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Blocking radio waves and electromagnetic interference with the flip of a switch

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a thin film device that can dynamically control electromagnetic wave shielding using MXene materials. The device can convert from shielding to quasi-electromagnetic wave transmission by electrochemical oxidation, making it suitable for various security applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

Integrated photonic circuits could help close the 'terahertz gap'

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new thin-film circuit that produces finely tailorable terahertz-frequency waves, enabling precise control over frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and phase. This breakthrough has significant implications for future electronics, telecommunications, spectroscopy, and quantum applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Physicists confirm effective wave growth theory in space

Researchers observed energy transfer from resonant electrons to whistler-mode waves in space, confirming non-linear growth theory. This finding improves understanding of space weather's impact on satellites and could help protect astronauts.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2023
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.

Physicists develop a new method that strengthens electron-triggered light emission with flat bands Shedding light to produce new sources of light and build quantum-based computational and communications systems

Researchers at The University of Hong Kong and MIT have developed a new method to produce stronger interactions between photons and electrons, enabling hundredfold increases in light emission. This breakthrough has potential ramifications for commercial applications and fundamental scientific research.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

Strengthening electron-triggered light emission

Scientists have developed a new method to enhance electron-photon coupling, resulting in a hundredfold increase in light emissions. The approach uses a specially designed photonic crystal to produce stronger interactions between photons and electrons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2023

UCF researchers create technology that harvests radio waves for energy

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have created a technology that converts radio frequency signals into direct current electricity, reducing the need for batteries in wireless systems. This innovation can help promote a more sustainable future by harnessing ambient energy from radio waves.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022
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.

Scientists develop low-cost system to measure space weather without leaving the ground

Researchers created a magneto-impedance sensor magnetometer that measures Earth's geomagnetic field fluctuations, enabling real-time monitoring of space weather and advancement of space research. The device is lightweight, power-efficient, and low-cost, making it suitable for constructing multi-point observation networks.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Space Physics·DateDec 16, 2022

A novel, space-time coding antenna developed at CityU promotes 6G and secure wireless communications

A new space-time coding antenna developed at City University of Hong Kong enables manipulation of beam direction, frequency, and amplitude for improved user flexibility in 6G wireless communications. The antenna relies on software control and combines research advances in leaky-wave antennas and space-time coding techniques.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Novel ways to measure glucose levels without drawing blood

Researchers at UNIST developed a subcutaneously implantable electromagnetic biosensor system for continuous glucose monitoring. The new technology eliminates the need for frequent finger pricking, providing more accurate blood glucose level tracking and improved patient care.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Divide and conquer

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences developed a novel time-resolved NMR method to study complex chemical processes. The method combines time-resolved diffusion NMR and time-resolved nonuniform sampling, allowing for detailed studies with high resolution and real-time monitoring.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 21, 2022

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.

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

New, highly tunable composite materials—with a twist

Researchers at the University of Utah designed composite materials using moiré patterns, resulting in abrupt transitions between electrical conductor and insulator properties. The study's findings have broad potential technological applications and demonstrate a new geometry-driven localization transition.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2022

Halting a wave in its tracks

By pairing two waveguides, one with an ill-defined topology and another with a well-defined one, researchers created a topological singularity that can halt waves in their tracks. This phenomenon has potential applications in energy harvesting and enhancing nonlinear effects.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMay 23, 2022

Teaching physics to AI makes the student a master

Researchers at Duke University have developed a machine learning algorithm that incorporates known physics into neural networks, allowing for new insights into material properties and more efficient predictions. The approach helps the algorithm attain transparency and accuracy, even with limited training data.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 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.

Light-controllable time-domain metasurface for dynamic harmonic manipulation

Researchers developed a light-controllable time-domain digital coding metasurface that can manipulate microwave reflection spectra by time-varying light signals. The metasurface platform produces harmonics based on phase modulation, generating symmetrical harmonics and white-noiselike spectra.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 22, 2022

UCLA researchers discover source of super-fast electron rain

Researchers observed rapid electron precipitation from low-Earth orbit using the ELFIN mission, which was caused by whistler waves affecting electrons in the Earth's magnetosphere. The findings demonstrate that whistler waves are responsible for far more electron rain than current theories and space weather models predict.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2022

An innovative technology for 6G communication networks

Researchers developed a new waveguide to overcome limitations in THz signal transmission and processing. The device allows for unprecedented flexibility towards manipulating THz pulses, enabling complex signal-processing functionalities such as holographic messaging.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tiny antenna enables portable biomedical, food-analysis, and other gadgets driven by integrated nano- and terahertz technologies

Researchers have designed a tiny and flat antenna for receiving and transmitting terahertz signals, enabling the miniaturization of THz devices. The new design integrates the antenna with the system, eliminating the need for bulky silicon lenses and reducing optical power required.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 9, 2022

Researchers develop methodology for streamlined control of material deformation

The study reveals that a single folding mechanism can generate an infinite family of shapes in flexible structures. Researchers have developed a novel approach to predict and control tough, flexible structures from skyscrapers to microscale using conformal deformations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Mechanical control of a reconfigurable intelligent surface

A mechanical RIS has been developed with high reconfiguration degree of freedom, low power consumption, and real-time dynamic control capabilities. It uses a robust control method to determine the rotation angle of each meta-atom and offers a new energy-saving and environmentally friendly alternative for wireless communications systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 4, 2022
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.

Nuclear radiation used to transmit digital data wirelessly

Researchers at Lancaster University successfully transferred digitally encoded information wirelessly using nuclear radiation, achieving 100% successful transmission tests. This novel approach uses fast neutrons, which can penetrate materials like metals, making it ideal for safety-critical scenarios and emergency rescue operations.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021
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.

Ultra-broadband sound absorber

Researchers create ultra-broadband sound absorber with an average absorption coefficient of 0.93, surpassing previous limitations. The metamaterial's design utilizes near-field non-locality to suppress excessive response and achieve efficient impedance matching.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 29, 2021

Broadband spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitters with tunable chirality

Researchers developed a novel spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitter that generates broadband, circularly polarized, and coherent terahertz waves. The design offers flexible manipulation of the polarization state and helicity with magnetic fields, enabling efficient generation and control of chiral terahertz waves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
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.

Russian physicists mix classical light with half a photon on a qubit

A Russian-U.K. research team has proposed a theoretical description for the new effect of quantum wave mixing involving classical and nonclassical states of microwave radiation. The study builds on earlier experiments on artificial atoms, which serve as qubits for quantum computers and probes fundamental laws of nature.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Under the northern lights: Mesospheric ozone layer depletion explained

Researchers found that electron precipitation from northern lights causes local ozone layer depletions in the mesosphere, potentially impacting climate. The study provides insight into this phenomenon, known as pulsating aurorae, and highlights its significance for global climate change.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2021

Metamaterials research challenges fundamental limits in photonics

Researchers at Cornell University propose a new way to modulate metamaterials' absorptive and refractive qualities in real-time, increasing their effectiveness. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new metamaterials with improved wave absorption and scattering properties.

SourceCornell University·JournalOptica·DateAug 10, 2021

Cascaded metasurfaces for dynamic control of THz wavefronts

Researchers developed a general framework for dynamic control of THz wavefronts using cascaded metasurfaces. By varying the polarization of a light beam with rotating multilayer metasurfaces, they demonstrated efficient redirection and manipulation of THz beams, overcoming limitations in local tuning.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 23, 2021

Teaching sound topological tricks

The study presents a phononic crystal that enables robust topological states at three dimensions, allowing for diverse wave steering applications. The researchers demonstrated the ability to engineer negative refraction of sound waves and utilize topological hinge states as transport channels.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 12, 2021
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.

Topology-changing broadband metamaterials enabled by closable nanotrenches

Researchers at UNIST developed mechanically closable nanotrenches to switch optical functionalities in a repeatable manner. These findings enable nonlinear switching of metamaterial multifunctionalities with applications in various fields including 6G communication frequency control.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 12, 2021

NUS engineers devise novel approach to wirelessly power wearable devices

Researchers at NUS successfully demonstrated a system that wirelessly powers wearables by harnessing energy from the environment and transmitting it through the human body. The technology can power up to 10 wearable devices for over 10 hours, paving the way for battery-less wearables.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

Physicists report definitive evidence how auroras are created

Researchers have identified Alfven waves as the primary cause of the most brilliant auroras. These waves accelerate electrons toward Earth, producing atmospheric light show, through a process known as Landau damping. The study, conducted at the Large Plasma Device, confirms decades-long quest to demonstrate experimentally the physical ...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

'Surfing' particles: Physicists solve a mystery surrounding aurora borealis

A team of scientists from UCLA and other institutions has confirmed the interaction between electrons and Alfvén waves, shedding light on the origin of the aurora borealis. The experiment replicated conditions in Earth's auroral magnetosphere, revealing that electrons undergo resonant acceleration by the Alfvén wave's electric field.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Electromagnetic anomalies that occur before an earthquake

A joint research project by Shinshu University and Genesis Research Institute found that electromagnetic anomalies occur before earthquakes due to gas-electric interactions. The anomalies are caused by the trapping of fluid in a fault-valve, which eventually cracks and releases charged gas, generating a large current.

SourceShinshu University·DateMay 24, 2021
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.

Space weather and solar blobs

Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory receive $2 million in funding to investigate magnetic reconnection and plasma blobs that can disrupt communications satellites. They aim to recreate conditions in the magnetosphere using a device resembling an enormous silvery barrel tipped on its side.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateMay 6, 2021

Measuring space-time 'entanglement' of electromagnetic waves

Scientists quantify space-time nonseparability of electromagnetic pulses using quantum state tomography and calculate fidelity, concurrence, and entanglement. They propose novel concepts for measuring space-time entanglement in structured light, opening new avenues for ultrahigh-capacity communication and high-security encryption.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateApr 7, 2021
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.

Silencing vibrations in the ground and sounds underwater

Researchers at POSTECH have designed a metasurface that can control acoustic and elastic waves, achieving underwater stealth capability untraceable by SONAR. The technology also enables drastic alteration of wave propagation through curved plates, such as vibrations.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 6, 2021

Metasurfaces for manipulating terahertz waves

Recent advancements in metasurfaces for manipulating terahertz waves enable ultra-compact devices with unusual functionalities for applications such as imaging, encryption, and communications. Metasurfaces can locally control wavefronts at subwavelength resolution, making them ideal candidates for THz device miniaturization.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 22, 2021

Acoustic graphene plasmons study paves way for optoelectronic applications

Researchers successfully demonstrated a new methodology for direct near-field optical imaging of acoustic graphene plasmon fields. This strategy will provide a breakthrough for the practical applications of acoustic graphene plasmon platforms in next-generation optoelectronic devices.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2021

Mantis shrimp inspires new breed of light sensors

Researchers developed a new optical sensor that mimics the mantis shrimp's eye, enabling simultaneous hyperspectral and polarimetric imaging. The SIMPOL sensor can detect spectral features 10 times narrower than typical sensors, opening doors to organic electronic sensing technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2021

Exaggerated radar data above the freezing level induced by terrain

Researchers found that radar overestimates precipitation rates when partially frozen droplets are larger than their solid and liquid counterparts. The phenomenon, known as reflectivity maxima above freezing (RMAF), is more common on windward slopes of mountain ranges.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2021
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.

Brazilian researcher experiments with electron-plasma interactions

A Brazilian researcher conducted an experimental study of electron-plasma interactions, simulating plasma conditions in a vacuum using short electromagnetic waves. The study found that electrons transfer energy to the wave and then receive energy from it, with non-linear effects occurring at high electric current values.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateDec 21, 2020

Faraday fabrics?

Researchers at Drexel University have developed MXene-coated fabrics that block electromagnetic waves and radiation, exceeding the performance of commercial metal-coated fabrics. The materials can be sustainably produced by coating form aqueous solution without extra processing or chemical additives.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCarbon·DateDec 11, 2020