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New photodiode design solves key challenge in on-chip light monitoring

A new photodiode design using germanium-ion-implanted silicon overcomes trade-offs in existing power monitors for on-chip light monitoring, enabling faster processing speeds and higher energy efficiency. The device demonstrates high responsivity and low dark current, making it suitable for integration into photonic circuits.

Research team produces low-loss spin waveguide network

A research team from the University of Münster has developed a new way to produce spin waveguides, allowing for large networks capable of processing information efficiently. The team created the largest spin waveguide network to date, with precise control over properties such as wavelength and reflection.

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.

Femtosecond-level precision achieved in chip-scale soliton microcombs

Researchers have developed a new platform using dispersion-managed silicon nitride microresonators to suppress timing jitter, achieving femtosecond-level precision. This breakthrough enables the deployment of chip-scale solitons in space navigation, ultrafast data networks, and quantum measurement systems.

One glass, full color: sub-millimeter waveguide shrinks AR glasses

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have developed an achromatic metagrating that handles all colors in a single glass layer, eliminating the need for multiple layers. This breakthrough enables vivid full-color images using a 500-µm-thick single-layer waveguide.

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.

Amplifier with tenfold bandwidth opens up for super lasers

A new amplifier developed by Chalmers University of Technology can transmit ten times more data per second than current systems, holding significant potential for various critical laser systems, including medical diagnostics and treatment. The amplifier's large bandwidth enables precise analyses and imaging of tissues and organs.

A multimodal light manipulator

Researchers at Harvard created a new type of interferometer that can modulate aspects of light in one compact package, enabling precise control over light's frequency and intensity. This breakthrough has the potential to be used in advanced nanophotonic sensors or on-chip quantum computing.

Ultra-broadband photonic chip boosts optical signals

Researchers have developed a photonic-chip-based amplifier that achieves ultra-broadband signal amplification in an unprecedentedly compact form. The new amplifier uses optical nonlinearity to boost weak signals while keeping noise low, making it highly adaptable to various applications beyond telecommunications.

Ultra-small spectrometer yields the power of a 1,000 times bigger device

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a highly accurate and affordable spectrometer that can be customized for specific applications. The device uses machine learning algorithms to reconstruct images with high accuracy, enabling astronomers to study phenomena such as exoplanet atmospheres and dark matter in faint galaxies.

Photonic computing harnesses electromagnetic waves

Researchers at Newcastle University developed a novel approach using electromagnetic waves to solve partial differential equations, specifically the Helmholtz wave equation. The innovative structure, known as a metatronic network, effectively behaves like a grid of T-circuits and allows for control over PDE parameters.

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.

One-way street for sound waves

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich created a method to suppress sound wave propagation in the backward direction without deteriorating forward propagation. They achieved this using self-oscillations and a circulator, which allows sound waves to travel only one way.

A genetic algorithm for phononic crystals

Researchers at The University of Tokyo developed a genetic algorithm to design phononic crystals with specific vibration characteristics. The new approach uses simulations to iteratively assess proposed solutions, allowing for the creation of devices with precise control of acoustic wave propagation properties.

A chip-scale Titanium-sapphire laser

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a chip-scale Titanium-sapphire laser, four orders of magnitude smaller and three orders less expensive than traditional lasers. This breakthrough enables mass production on wafers, potentially thousands of lasers per disc, democratizing access to these powerful tools.

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.

Manipulating the frequency of terahertz signals through temporal boundaries

Researchers from Shinshu University have developed a strategy to up- and down-convert terahertz signals using dynamic conductivity modification, creating temporal boundaries. This approach could pave the way for faster data transmission and enhanced telecommunications in fields like deep learning and robotics.

AI and holography bring 3D augmented reality to regular glasses

Engineers at Stanford University have developed a prototype augmented reality headset that uses holographic imaging to overlay full-color, 3D moving images on the lenses of regular glasses. The new approach delivers a visually satisfying 3D viewing experience in a compact and comfortable form factor suitable for all-day wear.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MXene-coated devices can guide microwaves in space and lighten the payload

Drexel University researchers develop a lightweight alternative to metal components in satellites by coating 3D-printed polymers with MXene, a conductive nanomaterial. The MXene-coated waveguides weigh up to eight times less than traditional aluminum ones and maintain nearly 95% transmission efficiency.

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.

Towards the quantum of sound

Scientists from the Stiller Research Group have successfully cooled the temperature of a sound wave in an optical fiber to 74K (-194C), reducing phonon number by 75%. This achievement brings researchers closer to bridging the gap between classical and quantum mechanics.

From PIC to probe

A team of researchers at Ghent University and imec developed a silicon photonic temperature sensor that measures up to 180°C. The sensor was realized in the framework of the European SEER project, where partners focus on integrating optical sensors in manufacturing routines for composite parts.

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.

Highly directional single-photon source

Researchers have developed a novel approach to generate highly directional single photons using a quantum emitter in a one-dimensional waveguide. This design improves extraction efficiency and reduces emission time uncertainty by exploiting the Purcell effect, offering a promising solution for quantum technologies.

Photonic integration: Transforming the future of chip-scale applications

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking photonic integrated circuit chip that combines light source, modulator, photodiode, waveguide, and Y-branch splitter on a single substrate. The GaN-on-silicon platform reduces fabrication complexity and cost, enabling compact and high-performing devices.

Spinning into the future

Researchers have developed a new method for designing metasurfaces using photonic Dirac waveguides, enabling the creation of binary spin-like structures of light. This advances the field of meta-optics and opens opportunities for integrated quantum photonics and data storage systems.

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.

Multifunctional interface enables manipulation of light waves in free space

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a multifunctional interface between photonic integrated circuits and free space, allowing for simultaneous manipulation of multiple light beams. The device operates with high accuracy and reliability, enabling applications in quantum computing, sensing, imaging, energy, and more.

A passage of light leading to a path for a solution

A team of researchers successfully controlled 'trions,' a breakthrough toward developing revolutionary optical communication technology. They used a nanoscale plasmonic waveguide to create high-purity trions, which offer advantages over excitons in practical device applications.

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.

Ultrasonic sensors can safeguard residential gas lines

Researchers created a system to monitor underground gas pipelines using high-tech sensors that can detect weaknesses, discrepancies, and diversion in residential natural gas lines. The method uses ultrasonic sensors to transmit signals through the pipe, limiting the likelihood of gas diversions and ensuring public safety.

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.

New platform integrates THz photonics with planarized low-loss polymers

A team of scientists developed a novel integrated photonic platform for THz photonics, integrating active and passive components on the same semiconductor platform. The platform enables efficient signal processing at THz and RF frequencies, with improved performance in critical figures such as dispersion, RF, and thermal properties.

USTC realizes on-demand storage of photonic qubits at telecom wavelengths

A USTC research team achieved on-demand storage of photonic qubits at telecom wavelengths using a laser-written waveguide fabricated in an erbium-doped crystal. This innovation increases photon storage efficiency by up to fivefold, reaching 98.3% fidelity and enabling large-scale quantum networking applications.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Photonics chip allows light amplification

A new study developed a traveling-wave amplifier based on a photonic integrated circuit operating in the continuous regime, providing 7 dB net gain on-chip and 2 dB net gain fiber-to-fiber. This achievement enables unlimited application areas for LiDAR and other optical sensing applications.

Researchers control individual light quanta at very high speed

A team of researchers has successfully controlled individual photons on a chip with unprecedented precision, enabling the development of hybrid quantum technologies. By harnessing nanoscale soundwaves, they can switch photons between two outputs at gigahertz frequencies, paving the way for secure quantum communication networks.

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.

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.

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.

Chiral sources for metamaterial interface waveguides

A new broadband near-field chiral source enables comparison of different edge states to advance applications in integrated photonics and wireless devices. The research advances the field of chiral photonics science, promoting applications of chiral-sorting technology for microwave metadevices.

Waves in the maze of no return

Researchers at TU Wien and the University of Rennes have created a method to calculate tailor-made anti-reflective structures that can be used to reduce wave reflections in various mediums. This technology has potential applications in improving wireless reception, imaging techniques, and even future mobile communications.

Terahertz topological on-chip metadevices

Researchers developed topological membrane metadevices for on-chip terahertz wave manipulations, showcasing robust single-mode manipulation and valley-locked edge states. This breakthrough enables the development of a robust platform for terahertz on-chip communication, sensing, and multiplexing systems.

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.

A boost in performances in fibre-integrated quantum memories

Researchers have demonstrated a significant improvement in fibre-integrated quantum memories, achieving an entanglement storage time of over 1000 microseconds. The fully integrated device enables the use of sophisticated control systems, allowing for improved scalability and compatibility with telecommunications infrastructure.

Advances in lithium niobate photonics

Lithium niobate photonics has developed rapidly, enabling compact devices with high performance. Thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) structures have shown significant improvements in refractive index contrast, paving the way for more integrated photonic devices.