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'Greening' your flat screen TV

Researchers create new nano-material using biomaterial involved in Alzheimer's disease research, resulting in environmentally friendly LED lights. The technology also enables medical equipment to be more sensitive and generates strong signals for other applications.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 25, 2010

Health diagnosis made simpler

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a new device that simplifies health diagnosis by detecting diseases quickly and at lower costs. The Integrascope uses superhydrophobic surfaces and LEDs to focus light on tiny particles, allowing for rapid detection of infectious agents or proteins in patient samples.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Precedings·DateAug 23, 2010
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.

Car lighting makeover impacts feel of safety and style

Research finds that ambient lighting in cars enhances space perception, perceived quality of materials and design, and makes drivers feel safer. However, excessive brightness leads to driver complaints of distraction and discomfort.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalLighting Research & Technology·DateAug 16, 2010

Europe ready to launch 3-D TV outperforming the competition

German and Swiss researchers have developed a 3D LCD flat-screen monitor capable of displaying high-definition images without the need for red and green glasses. The Dualplex Display technology offers improved image quality, reduced eye strain, and wider viewing angles, making it suitable for both consumer and professional markets.

SourceEUREKA·DateAug 13, 2010
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.

One more step on the path to quantum computers

Researchers at TUM achieve ten times stronger interaction than previous levels, opening new experimental options for quantum computing. The ultrastrong coupling creates a new unit of atom-photon pairs, challenging existing theories.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 30, 2010

Fireflies blink in synch to send a uniform message

Researchers found that synchronized male flashing is more recognizable to females, suggesting a physiological problem in the females' information processing. This phenomenon helps maintain the fidelity of the signal in crowded areas with many unrecognizable flashes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2010

UCLA engineer's telemedicine invention poised to begin trials in Africa

The UCLA engineer's telemedicine invention uses a lensless cellphone microscope to detect sub-cellular elements and has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in developing countries. With its ability to be miniaturized, inexpensive, and easy to use, this technology aims to bridge the gaps left by inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJun 29, 2010

Chaotic laser brings out higher precision OTDR

A new concept of optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) based on a chaotic light correlation method has been developed, achieving distance-independent resolutions of up to 25 km. This technique uses broadband chaotic light generated from a laser diode to improve the accuracy of fiber fault location.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateJun 3, 2010
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.

Solid-state illuminator reduces nitrates in leafy green vegetables

Researchers found that a solid-state illuminator decreases nitrate concentrations by 44-65% while increasing beneficial nutrients. The technology allows for short-term preharvest treatment, making it suitable for northern countries with poor lighting conditions.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 15, 2010

From the desk lamp to the desktop?

Researchers from Germany have developed a way to encode wireless broadband signals using desk lamps, exploiting synergy between illumination and information. The system uses visible-frequency wireless with all the bandwidth one could want, achieving record speeds of up to 230 Mbit/s with commercial LEDs.

SourceOptica·DateMar 9, 2010
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.

How 'random' lasers work

Researchers at the University of Utah have found that natural cavities in polymers can act like mirrors in light-emitting materials, generating 'random' lasers. This discovery could lead to new applications in cancer diagnosis and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 24, 2010

New quantum cascade lasers emit more light than heat

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed compact mid-infrared laser diodes that generate more light than heat, achieving efficiencies of 53 percent. This breakthrough paves the way for applications such as remote sensing and hazardous chemical detection.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 11, 2010

Carbon nanotubes could make efficient solar cells

Researchers at Cornell University created a simple solar cell using a single-walled carbon nanotube, which converts light to electricity in an extremely efficient process. The device produces more electrical current with higher levels of photon energy.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Greenlighting a greener world

Professor Christian Wetzel is working to develop efficient green LEDs to bridge the gap in color technology. His goal is to produce true white LEDs and enable widespread adoption of energy-efficient lighting solutions.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 2, 2009

Ultrathin leds create new classes of lighting and display systems

Researchers developed a process to create ultrathin, ultrasmall inorganic LEDs that can be assembled into large arrays on flexible substrates. These arrays enable general illumination, high-resolution displays, wearable health monitors, and biomedical imaging devices with see-through construction and mechanical flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2009

Scientists break light modulation speed record -- twice

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a light-emitting transistor that sets a new record for signal-processing modulation speed, reaching 4.3 GHz. By reconfiguring the device as a tilted-charge light-emitting diode, researchers were able to break the 7 GHz barrier.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2009

Lettuce gets a healthy suntan

Plant physiologists use UV LEDs to create darker, redder lettuce rich in antioxidants, potentially improving human health. The effect is most noticeable at specific wavelengths and increases with light intensity.

SourceOptica·DateMay 18, 2009
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.

Blue light specials

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists have developed new materials that improve the power efficiency of blue OLEDs by at least 25 percent. These advancements aim to overcome major research challenges and provide a solution for large-scale applications in rooms and buildings.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMar 22, 2009

Low-cost LEDs to slash household electric bills

Gallium Nitride (GaN) LED lights could cut the proportion of UK electricity used for lighting from 20% to 5% if widely adopted, potentially saving eight power stations. GaN LEDs also offer long lifespan and environmental benefits over traditional bulbs.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateJan 28, 2009

Smart lighting: New LED drops the 'droop'

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new type of LED with improved lighting performance and energy efficiency. The new polarization-matched LED exhibits an 18% increase in light output and a 22% increase in wall-plug efficiency.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 13, 2009

MIT develops camera for the blind

The portable device is relatively inexpensive, replacing expensive diagnostic equipment with light-emitting diodes. It allows visually challenged individuals to access the Internet, view friends' faces, and express themselves through photography.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 13, 2009
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.

Engineers: Efficient organic LEDs a step toward better lights

Engineers have achieved a new record in efficiency of blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), which can produce high-quality white light similar to standard incandescent bulbs. The breakthrough paves the way for more efficient and affordable lighting solutions.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 23, 2008

Researchers lay out vision for lighting 'revolution'

Researchers envision a 'revolution' in lighting with LEDs, promising cost savings of $1.83 trillion and reduced carbon emissions by 10.68 gigatons. Smart lighting applications could enhance healthcare, transportation, digital displays, and computer networking.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 18, 2008

Duke researchers coax bright white light from unexpected source

Researchers have discovered a way to produce brilliant white light using zinc oxide and sulfur, with potential applications for energy-efficient and safe illumination. The new material has been shown to convert invisible ultraviolet light into natural white light, offering advantages over current fluorescent bulbs and LEDs.

SourceDuke University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 18, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Green (and blue, red and white) lights of the future

A new paper in Optics Express envisions a future with widespread use of LED lights, offering significant energy savings and environmental benefits. LEDs are predicted to save more than $1 trillion in energy costs over 10 years and lead to substantial reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 17, 2008

Bright idea illuminates LED standards

A new, economical method allows LED manufacturers to obtain accurate measurements of LED brightness and color, enabling reproducible and comparable results. The method takes into account the temperature of the semiconductor chip inside the LED.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateNov 25, 2008
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.

Flexi display technology is now

Researchers from Sony and Max Planck Institute demonstrate bendable optically assessed organic light emitting displays for the first time. The new technology enables flexible computers, televisions, posters, and newspaper display technology, offering advantages over traditional projection displays and TVs.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 2, 2008

Toward plastic spin transistors

Researchers successfully controlled an electrical current using the 'spin' within electrons, a step toward building plastic semiconductor switches. However, highly efficient organic LEDs may only convert up to 25 percent of electricity into light, contrary to earlier estimates.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 17, 2008

Advance brings low-cost, bright LED lighting closer to reality

The new silicon-based LED research has the potential to replace all incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, offering dramatic energy and environmental benefits. The Purdue team's breakthrough allows for efficient production on low-cost metal-coated silicon wafers, reducing costs by up to 20 times.

SourcePurdue University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 17, 2008

MIT opens new 'window' on solar energy

A new solar concentrator design developed by MIT engineers could significantly increase the efficiency of solar panels and reduce their costs. By using a mixture of dyes to concentrate sunlight, the system can boost electrical power obtained from each solar cell by a factor of over 40.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 10, 2008
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.

Standards set for energy-conserving LED lighting

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed the first two standards for solid-state lighting in the US, detailing color specifications and test methods for LED lamps and light fixtures. These standards aim to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve color rendering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 26, 2008

Student develops new LED, wins $30,000 Lemelson-Rensselaer Prize

A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student has developed a new type of LED that could allow for its widespread use in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), improving screen clarity and conserving energy. The polarized LED, invented by Martin Schubert, is expected to revolutionize the field of lighting technology.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 28, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Technology could enable computers to 'read the minds' of users

Tufts researchers are developing techniques to allow computers to respond to users' thoughts of frustration, boredom, or overwhelm. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology is being used to monitor brain blood flow and provide real-time insight into user experiences.

SourceTufts University·DateOct 1, 2007

Salmon garnish points the way to green electronics

Professor Andrew Steckl's innovative approach incorporates DNA from salmon sperm into light-emitting diodes, enhancing performance while reducing environmental impact. The technique involves trapping electrons longer, resulting in brighter colors and improved light efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 13, 2007

Nanoparticle technique could lead to improved semiconductors

Researchers developed a single-particle technique to study small portions of semiconductor material at the nanoscale. The study found that 'deep traps' are formed in plastic semiconductors, which can decrease efficiency and cause defects. This breakthrough could lead to improved devices made from these materials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 6, 2007
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.

Aluminum foil lamps outshine incandescent lights

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed microcavity plasma lamps that produce bright light with high efficiency, surpassing traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting. The panels are lightweight, thin, and can be packed into a single panel containing over 250,000 individual lamps.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJun 4, 2007

New fabrication technique yields nanoscale UV LEDs

Researchers at NIST developed a batch fabrication technique to create nanowire LEDs emitting ultraviolet light, which is crucial for data storage and biological sensing devices. The new method yields reliable, stable devices with excellent thermal stability and operational stability.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 25, 2007
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.

Low-energy LED lighting project is streets ahead

Researchers at the University of Manchester are developing low-cost LED lighting modules that can be used in buildings and on roads, offering a potential 25-50% reduction in energy consumption. The project aims to tackle thermal and electrical issues associated with high-powered LEDs.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateApr 26, 2007
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.

Light-emitting diodes for night-vision displays

Scientists have created highly efficient infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be used in night-vision devices, emitting a reddish-orange glow. The LEDs use a phosphorescent platinum porphyrin complex as a doping agent to improve efficiency and emit light for longer periods.

SourceWiley·DateJan 23, 2007

MIT chemist studies how electrons behave

Van Voorhis is developing methods to simulate electron transfer and improve the efficiency of devices such as LEDs and optical displays. His research aims to create a larger portion of energy storage in artificial photosynthesis, potentially leading to more efficient solar energy storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 28, 2006
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.

Rensselaer researchers aim to close 'green gap' in LED technology

A team of Rensselaer researchers is working to improve the energy efficiency of green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by doubling or tripling their power output. By leveraging the piezoelectric effect, they hope to develop a process to make higher-intensity green LEDs that convert electricity into light more efficiently.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateAug 23, 2006

Novel nano-etched cavity makes leds 7 times brighter

Researchers at NIST have created LEDs that emit light in a specific direction, increasing brightness by up to 41% compared to conventional designs. The novel nanostructure may be cheaper and more effective for biomedical imaging applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 20, 2006

Researchers at UCLA engineering announce breakthrough in silicon photonics devices

Researchers at UCLA Engineering have developed a novel approach to silicon devices that combines light amplification with a photovoltaic effect, enabling the generation of power normally wasted as heat. This breakthrough has significant implications for the photonics industry and the traditional stronghold of semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 28, 2006
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.

Growing glowing nanowires to light up the nanoworld

NIST researchers have successfully grown gallium nitride alloy nanowires with intense ultraviolet and visible light emission. The wires' high light output and defect-free structure enable reliable room-temperature measurements, while their versatility makes them suitable for various devices, including sensors and transistors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 25, 2006