuce growth rate, biomass accumulation, and antioxidant compound production. Red LED alone stimulates biomass but induces abnormal leaf shape and negative effects on antioxidants.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 19, 2013

Novel LEDs pave the way to cheaper displays

Researchers have developed a novel type of OLED that shows promise for high conversion efficiencies, potentially leading to cheaper displays. The new compounds can store electrical energy for longer periods, allowing for more efficient light generation and reduced heat production.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 8, 2013

Breakthrough research produces brighter, more efficiently produced lighting

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara's SSLEC discovered simple guidelines to optimize phosphors in white LED lighting, yielding brighter and more efficient lights. The breakthrough paves the way for high-efficiency solid-state lighting with potential to replace lower-efficiency incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateOct 30, 2013

Nanoscale engineering boosts performance of quantum dot light emitting diodes

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new generation of engineered quantum dots to reduce wasteful charge-carrier interactions in QD-LEDs. This breakthrough aims to improve the efficiency and operating lifetime of these devices, making them more suitable for lighting applications.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2013

ASU, Georgia Tech create breakthrough for solar cell efficiency

The ASU group, in collaboration with Georgia Tech, has developed a new approach to growing InGaN crystals, promising to move photovoltaic solar cell technology toward record-breaking efficiencies. The technique, called metal-modulated epitaxy, allows for the growth of ideal crystals with uniform composition and lattice alignment.

SourceArizona State University·DateOct 25, 2013
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.

Wagon-wheel pasta shape for better LED

Researchers at the University of Utah created a new organic molecule shaped like rotelle – wagon-wheel pasta – that depolarizes light, increasing LED efficiency. This breakthrough allows for more efficient OLED displays, promising longer battery life in smartphones and TVs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2013

Bright, laser-based lighting devices

Researchers at University of California, Santa Barbara, have devised a new method for creating high-power white light using a laser diode in combination with inorganic phosphors. The resulting lighting options are high in efficiency and have been shown to achieve a luminous flux comparable to current high-brightness white LEDs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateSep 27, 2013

Toward a truly white organic LED

Researchers at the University of Utah have created a polymer that emits light in multiple colors, including blue and red, and can be tuned to cover the entire visible spectrum. This breakthrough holds promise for more efficient and less expensive white organic LEDs, which could replace traditional light bulbs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2013
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.

New kind of ultraviolet LED could lead to portable, low-cost devices

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new kind of ultraviolet LED that emits light at specific wavelengths, making it suitable for commercial applications such as chemical detection, disinfection, and UV curing. The device runs on lower voltages than existing methods, making it more compact and potentially cost-effective.

SourceOhio State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 9, 2013

Rensselaer researchers identify cause of LED 'efficiency droop'

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified electron leakage as the culprit behind LED efficiency droop, a flaw that causes LEDs to lose up to 20% of their efficiency. The discovery may lead to new technologies to solve the problem and develop stronger LEDs.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 30, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New techniques use lasers, LEDs, and optics to 'see' under the skin

Researchers have developed new techniques using lasers, LEDs, and optics to visualize and analyze the skin's structure and function. These methods hold promise for various medical applications, including burn treatment, cancer detection, and wound healing.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJul 24, 2013

2 in 1 solution for low cost polymer LEDs and solar cells

Researchers from UNIST developed a new plasmonic material that enhances performance in both polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and polymer solar cells (PSCs), achieving world-record high efficiency, with PLEDs reaching up to 27.16 cd A-1 and PSCs producing enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 8.31%.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 21, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Dual-color lasers could lead to cheap and efficient LED lighting

A new semiconductor device has been created that can emit two distinct colors, opening up the possibility of using LEDs universally for cheap and efficient lighting. The device is more energy efficient than traditional LEDs as it emits light in a narrower spectral line.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSemiconductor Science and Technology·DateMay 2, 2013

New LED streetlight design curbs light pollution

A new LED streetlight design harnesses high-efficiency LEDs to provide uniform illumination while minimizing light pollution and glare. The design achieves an optical utilization factor of 51-81 percent, reducing light pollution by up to a fifth.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 24, 2013

Cause of LED efficiency droop finally revealed

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have identified Auger recombination as the mechanism behind the LED 'droop' phenomenon, a drop in light produced when a higher current is applied. This discovery is expected to lead to new ways to design LEDs with significantly higher light emission efficiencies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 23, 2013
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.