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Light helps the transistor laser switch faster

A new study by University of Illinois engineers found that the transistor laser device can switch faster than traditional technologies due to photon-assisted tunneling, enabling ultra-high-speed signal modulation. The technology has the potential to revolutionize big data transfer and computing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 9, 2016

Lifetime breakthrough promising for low-cost and efficient OLED displays and lights

Researchers at Kyushu University developed a modification to increase the lifetime of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by nearly 8 times, making them more suitable for practical applications. The modification involves adding thin layers of a lithium-containing molecule, reducing degradation and increasing efficiency.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2016

Artificial control of exciplexes opens possibilities for new electronics

Scientists at Kyushu University developed a strategy to widely vary the emission color and efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes based on exciplexes by changing the distance between key molecules. This technique could lead to new kinds of electronic devices with switching behavior or light emission that reacts to external factors.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2016
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.

New molecular property may mean more efficient solar and opto-electronic devices

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have identified a new molecular property that could lead to more efficient and cost-effective materials for cell phone and laptop displays. The property, directional intrinsic charge separation, was found in crystalline nanowires of an organic semiconductor molecule known as TAT.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2016

New fluorescent nanomaterials whose inspiration was taken from plant antenna systems

The Molecular Spectroscopy Group has created new multifunctional materials that mimic the photosynthetic organisms of plants. These materials capture a broad spectral range of light and convert it into chemical energy. They have been applied in various photonic applications, including tunable lasers and light modulators.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Reviews in Physical Chemistry·DateJan 26, 2016
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.

Uncovering oxygen's role in enhancing red LEDs

Researchers at Lehigh University and international collaborators found that small quantities of oxygen are needed to enhance the optical properties of Eu-doped GaN devices. The study utilized native oxygen in Eu(RE)-doped GaN for enabling device compatibility in optoelectronic applications.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 12, 2016

New LED with luminescent proteins

Scientists have discovered a way to create BioLEDs using luminescent proteins in rubber, producing white light at a lower cost and with greater stability than traditional LEDs. The technology has the potential to replace expensive and scarce materials used in white LEDs.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 12, 2016

How copper makes organic light-emitting diodes more efficient

Researchers from KIT and CYNORA directly measured the speed of intersystem crossing in a copper complex, improving the understanding of TADF mechanisms. This leads to enhanced energy efficiency in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), with potential applications in display technology.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 12, 2016

A nanophotonic comeback for incandescent bulbs?

A new technology allows for the creation of incandescent bulbs that can achieve efficiencies as high as 40 percent, outperforming current CFLs and LEDs. The breakthrough involves a two-stage process where waste heat is captured and re-emitted as visible light, resulting in a threefold improvement over traditional designs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 11, 2016
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 LED lighting treatments affect greenhouse tomato quality

A study by Purdue University researchers found that LED lighting did not negatively affect greenhouse tomato fruit quality and demonstrated a potential alternative to overhead HPS supplementation. Physicochemical measurements showed slight variation among fruits grown under different lighting regimes.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 21, 2015

Building blocks for GaN power switches

A team of engineers has created gallium nitride (GaN) power diodes with record-low defect concentrations, enabling efficient control and distribution of electricity. The discovery is significant as GaN materials are notorious for their defects and reliability issues, but the new devices show promise in addressing these challenges.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 15, 2015

Nanoscale one-way-street for light

Researchers at TU Wien developed a nanoscale device that allows light to propagate in only one direction, breaking the symmetry of traditional optics. By coupling alkali atoms to ultrathin glass fibers, they achieved high transmission rates for light traveling in one direction while blocking it in the other.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 14, 2015

Mapping the brain: Probes with tiny LEDs shed light on neural pathways

Scientists developed implantable probes with tiny LEDs that can control and record individual neurons, shedding light on neural communication. The new technology could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, which affects hundreds of millions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNeuron·DateDec 10, 2015

NASA tests ICESat-2's laser aim

Engineers tested ATLAS's precision by simulating launch vibrations and temperature changes to ensure accurate beam alignment. The automatic steering mechanism adjusts the laser beams to hit specific spots on Earth, generating a precise electrical signal.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 10, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stretchy hydrogel 'Band-Aid' senses, lights up, delivers medicine

Researchers at MIT have developed a stretchy hydrogel material that can incorporate temperature sensors, LED lights, and drug-delivering reservoirs. The hydrogel can sense changes in skin temperature and release medicine as needed, making it a potential treatment for burns or other skin conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 7, 2015

Coming to a monitor near you: A defect-free, molecule-thick film

A team of engineers at UC Berkeley has developed a method to fix defects in monolayer semiconductors, increasing photoluminescence quantum yield by 100-fold. The technique uses an organic superacid to create defect-free material for applications such as transparent LED displays and high-performance transistors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2015

Bringing the chaos in light sources under control

A study investigates how to control noise in quantum dot LEDs by modulating bias current, leading to stabilized light sources suitable for optical telecommunications. The researchers found that spiking competition of quantum dots enhances self-feedback and affects noise perturbation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 18, 2015

Researchers create cheaper, high performing LED

Researchers from Florida State University have created a new type of high-performing LED using organometal halide perovskites, which outshines traditional LEDs by about 25 times. The material is also quick and easy to produce, reducing production costs.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 17, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

U researchers create light emitting diodes from food and beverage waste

Researchers at the University of Utah have successfully created LEDs from food and beverage waste, reducing toxic waste and offering a cost-effective alternative. The development utilizes carbon dots made from discarded pieces of tortilla and soft drinks, eliminating concerns over toxic elements.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateOct 13, 2015

New Oregon approach for 'nanohoops' could energize future devices

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to create nanohoops, tiny organic circular structures that can efficiently absorb and distribute energy. These nanostructures show promise in solar cells, organic light-emitting diodes, and medical diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 12, 2015

Super yellow blends for light efficiency

Researchers have developed a polymer blend that significantly improves light output from LEDs by manipulating hole-mobility and exploiting the difference in energy levels of the polymers. The optimized device achieves an ultrahigh efficiency of approximately 27 candelas per amp, outperforming a similar device using only Super Yellow.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateOct 6, 2015
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.

Realizing carbon nanotube integrated circuits

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solution to create stable carbon nanotube-based integrated circuits using newly designed encapsulation layers. These layers protect the sensitive devices from environmental degradation, enabling reliable operation for years or even decades.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 8, 2015

New findings move flexible lighting technology toward commercial feasibility

Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology have made significant advancements in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for solid-state lighting. The team developed flexible electrodes using graphene, conducting polymers, and silver nanowires, which demonstrated good electrical, optical, and mechanical performance.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateSep 3, 2015

Researcher develops cheaper, better LED technology

A Florida State University engineer has developed a highly efficient and low-cost LED technology using organic and inorganic materials. The new material requires only one layer to create the desired product or effect, making it simpler to manufacture than existing products.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 27, 2015
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.

'Quantum dot' technology may help light the future

The new technology uses a continuous flow chemical reactor and microwave heating to produce nanoparticles that emit light with precise color control. This could lead to improved LED lighting systems with reduced waste and toxicity, cutting the nation's lighting bill in half.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nanoparticle Research·DateAug 19, 2015
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.

Solar cell efficiency could double with novel 'green' antenna

Researchers have created a unique antenna that collects unused blue photons from sunlight, converting them into usable energy for silicon-based solar cells. This innovation has the potential to significantly increase solar cell efficiency, making them more affordable and environmentally sustainable.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 18, 2015

A brain-computer interface for controlling an exoskeleton

Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to control an exoskeleton. The system allows users to move their limbs by staring at specific LED lights, and has the potential to aid people with motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateAug 17, 2015

Flexible, biodegradable device can generate power from touch (video)

Scientists have developed a biodegradable nanogenerator made with DNA that can capture and convert everyday motion into electrical power. The flexible device has been successfully tested, lighting up multiple LEDs with gentle tapping, and offers a promising solution for reducing e-waste and increasing portable electronics' battery life.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 12, 2015

Dartmouth team uses smart light, shadows to track human posture

The Dartmouth College team developed a system called LiSense that reconstructs human postures continuously and unobtrusively using VLC. The researchers overcame two key challenges to realize shadow-based human sensing, enabling a new passive health and behavioral monitoring paradigm.

SourceDartmouth College·DateAug 10, 2015
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.

End-of-production LED lighting increases red pigmentation in lettuce

Researchers found that supplemental lighting with red and blue LEDs can increase anthocyanin synthesis and pigmentation of lettuce crops, leading to improved color and increased market value. This cost-effective practice allows growers to manipulate leaf color in 5-7 days without negatively affecting growth or morphology.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 29, 2015

ASU researchers demonstrate the world's first white lasers

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a novel nanosheet that emits light of all visible colors, producing a white laser. This technological advance brings lasers closer to being a mainstream light source, potentially replacing LEDs in various applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 28, 2015
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.

Superfast fluorescence sets new speed record

Researchers at Duke University have developed a superfast fluorescence device that can emit light over 90 billion gigahertz, breaking the current speed record. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize optical computing and communication.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2015

Study: Targeted LEDs could provide efficient lighting for plants grown in space

A Purdue University study reveals that targeting plants with red and blue LEDs offers an energy-efficient solution for growing crops in space. The research found that leaf lettuce thrived under a 95-to-5 ratio of red and blue light-emitting diodes, using about 90% less electrical power per growing area than traditional lighting.

SourcePurdue University·JournalLife Sciences in Space Research·DateJul 1, 2015

Nanowires could be the LEDs of the future

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have discovered a way to design nanowires for LEDs that use less energy and provide better light. By using X-ray microscopy, they can pinpoint the optimal structure of these tiny wires, leading to more efficient core/shell designs.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 24, 2015

Novel battery uses light to produce power (video)

Scientists have developed a novel battery that uses light to produce power, utilizing titanium nitride for the anode. The 'photo battery' demonstrated high stability and safety, discharging electric current within 30 seconds under normal indoor lighting.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 17, 2015
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.

Next-generation illumination using silicon quantum dot-based white-blue LED

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a next-generation illumination device using a silicon quantum dot-based hybrid light-emitting diode. The new LED exhibit higher current and optical power densities, and features an active area 40 times larger than traditional commercial LEDs.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 5, 2015

QLEDs meet wearable devices

Researchers from IBS and Seoul National University created ultra-thin wearable QLEDs with resolutions approaching 2,500 pixels per inch. The technology enables the display of high-definition full-color displays on human skin.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2015

Windows that act like an LCD Screen

A novel liquid crystal technology allows displays to flip between transparent and opaque states, increasing visibility while reducing the need for power. The new design remedies previous problems with scattering and absorption, providing a faster response time and improved energy efficiency.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 28, 2015

OSU innovation boosts Wi-Fi bandwidth tenfold

Researchers at Oregon State University have invented a technology that can increase WiFi bandwidth by 10 times, reducing congestion in crowded locations and homes with multiple devices. The system uses inexpensive components and integrates with existing WiFi systems, enabling faster data transfer rates up to 100 megabits per second.

SourceOregon State University·DateApr 20, 2015
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 ways to see light and store information

Researchers have designed an organic electronic device with record-breaking ultra-long charge carrier lifetimes, opening up possibilities for new classes of devices such as sensitive photo detectors and flexible memory elements. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells, low-carbon electricity generation, and reduced e...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 13, 2015

Can light therapy help the brain?

Researchers are testing light therapy on brain function in veterans with Gulf War Illness, using red and near-infrared light to improve blood flow and stimulate damaged brain cells. The study aims to determine if this therapy can be a valuable adjunct to standard cognitive rehabilitation.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·DateApr 2, 2015

Solving molybdenum disulfide's 'thin' problem

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully increased molybdenum disulfide's light emission by twelve times by combining nanotechnology, materials science, and plasmonics. This breakthrough enables the material to be used in light emitting diode technologies and has potential applications in solar cells and photodetectors.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 27, 2015
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.

Discovery could yield more efficient portable electronics, solar cells

A team of chemists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed a method to precisely order molecules in organic glasses, leading to more efficient and durable portable electronic devices and potentially new generations of solar cells. This breakthrough could result in displays that produce more light using less energy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2015

Toward Methuselah -- long-living lighting devices

Researchers at the University of Basel have made significant advancements in developing next-generation lighting technologies. The team has successfully created light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) with remarkable lifetimes exceeding 2500 hours, paving the way for a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional LEDs.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Science·DateMar 9, 2015

Breakthrough in OLED technology

Researchers in California and Japan develop OLEDs with finely patterned structures, producing bright, low-power light sources. The key finding is confining charge transport and recombination to nanoscale areas, extending electroluminescent efficiency by almost two orders of magnitude.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 2, 2015

Rediscovering spontaneous light emission

Berkeley researchers create nano-sized optical antenna that boosts spontaneous light emission by 115 times, enabling faster LED technology for microchips and alternative applications. The innovation has the potential to replace lasers for short-distance optical communications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2015

Graphene displays clear prospects for flexible electronics

Researchers at University of Manchester and University of Sheffield create see-through and efficient electronic devices using graphene and related materials. The new technology enables the creation of light-emitting devices that are incredibly thin, flexible, durable, and semi-transparent.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 2, 2015
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.

Self-assembled nanotextures create antireflective surface on silicon solar cells

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a method to create an antireflective surface on silicon solar cells using self-assembled nanotextures inspired by the structure of moths' eyes. The resulting surface reduces reflections and improves sunlight conversion, outperforming state-of-the-art coatings by up to 20%.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2015

New laser could upgrade the images in tomorrow's technology

A new Yale-developed laser reduces speckle contrast in full-field imaging, enabling brighter and clearer images. The technology combines traditional laser brightness with LED-like properties, addressing a significant barrier in biomedical imaging and microscopy.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015
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.