Scientists developed tiny devices containing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to activate brain cells with light. Using these devices, mice were taught to poke their noses through a hole in a maze, triggering the system to release dopamine and associate rewards, revealing potential for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Researchers developed ultrathin, flexible optoelectronic devices, including LEDs the size of individual neurons, to illuminate brain mysteries. These devices enable precise control and direct interaction with brain tissue, opening up new ways for neuroscientists to study complex behaviors and neural circuits.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
McGill researchers demonstrate ability to modulate light using laser-pulse inputs to manipulate quantum mechanical state of semiconductor nanocrystals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of optical transistors, which would enable faster and more efficient data processing in telecommunications networks.
SourceMcGill University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 9, 2013
For the first time, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have successfully enabled 'bulk' silicon to emit broad-spectrum, visible light. This breakthrough enables the use of elemental silicon in both electronic and photonic components, paving the way for more efficient and integrated devices.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 27, 2013
Researchers from KIT and the University of Toronto have successfully manufactured highly efficient light-emitting diodes using silicon nanocrystals. The SiLEDs can produce light in various colors and have a surprising long-term stability, making them an attractive alternative to existing LEDs.
SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 22, 2013
Researchers at Stanford have developed a light-emitting probe that can be injected into individual cells without harm. The device uses photonic cavities to amplify light and detect specific biomolecules, paving the way for real-time sensing and monitoring of cellular biology.
SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 13, 2013
Researchers at Penn State have successfully created single layers of the rare mineral tungstenite, forming triangular structures that exhibit photoluminescent properties. These findings hold promise for various optical technologies, including light detection and laser technology.
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.
Researchers are developing new transparent contact electrodes using materials like graphene and carbon nanostructures, which offer improved conductivity and transparency compared to traditional metal oxides. These new materials have the potential to be combined with conventional solutions or used in entirely new applications.
SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 29, 2013
The University of Georgia scientists have fabricated the world's first LED that emits a warm white light using a single phosphor with a single emitting center. The new material achieves a warm color temperature while maintaining accurate color rendition, ideal for indoor lighting.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired coating that enhances LED light extraction by up to 55 percent. The innovative design mimics the natural structure of firefly lanterns, which reduces internal reflections and allows more light to escape, ultimately making LEDs brighter while using less energy.
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.
The Rice team's device can modulate a signal at more than 10 gigabits per second, making it suitable for real-time video processing and high-speed data throughput. This breakthrough has the potential to scale up the capability of optical information processing systems by several magnitudes.
SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 16, 2012
International experts warn about the adverse effects of exposure to light at night, particularly LED lighting, on circadian rhythms in nature and human health. The panel highlighted the harm caused by short-wavelength illumination to various species, including mammals, birds, and plants.
A new report from DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and N14 Energy Limited reveals LEDs are more environmentally friendly than CFLs and incandescent lights. The study found that as technology improves, LEDs will continue to gain an edge, with potential for a 50% reduction in environmental impacts within five years.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 5, 2012
Researchers found that more efficient lighting leads to increased productivity, rather than lower energy consumption. Historically, improvements in lighting have resulted in higher light consumption, not savings.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalEnergy Policy·DateAug 6, 2012
The new technology allows approximately 90% of unpolarized light to be polarized and used by the projector, reducing heat generation and enabling more compact designs. This innovation has significant implications for LC projectors, including longer battery life and increased brightness with reduced power consumption.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Optics·DateJul 16, 2012
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.
Researchers developed a new spin-polarized organic LED (spin OLED) that can be brighter than regular organic LEDs, producing an orange color. The device uses a unique property called spin to transmit information, enabling the creation of 'spintronic' technology.
Scientists successfully grow nanorods of zinc oxide on a thin layer of polydiethylflourene, creating white LEDs that can be printed on paper or wallpaper for display purposes. This breakthrough method uses chemical methods and has the potential to enable mass production of flexible electronics.
SourceLinköping University·Journalphysica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters·DateJul 10, 2012
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have developed a smart headlight system that reduces glare caused by rain and snow. The system uses a camera to track raindrops and adjusts the light projection accordingly, eliminating 70-80% of visible rain during heavy storms.
Researchers have successfully transferred gallium nitride LEDs from silicon to copper substrates, reducing the quantum confined stark effect and increasing light output. The new substrate design eliminates absorptive materials, electrode shading, and improves crystal orientation, leading to enhanced efficiency and crack-free structures.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 14, 2012
Scientists have developed a new type of nanostructured metamaterial that can dramatically change the properties of light, leading to potential breakthroughs in advanced solar cells and quantum computing. The metamaterial combines layers of silver and titanium oxide with tiny quantum dots, resulting in hyperbolic light behavior.
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.
A new retinal prosthesis uses tiny solar-panel-like cells and near-infrared light to stimulate photoreceptor cells and activate neurons in the retina. This device aims to help people suffering from retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 13, 2012
Researchers from California and Japan have devised a new LED design that avoids efficiency droop, a major problem limiting solid-state lighting growth. The breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient and affordable LED lighting, with potential applications in household bulbs.
Researchers have developed portable gas sensors that can monitor ozone, greenhouse gases, and air pollutants with high-resolution mapping capabilities. The sensors use various technologies, including laser sensors and deep ultraviolet LEDs, to detect small amounts of atmospheric gases.
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.
A team of researchers has created glass-based inorganic LEDs that produce light in the ultraviolet range, paving the way for implantable biomedical devices. The new devices are scalable, chemically stable, and can be used in harsh environments, making them suitable for applications such as medical diagnostics and treatment.
SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2012
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to precisely control the width and composition of nanowires as they grow, enabling complex structures optimally designed for specific applications. This technique could facilitate new semiconductor devices with better functionality than conventional thin-film devices.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 21, 2012
Researchers at Stanford have created a novel nanowire welding technique using plasmonics that enables precise heating without damaging the wires. This breakthrough allows for the production of stronger, more efficient meshes for various electronic devices and solar applications.
SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 5, 2012
Researchers created an organic LED light with a warm white color near point A and high color stability by adjusting layer heights. The final OLED has improved performance compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 1, 2012
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.
Researchers from Penn State and Hallym University developed a system that uses LED lights to provide locational information, enabling shoppers to quickly find items in large stores. The hybrid system combines radio frequency transmitters with overhead LED lights to provide accurate location data.
Researchers from Kansas State University have found that LED lights can prolong the shelf life of certain beef products, making them more appealing to customers. This cost-saving solution could result in significant revenue for retailers and tax gains for the state.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have measured the lifetime of electrons in graphene in lower energy ranges. The study reveals that the energy of light particles and atomic lattice oscillations influence electron lifetimes, with longer lifetimes observed when excitation energies are lower than lattice oscillations.
SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 12, 2011
Raising seedlings with blue light increases crop yield and quality by boosting phenolic compounds. Studies found that blue light-treated seedlings had higher leaf areas, shoot fresh weight, and antioxidant activity compared to those grown under red or white fluorescent light.
SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 12, 2011
Researchers at Stanford University have created a single-mode light-emitting diode (LED) that is thousands of times more energy efficient than laser-based systems. The device can transmit data at 10 billion bits per second and operates at room temperature, making it a major step forward for on-chip computer data transmission.
SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2011
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.
University of Toronto researchers identify a new class of compounds with phthalimido molecular fragments, exhibiting unique electro-chemical properties. These compounds have the potential to execute all three tasks needed for a functional organic solar cell, including absorbing light, moving electrons and transporting holes.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 4, 2011
Researchers have created thin, flexible sheets of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) using a low-cost 'roll-to-roll' printing process. This technology could revolutionize lighting by being used for everything from home and office tiles to windows that simulate sunrise and sunset.
SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateNov 1, 2011
University of Toronto researchers develop high-efficiency OLEDs on plastic, a less costly alternative to traditional glass-based manufacturing, enabling flexible form factors.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 30, 2011
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.
Researchers used zinc oxide microwires to enhance the efficiency of LEDs by creating a piezoelectric potential that tunes charge transport and carrier injection. The devices showed significant improvement in emission intensity and injection current.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 30, 2011
A recent study conducted by Sandia National Laboratories found that diode lasers can produce high-quality white light comparable to LEDs, which may lead to new lighting technologies. The research used a test involving volunteers and different lighting sources, including LED bulbs, incandescent lights, and diode laser combinations.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 26, 2011
Researchers are developing cutting-edge solutions for renewable energy and environmental research, including thousands of sensors to monitor climate change, novel LED designs that boost efficiency, and thinner solar cells. These innovations aim to make space safer by tracking space debris and improve energy sustainability.
A KAIST research team developed a biocompatible, flexible GaN LED that can detect prostate cancer, opening the door for implantable biomedical applications. The technology utilizes a highly efficient and flexible light-emitting device to diagnose diseases, potentially revolutionizing medical treatments.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 19, 2011
A new international study reveals that 'white' light bulbs emit shorter wavelengths that suppress melatonin production, causing behavior disruptions and health problems. The researchers recommend limiting the use of 'white' light, adjusting lampposts to reduce light pollution, and using energy-efficient lighting.
SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateSep 11, 2011
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.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a novel manufacturing process for quantum dot-based LEDs, reducing production costs and improving efficiency. The breakthrough enables the large-scale commercialization of these energy-efficient lights, potentially replacing traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 31, 2011
Researchers designed a new type of optical waveguide that isolates light signals on a silicon chip, solving a long-standing problem in engineering photonic chips. This breakthrough enables the creation of integrated nanoscale photonic devices and components for future integrated information systems.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2011
The US phase-out of 100-watt bulbs is driving growth for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which have become ubiquitous in everyday life. LEDs now replace fluorescent lights as backlights in cell phones and laptops, and are poised to become an alternative to incandescents and fluorescents in home lighting.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 13, 2011
Physicists at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated a dramatic increase in the combined on time of semiconductor nanorods when clustered together, providing new insight into this mysterious blinking behavior.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2011
Researchers have created a smaller, flexible LED light with improved thermal management and increased life-span. The device uses novel manufacturing techniques to reduce temperature and increase efficiency, making it suitable for various applications such as deformable display monitors and biomedical devices.
SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2011
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.
Green UV sterilization uses LEDs to safely disinfect food and water without mercury. MEGa-rays enable precise detection of nuclear threats by penetrating through lead and thick containers. Researchers also develop a full 3D invisibility cloak in visible light.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method for manufacturing green-colored LEDs with significantly enhanced light extraction, internal efficiency, and light output. This breakthrough brings the team closer to their goal of developing high-performance, low-cost green LEDs.
SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 25, 2011
UC Santa Barbara researchers identify Auger recombination as the mechanism behind LED droop, a drop in efficiency when operating at high powers. They propose using thicker quantum wells or growing devices along non-polar directions to minimize this loss mechanism.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 19, 2011
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 at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated localized surface plasmon resonances in doped semiconductor quantum dots, opening up possibilities for plasmonic sensing and manipulation of solid-state processes. This discovery extends the range of candidate materials for plasmonics to include semiconductors, offering advantages such as d...
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 18, 2011
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new method to improve OLED efficiency by using a one-atom thick layer of chlorine. This innovation enables record efficiencies of up to 50% at high brightness levels, making it a promising technology for future flat-panel displays and lighting applications.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011
Hybrid spintronic computer chips are being developed using a combination of inorganic and organic materials. The new technology could lead to computers that require less power and produce less heat, enabling instant on and flexibility. This breakthrough promises significant advances in information processing.
SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 13, 2011
Researchers have developed a new drug delivery device that uses optical fibers to target specific areas of the body, reducing toxicity and side effects. The device is designed to deliver high-powered photosensitive chemicals directly to tumors or infected areas, potentially killing cancer cells and bacteria.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateApr 6, 2011
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.
A new study found that daily application of light therapy via LEDs on the forehead and scalp improved cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment led to substantial improvements in memory, inhibition, and attention, enabling one patient to return to full-time work.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateMar 17, 2011
Researchers at UC Irvine found that low-intensity red LEDs contained up to eight times the allowed amount of lead, while high-intensity bulbs had more contaminants. White bulbs had the least lead but high amounts of nickel, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and stricter testing regulations.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 10, 2011
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a method to grow nanolasers directly onto a silicon surface, enabling highly efficient silicon photonics. This breakthrough could lead to powerful biochemical sensors and faster microprocessors, as well as new applications in computing, communications, displays, and optical signal processing.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2011
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 at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to reduce defects in gallium nitride (GaN) films used in LED lighting, increasing efficiency by a factor of two. The technique involves embedding voids in the film, which traps defects and prevents them from traveling through the material.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 25, 2011
A low-cost spectrometer built with a cell phone can help high school students grasp chemistry concepts. By analyzing light spectra, students learn about material properties and critical thinking skills.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Spectroscopy·DateOct 7, 2010
Researchers at NIST developed a surface-directed method for growing nanowires horizontally, producing nano-LEDs with improved properties. The technique enables easy localization of individual heterojunctions on the surface, making it suitable for various applications.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 29, 2010
University of Michigan scientists have developed a new nanostructuring technology that enables the creation of ultra-small pixels for energy-efficient displays. The technology uses plasmonic structures to trap and transmit light, reducing absorption loss and increasing the efficiency of LED displays.
SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateSep 28, 2010
Researchers at Stanford University successfully induced normal patterns of muscle contraction using light, reproducing the natural firing order of motor-nerve fibers. This technique could lead to practical applications for restoring movement in people with physical disabilities, such as stroke or spinal-cord injuries.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 26, 2010
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.