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Mie voids could bring about control of light in air

Researchers have developed a technique for confining light in air using Mie voids, a novel building block that can manipulate and control UV radiation. The discovery has significant implications for optical sensing, trapping, and reprogrammable structures, with potential applications in fields like quantum emitters and metamaterials.

A message that resonates

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed an optoelectronic resonator that enhances the sensitivity of an electron pulse detector, allowing for ultrafast electronic characterization of proteins or materials. This breakthrough may aid in the study of biomolecules and industrial materials.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Photonics·DateDec 14, 2022

Broken symmetries provide opportunities for thermal emission management

Scientists have discovered that breaking symmetries in nanophotonic materials can control thermal emission, enabling narrowband, directional, or polarized emissions. This can improve the efficiency of energy conversion and harvesting applications by exploiting the magneto-optical effect and spatiotemporal modulation.

Optical rule was made to be broken

Engineers at Rice University have discovered a way to manipulate light at the nanoscale that surpasses the traditional Moss rule for optical materials. The researchers found that iron pyrite has a high refractive index, making it suitable for applications such as virtual reality and 3D displays.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022

Customized vortex beam creates golden opportunities for nanoimaging and communications

Researchers have developed a method to generate and control mid-infrared hyperbolic polariton vortices at the nanoscale, enabling new opportunities for super-resolution sensing, imaging, and communication systems. The study uses hexagonal boron nitride as a host material and achieves broad reconfigurability of topological charges.

Atomically-smooth gold crystals help to compress light for nanophotonic applications

Researchers demonstrate a new platform for guiding compressed mid-infrared light waves in ultra-thin van der Waals crystals, enabling strong light-matter interactions and improved detection limits. The use of atomically-smooth gold crystals provides a low-loss environment for the propagation of phonon-polaritons.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Seeing photovoltaic devices in a new light

A team of researchers at Osaka University measured the photovoltaic properties of antimony sulfiodide:sulfide devices and discovered a novel effect. They found that changing the color of incident light from visible to ultraviolet induced a reversible change in output voltage, while leaving current unchanged.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

Light speed advances

Prof. Tingyi Gu from the University of Delaware has received a $500,000 DARPA Young Faculty Award to improve the power efficiency of digital communications. Her research focuses on manipulating light direction to create more energy-efficient photonic systems.

Experimental demonstration of negative refraction at visible frequency

Researchers at POSTECH demonstrate experimental demonstration of negative refraction at visible frequency for the first time, achieving high-resolution images beyond diffraction limit. The study uses a vertical hyperbolic metamaterial to exhibit negative refraction in entire visible domain, overcoming limitations of conventional materi...

Spinning lightwaves on a one-way street

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully created a quantum spin wave for light that only flows in one direction. This breakthrough has significant implications for future nanotechnologies, enabling information to be transmitted securely and efficiently.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalNanophotonics·DateAug 19, 2019

Ultra ultrasound to transform new tech

Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed an ultra-sensitive ultrasound sensor on a silicon chip, revolutionizing medical devices and unmanned vehicle navigation. The technology can detect miniscule forces from surrounding air molecules, opening doors to new biomedical imaging and biological system understanding.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2019

New technology to allow 100-times-faster internet

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new nanophotonic device that can encode and process data using twisted light beams, increasing bandwidth by up to 100 times. This technology has the potential to revolutionize optical communications and quantum computing research.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2018

Nano-optic endoscope sees deep into tissue at high resolution

Researchers have developed a new class of endoscopic imaging catheters that overcome the limitations of current systems, achieving higher resolution and functionality. The nano-optic endoscope incorporates metalenses into its design, enabling high-resolution imaging at extended depth of focus without complex optical components.

Halas wins prestigious nanotechnology research award

Naomi Halas, a leading researcher in nanophotonics, has been honored with the Research Excellence Award for her innovative work on nanoparticle synthesis and its applications in biotechnology. Her invention of nanoshells has shown tunable optical properties, making them suitable for various medical applications.

Rice scientists unveil 'nanoegg'

Researchers at Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics have created nanoeggs, asymmetric particles that focus light on small regions of space. These nanoeggs can be tuned to interact with more wavelengths of light than their nanoshell cousins, making them suitable for applications in molecular imaging and medical diagnostics.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2006