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A new twist on the Einstein problem reveals unexpected physics

Researchers discover diffraction behaviors never seen in conventional quasicrystals using a new type of monotile structure. The team's findings open a new direction for exploring the fusion of quasiperiodic order and chirality, with potential applications in light manipulation and optical devices.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2026

Graz University of Technology unravels mystery of the structure of MOF thin films

A team at Graz University of Technology has solved the puzzle of MOF thin film structure using advanced diffraction techniques and computational modeling. They found that prototypical Cu(bdc) thin films are not porous as expected, but instead densely packed with additional hydroxide groups.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 2, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teaching AI to design optical surfaces using real-world imperfections

Researchers developed a deep-learning framework that uses real-world measurements to design optical surfaces with precise control over light behavior. The AI model achieves high consistency with experimental results while reducing simulation costs and time.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhotoniX·DateJun 4, 2026

Sandia team creates X-ray images of the future

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories develop a new technology harnessing metals and light colors to create colored X-ray images with unprecedented resolution and accuracy. This enables better identification of materials, defects, and tumor cells, potentially leading to improved medical diagnostics and safer world.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateSep 19, 2025
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.

New non-volatile memory platform built with covalent organic frameworks

Researchers created a new material platform for non-volatile memories using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and successfully installed electric-field-responsive dipolar rotors. The COFs' unique sln topology allows the rotors to flip without steric hindrance, enabling high thermal durability up to near 400°C.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2025

Smallest walking robot makes microscale measurements

The team's achievement marks a significant advance in robotics, allowing for maneuverable robots that can perform up-close imaging and measure forces at the scale of some body's smallest structures. The new diffractive robots are tiny, measuring 5 microns to 2 microns, and can be controlled by magnetic fields to move independently.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateDec 2, 2024

Unidirectional imaging technology breakthrough

Researchers at UCLA developed a new type of imaging technology that forms images in only one direction, enabling efficient and compact methods for asymmetric visual information processing and communication. The technology works exceptionally well under partially coherent light, achieving high-quality imaging with high power efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 29, 2024

Logic with light

Researchers at the University of Tokyo introduce a new optical computing scheme called diffraction casting, which improves upon existing methods. The system uses light waves to perform logic operations and has shown promise in running complex calculations, including those used in machine learning.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2024
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.

New neural framework enhances reconstruction of high-resolution images

A novel approach to overcome limitations of traditional methods, NeuPh uses local conditional neural fields to reconstruct high-resolution phase information from low-resolution measurements. It provides robust resolution enhancement and outperforms existing models in accuracy.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateSep 5, 2024

Deep learning improves lens design

Researchers developed DeepLens design method based on curriculum learning to optimize complex lens designs. The approach considers key parameters like resolution, aperture, and field of view, providing optimal solutions without human intervention.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2024

Pyramid optical networks for unidirectional image magnification and demagnification

A pyramid-structured diffractive optical network has been developed to achieve unidirectional image magnification and demagnification. The system uses successive transmissive layers optimized through deep learning to perform computational tasks in an all-optical manner.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 5, 2024
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.

SLAC researchers pioneer new methods in ultrafast science for sharper molecular movies

Researchers from SLAC, Stanford and other institutions have developed a technique to improve time resolution for the MeV-UED electron camera and trained an artificial intelligence model to tune the beam for various experimental needs. This enables unprecedented precision in exploring novel effects in materials and chemistry.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalStructural Dynamics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2024

Advancing real-time 3D holographic display: A breakthrough in computer-generated holography

Researchers introduced a novel method for generating computer-generated holograms (CGHs) that significantly reduces computational overhead while maintaining high-quality 3D visualization. The approach leverages a split Lohmann lens-based diffraction model, enabling rapid synthesis of 3D holograms through a single-step backward propagat...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Optical computing boost with diffractive network advance

Researchers extend spatially incoherent diffractive networks to perform complex-valued linear transformations with negligible error, opening up new applications in fields like autonomous vehicles. This breakthrough enables the encryption and decryption of complex-valued images using spatially incoherent diffractive networks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 22, 2024

Epic of a molecular ion: With eyes of electrons

Researchers at IBS achieve real-time observation of molecular ion formation and structural evolution using MeV-UED, unveiling a stable 'dark state' and ring-shaped intermediate ions. This breakthrough advances understanding of ion chemistry and its applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024
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.

Watching electrons at work

The study reveals that excited electrons in perovskites cause a shift towards increased symmetry in the crystal lattice. This attractive interaction between excitons could be exploited to enhance electron transport and improve solar cell performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Orbital-angular-momentum-encoded diffractive networks for object classification tasks

Researchers developed three diffractive deep neural networks using orbital angular momentum to recognize objects in images, achieving accuracy comparable to wavelength and polarization-based models. The technology has potential for real-time processing applications like image recognition and data-intensive tasks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateNov 27, 2023

Enlightening insects: Morpho butterfly nanostructure inspires technology for bright, balanced lighting

Researchers at Osaka University developed a water-repelling nanostructured light diffuser that surpasses the functionality of other common diffusers. The diffuser uses randomly arranged self-cleaning nanopatterns to produce high transmittance and wide angular spread, making it useful for visual displays and energy-saving windows.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023
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.

Wifi can read through walls

Researchers at the University of California - Santa Barbara have developed a method that enables high-quality imaging of still objects with only WiFi signals. The technique uses Keller cones to trace edges of objects and has successfully imaged the English alphabet through walls, a task previously deemed too difficult for WiFi.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateSep 11, 2023

High-fidelity transmission of information via novel electronic-optical system

A hybrid system of electronic encoding and diffractive optical decoding transmits optical information with high fidelity through random, unknown diffusers. The system outperforms traditional approaches that only utilize a diffractive optical network or an electronic neural network for optical information transfer.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 28, 2023

Shrinking light: Nanoscale optical breakthrough

Researchers have made groundbreaking progress in confining light to subnanometer scales using a novel waveguiding scheme. The approach generates an astonishingly efficient and confined optical field with applications in light-matter interactions, super-resolution nanoscopy, and ultrasensitive detection.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 17, 2023

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 24, 2023
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.

Generation of color-tunable high-performance LG laser beams via Janus OPO

A team from Nanjing University and Sun Yat-Sen University developed a two-facing Janus OPO scheme for generating high-efficiency, high-purity broadband LG modes with tunable topological charge. The output LG mode has a tunable wavelength between 1.5 μm and 1.6 μm, with a conversion efficiency above 15 percent.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateApr 24, 2023

New approach to developing efficient, high-precision 3D light shapers

Scientists create a simple approach to fabricating highly precise 3D aperiodic photonic volume elements (APVEs) for various applications. The method uses direct laser writing to arrange voxels of specific refractive indices in glass, enabling the precise control of light flow and achieving record-high diffraction efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateApr 21, 2023

Chinese scientists solve mystery of cubic ice

Researchers used in-situ cryogenic TEM imaging to directly observe formation of pure-phase ice I c on low-temperature substrates. The study resolves the long-standing debate about cubic ice's existence, with implications for materials science, geology, and climate science.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023
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.

High-speed super-resolution microscopy via temporal compression

Researchers developed temporal compressive super-resolution microscopy (TCSRM) to overcome optical diffraction's spatial resolution restriction. TCSRM achieves high-speed imaging at 1200 frames per second with a spatial resolution of 100 nanometers, enabling observation of fast dynamics in fine structures.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 10, 2023

Neuromorphic camera and machine learning aid nanoscopic imaging

Scientists at IISc develop neuromorphic camera that uses machine learning to pinpoint objects smaller than 50 nanometers in size, enabling nanoscale precision in biological processes, chemistry, and physics. The technique combines optical microscopy with the neuromorphic camera and machine learning algorithms.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 21, 2023

Unusual painting -- Unusual lead compound

A team of researchers identified a rare lead compound, lead(II) formate, in various areas of Rembrandt's The Night Watch using micro and macro X-ray analysis. This discovery provides clues about the artist's pictorial practices and the reactivity of lead driers in historical paintings.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023
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.

Direct laser writing system for high-resolution, high-efficiency nanofabrication

A new parallel peripheral-photoinhibition lithography system has been developed, enabling the fabrication of subdiffraction-limit features with high efficiency. The system uses two beams to excite and inhibit polymerization, allowing for nonperiodic and complex patterns to be printed simultaneously.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateDec 19, 2022

X-rays reveal elusive chemistry for better EV batteries

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab and PNNL develop a new method to study the solid-electrolyte interphase in lithium metal batteries, revealing its convoluted chemistry. The team's findings provide a foundation for building more effective battery cells with higher energy density.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 5, 2022

Centimeter-scale multicolor printing with a pixelated optical cavity

Researchers have developed a method for centimeter-scale color printing using grayscale laser writing, achieving vivid and fine-tunable colors. The technique leverages pixelated optical cavities to generate transmission colors with a transmission efficiency of 39-50%.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateNov 10, 2022
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.

High-throughput computational microscopy imaging

Researchers develop hybrid brightfield-darkfield transport of intensity approach, expanding accessible sample spatial frequencies and achieving 5-fold resolution increase. This method enables precise detection and quantitative analysis of subcellular features in large-scale cell studies.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateNov 3, 2022

Overcoming the optical resolution limit

Researchers from the University of Kassel developed an approach to extend the limits of interferometric topography measurements for optical resolution below small structures. Microsphere assistance enables fast and label-free imaging without requiring extensive sample preparation.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateNov 1, 2022

Breakthrough: The world's smallest photon in a dielectric material

A research team from DTU has successfully designed and built a structure that concentrates light in a volume 12 times below the diffraction limit, paving the way for revolutionary new technologies. The breakthrough could lead to more sustainable chip architectures that use less energy.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2022

To the bone: 3D mapping mineral patterns inside the shark vertebral centrum

Researchers used energy dispersive diffraction to create high-resolution 3D maps of bioapatite arrangements within shark centra, revealing key structures and their functions. The study provides insights into the structure-function relationship of the shark skeleton and could be applied to other organisms.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateFeb 2, 2022
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.

Topological valley Hall edge solitons in photonics

Researchers discovered a novel topological edge soliton that inherits topological protection from its linear counterpart, enabling robust and localized light beams. This breakthrough is achieved through nonlinear photorefractive lattices harnessing the valley Hall effect, without requiring an external magnetic field.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Table-top electron camera catches ultrafast dynamics of matter

Researchers at DESY create a table-top electron camera that captures the inner, ultrafast dynamics of matter by shooting short bunches of electrons at a sample. The system uses Terahertz radiation for pulse compression and is validated with the investigation of a silicon sample.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Seeing (infra)red: Researchers develop software to enhance infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis

A team of Beckman researchers developed software to boost infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis, enhancing image resolution and accelerating recording speeds. The software integrates data analysis and reduces limitations associated with IR imaging, making it faster and more accurate.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalChemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021
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.

Optical superoscillation without side waves

Developed by Jinan University researchers, the approach produces superoscillatory light spots without side lobes. The technique utilizes a cylindrical diffraction and sharp-edged apertures to eliminate tradeoffs between main and side lobes, enabling larger field of view while maintaining feature size within optical diffraction limit.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJun 24, 2021

Holographic histopathology enables fast, precise diagnostics

A new optical diffraction tomography technique allows for high-resolution imaging of thick tissue sections without chemical staining, increasing diagnostic speed and accuracy. The method has been demonstrated to visualize individual cells and multicellular tissue architectures with subcellular resolution.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 30, 2021

Nonlinear wave mixing facilitates subwavelength imaging

A team of researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University has developed a new way to break the Abbe diffraction limit and realize subwavelength imaging in an all-optical manner. By utilizing nonlinear four-wave mixing, they create super-resolution through scattering of evanescent fields into the far field.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 5, 2021
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 set new resolution record for imaging the human eye

A new imaging method has been developed that can capture high-resolution images of photoreceptors in the human eye, overcoming resolution limitations imposed by light diffraction. The technique uses annular pupil illumination and sub-Airy detection to enhance microscopy techniques for earlier detection and treatment of eye diseases.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMar 11, 2021

Determining the structure of a molecule with laser-induced electron diffraction

Scientists successfully applied novel approach to imaging gas-phased molecule Carbonyl Sulfide, revealing a significantly bent and asymmetrically stretched configuration of the ionized OCS+ structure. The ZCP-LIED technique retrieves accurate and precise information about atomic structure without exact knowledge over the laser field.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2021

A method for calculating optimal parameters of liquid chrystal displays developed at RUDN University

Scientists created a method for calculating optimal parameters of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to enhance viewing angles without compromising image quality. The new technology uses diffraction optical elements with specific surface microreliefs to expand the angle of view, allowing for better color rendition and high resolution.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of the Society for Information Display·DateJan 22, 2021

Fast and flexible computation of optical diffraction

A team of scientists has proposed an efficient full-path calculation method for optical diffraction, leveraging the mathematical similarities between scalar and vector diffraction. The method uses the Bluestein approach to reduce computation time to sub-second levels, with superior flexibility in choosing ROIs and sampling numbers.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 17, 2020
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.

Wavy surfaces for better light control

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to produce more efficient and precise diffraction gratings, which can be used to create miniaturized optical devices. These devices have potential applications in futuristic smartphone cameras, biosensors, and autonomous vision for robots and self-driving cars.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 2020

Scientists proposed a novel configuration of nanoscopes

Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University proposed a new configuration for nanoscopes that uses special diffraction gratings with gold plates, allowing for accelerated image generation without losing magnification power. The study's results are published in Annalen der Physik and show improvements in resolution up to 0.3 λ.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalAnnalen der Physik·DateMay 23, 2019

Scientists reduced the weight of optics for satellite observation by 100 times

Researchers at Samara University developed an ultralight diffraction optic that weighs just 5 grams, compared to a massive system of lenses and mirrors weighing 500 grams. The new technology enables high-resolution images with comparable quality to consumer cameras and mobile phones.

SourceSamara University·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·DateAug 8, 2018