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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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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