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Soft optical fibers block pain while moving and stretching with the body

Researchers have developed soft implantable fibers that can deliver light to major nerves through the body, allowing for precise illumination of nerve pain. The fibers are flexible and stretch with the body, enabling scientists to study peripheral nerve disorders in animal models without constraining movement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 19, 2023

Miniaturized FSO breakthrough unlocks high-speed wireless communication anywhere

Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a miniaturized FSO system achieving an astonishing 9.16 Gbps bandwidth over 1 km link using readily available commercial fiber transceiver modules. The system enables automatic tracking and precision acquisition, eliminating the need for optical amplification.

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

Researchers test seafloor fiber optic cable as an earthquake early warning system

A new study demonstrates how unused telecommunications fiber optic cables can be transformed for offshore Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems. Researchers used a 50-kilometer cable to sample seismic data at 8,960 channels and achieved an approximate three-second improvement in EEW alert times compared to onshore DAS arrays.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chaos Raman distributed optical fiber sensing

A new technique using chaotic laser and quadratic correlation algorithm improves spatial resolution of traditional sensors, enabling centimeter-level detection at 1.5 km distance. The approach optimizes signal-to-noise ratio and resolves the pulse width limitation.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 11, 2023

New UCF technology could reduce lag, improve reliability of online gaming, meetings

Researchers at UCF developed a new class of optical modulators to address limitations in data transfer over optical fiber communication, reducing lag and improving reliability. The technology uses phase diversity and differential operations to ensure accurate and efficient transmission.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Researchers monitor thermal runaway of lithium-ion cells using optical fibers

A team of researchers has created an optical fiber sensor that can detect thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, providing early warning and improving safety. The sensor measures internal temperature and pressure during the thermal runaway process, enabling battery safety assessment and warning.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2023
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.

Light and sound waves reveal negative pressure

Scientists have developed a tiny, simple setup to make precise pressure measurements using light and sound waves. This method enables exploration of extreme thermodynamics in nanolitre volumes, revealing new properties in unique thermodynamic states of materials.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Raman amplification at 2.2 μm in silicon core fibers with prospects for extended mid-infrared source generation

Researchers demonstrate high levels of Raman amplification at 2.2 μm using a highly nonlinear silicon core fiber platform, extending the reach to 4 mm and beyond via cascaded processes. The work provides a crucial step towards compact and tunable mid-infrared systems.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 31, 2023

Plasmonic metafibers electro-optic modulators

New plasmonic metafiber EOMs integrate devices on optical fiber facets, eliminating coupling complexity and reducing losses. The modulation speed reaches up to 1000 MHz with a bias voltage of ±9 V.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 22, 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.

Photonic skin sensing network for cardiovascular health monitoring

Researchers propose a spatiotemporal hemodynamic monitoring technique using skin-like microfiber Bragg grating group for real-time monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral resistance, and vascular elasticity. The device can detect subtle physiological signals and presents the dynamics of the systemic cardiovascular system.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateAug 16, 2023

Technology advance could expand the reach of 3D nanoprinting

Researchers develop low-cost 3D nanoprinting system with nanometer-level accuracy for printing microlenses, metamaterials, and micro-optical devices. The system uses a two-step absorption process and integrated fiber-coupled laser diode, making it accessible to scientists beyond optical experts.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 9, 2023

Telecommunications cable used to track sea ice extent in the Arctic

Scientists used distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) on a 37.4-kilometer-long fiber optic cable to track sea ice formation and retreat with fine spatiotemporal detail, revealing rapid changes up to 10 kilometers in less than a day. The technique offers improved resolution compared to satellite images.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2023

Automated medical imaging framework revolutionizes schistosomiasis diagnosis

Researchers developed an innovative optical tool, the Schistoscope, to capture microscopy images of urine samples for efficient detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A two-stage diagnostic framework using deep learning accurately identified and counted eggs in field settings with high sensitivity, specificity, and precision.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateAug 7, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fiber optic cables detect and characterize earthquakes

A team of scientists at Caltech used a section of fiber optic cable to measure the intricate details of a magnitude 6 earthquake, pinpointing four individual asperities that led to the rupture. The study demonstrates the potential of distributed acoustic sensing technology to improve our understanding of earthquake physics.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2023

Two types of ultrafast mode-locking operations generation from an Er-doped fiber laser based on germanene nanosheets

Using Germanene, researchers have developed two new methods for generating ultrafast mode-locking operations in fiber lasers. These methods utilize the material's fast carrier relaxation time and large nonlinear absorption coefficient to produce femtosecond pulses and higher energy noise-like pulses.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2023

Politecnico di Milano experimenting with fibre optics against water wastage

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano used fibre optic sensors to monitor water pipelines and detected pressure anomalies caused by water leaks. The study's results confirm the possibility of identifying and localizing small water leaks, offering a potential solution to global water wastage.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalSensors·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023
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.

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

High-power optical continuous-wave waveguiding in a silica micro/nanofibre

Researchers have achieved high-power optical continuous-wave waveguiding in silica micro/nanofibers, with a reported power of up to 13W, significantly higher than previous records. The MNF remained optically transmissive and showed no significant degradation even at elevated powers.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 6, 2023

Researchers demonstrate first visible wavelength femtosecond fiber laser

The team's breakthrough enables the production of bright visible-wavelength pulses in the femtosecond range directly with fiber lasers. This advance has significant implications for various fields, including high-precision ablation of biological tissues, two-photon excitation microscopy, and material processing.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 6, 2023

Insert an ID card into hair-thin optical fiber with femtosecond laser direct-writing fiber Bragg grating array

Fiber sensing scientists from Shenzhen University have developed an encrypted fiber optic tag that can be used for all-optical labeling and recognition of optical transmission channels. The team proposed a method using fiber Bragg grating arrays prepared by femtosecond laser direct writing to flexibly store different coding sequences.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 4, 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.

Limiting loss in leaky fibers

Researchers have figured out why some air-filled fibre designs work so much more efficiently than others. Dr Leah Murphy and Emeritus Professor David Bird from the University of Bath developed a theoretical understanding of the relationship between fibre structure and leakage loss.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2023

Chip-based dispersion compensation for faster fibre internet

SUTD researchers created a CMOS-compatible, slow-light-based transmission grating device for high-speed data dispersion compensation. The devices achieved minimal loss and improved error correction performance, paving the way for on-chip integration in transceivers.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·DateJun 29, 2023

Fiber optic smart pants offer a low-cost way to monitor movements

New smart pants based on fiber optic sensors can track various types of physical activities in the clinic or at home, detecting signs of distress. The sensing approach achieved 100% accuracy in classifying activities and has several advantages, including low-cost and reliability.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJun 27, 2023

Researchers demonstrate noise-free communication with structured light

Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand have outlined a new optical communication protocol that exploits spatial patterns of light for multi-dimensional encoding without recognizing them. This approach results in over 50 vectorial patterns of light being sent virtually noise-free across a turbulent atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateJun 9, 2023

Shrinking endoscopes with meta-optical fibers

Researchers have developed a novel technique to reduce rigid tip length in endoscopes using flat meta-optics. The new design enables full-color imaging with a wide field of view, long depth of field, and short rigid tip length, opening up new possibilities for minimally invasive operations and experimental surgeries.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateJun 7, 2023
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.

World’s first demonstration of terahertz signal transparent relay and switching

Researchers developed a system to transmit high-capacity terahertz-wave signals to different locations using direct terahertz-optical conversion and fiber-wireless technology, achieving 32 Gb/s capacity. The system overcomes radio communications limitations in the terahertz band, expanding communication coverage.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Unsupervised learning-based full-color biological imaging through optical fiber

Researchers have developed an unsupervised learning-based optical fiber imaging system that can recover high-fidelity images from degraded or scrambled speckle patterns without paired labeling. The system, named Restore-CycleGAN-GALOF, achieves nearly artifact-free and robust full-color image transport through a meter-long optical fibe...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 25, 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

High-power, high-energy, all-fiber Mamyshev oscillator

Researchers have developed an all-fiber Mamyshev oscillator that produces high-energy ultrafast pulses, exceeding previous records. The device achieves a single pulse energy of 153 nJ and average power of 3.4 W with sub-100 fs pulse widths.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

World’s first standard cladding diameter 19-core optical fiber with record transmission capacity

Researchers have created a 19-core optical fiber with a standard cladding diameter, achieving a record transmission capacity of 1.7 petabits per second over 63.5 km. This design uses randomly coupled multi-core fibers and MIMO digital signal processing to minimize power consumption.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Tracking whales as they cruise the Arctic

Scientists have successfully tracked fin whales using fibre-optic cables in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The system, called Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), allows for simultaneous location and tracking of whales over an 1800 km² area with relatively low infrastructure investment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 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
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.

Long-distance quantum teleportation enabled by multiplexed quantum memories

Researchers at ICFO have successfully teleported quantum information over 1km using a multiplexed quantum memory. The technique enables fast and reliable quantum communication over long distances, with potential applications in secure telecommunications.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

Using optics to trace the flow of microplastics in oceans

Researchers from China and Singapore study the radiative properties of polyamide-12, a common marine microplastic pollutant. They found that most of the incident radiation is scattered by PA12 particles, affecting ocean light transmission and marine ecology.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateMar 21, 2023

High-performance detectors to combat spies

A team from UNIGE and ID Quantique has developed single-photon detectors that can generate secret keys at a rate of 64 megabits per second, overcoming current limitations. This innovation enables ultra-secure data transfer for banks, healthcare systems, governments, and the military.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Photonics·TypeNews article·DateMar 13, 2023
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.

Hotter than infinity – light pulses can behave like an exotic gas

Researchers at the Universities of Jena and Central Florida have created a photon gas that exhibits behavior similar to a conventional gas, with particles moving at different speeds but maintaining a mean velocity defined by temperature. This phenomenon, known as negative temperature, can be cooled or heated, allowing for the creation ...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

γ-MnO2 dual-core, pair-hole fiber for ultrafast photonics

The γ-MnO2 dual-core pair-hole fiber enables the production of an all-fiber mode-locked laser with a pulse width of about 1 ps and a repetition frequency of about 600 MHz. This fabrication scheme offers good stability and is suitable for combining other novel materials with specialty fibers, expanding ultrafast optics and sensing appli...

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Novel optical and fMRI platform identifies brain regions that control large-scale brain network

Researchers have developed a novel experimental platform that combines optical and fMRI techniques to study large-scale brain networks. The platform identified the anterior insular cortex as a key player in controlling the Default Mode Brain Network, which is active during daydreaming, memory retrieval, and envisioning the future.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Fiber sensing scientists invent 3D printed fiber microprobe for measuring in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cell

Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) to measure in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cells. The high-precision mechanical sensing system enables accurate measurements with spring constants as low as 2.1 nanonewtons.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 10, 2023

Researchers find distortion-free forms of structured light

Researchers from University of the Witwatersrand developed a new approach to studying complex light in complex systems. They found distortion-free forms of structured light that emerge undistorted from noisy channels, unlike other forms of structured light which become unrecognizable. This breakthrough has the potential to pave the wa...

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 8, 2023

Distortion-free structured light

Scientists develop eigenmodes of structured light that remain undistorted even in turbulent channels, enabling robust transmission through noisy media. This breakthrough paves the way for future work in quantum light communication and imaging through complex systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 7, 2023
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.

Entangled atoms across the Innsbruck quantum network

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully entangled two trapped ions separated by 230 meters, using photons transmitted through an optical fiber cable. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of trapped ions as a platform for building future quantum networks and distributed computing systems.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Efficient calibration of wavelength-dependent transmission through optical multimode fiber

The study demonstrates a parametric dispersion model and computational methods to efficiently calibrate the fiber's multispectral transmission matrix, reducing the need for dense spectral measurements. This enables precise control over wavelength-dependent light transmission in multimode fibers.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateFeb 2, 2023

Researchers demonstrate co-propagation of quantum and classical signals

A new study shows that a quantum data channel and classical optical signals can co-propagate in the same fiber with low error rates, reducing the cost of implementing quantum key distribution. Researchers tested a commercial multiplexed QKD system on a wavelength-division multiplexing link and achieved a total data rate of 6 Tb/s.

SourceOptica·DateJan 19, 2023

Nearly 50-meter laser experiment sets record in University of Maryland hallway

Researchers at the University of Maryland successfully guided a 45-meter-long beam of light through an unremarkable hallway, pushing the limits of an innovative technique. The team utilized ultra-short laser pulses to create a plasma that heated air, forming a high-density core and enabling efficient light delivery.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

Building a better biopsy

A new biopsy procedure is developed with a multispectral confocal endomicroscope to aid in lung tissue imaging. The system allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorescent dyes, enabling unique identification and spectral unmixing.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateJan 17, 2023

Eavesdropping on the Earth itself

A team of researchers has developed a system that uses fibre-optic cables to detect and measure acoustic signals from the ocean, including whale vocalizations, ship traffic, earthquakes, and distant storms. This technology has the potential to create a global real-time monitoring network for Ocean-Earth sciences.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

The optical fiber that keeps data safe even after being twisted or bent

Physicists at the University of Bath developed an optical fiber that uses topology to enhance its robustness, protecting light from environmental disorder. This design allows for scalable structure preservation over long distances, making it suitable for future quantum networks.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

Dawn of solid-state quantum networks

Researchers demonstrated high-visibility quantum interference between two independent semiconductor quantum dots, an important step toward scalable quantum networks. The observed interference visibility is up to 93%, paving the way for solid-state quantum networks with distances over 300 km.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateDec 28, 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.

Signal processing algorithms improved turbulence in free-space optic tests

New signal-processing algorithms have been shown to help mitigate the impact of turbulence in free-space optical experiments. The researchers achieved record results using commercially available photonic lanterns and a spatial light modulator to emulate turbulence.

SourceAston University·JournalJournal of Lightwave Technology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2022

Soft robot detects damage, heals itself

Researchers create a soft robot that can detect damage and heal itself using stretchable fiber-optic sensors and polyurethane urea elastomer. The SHeaLDS technology provides a damage-resistant robot that can self-heal from cuts, and the researchers plan to integrate it with machine learning algorithms for more tasks.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 7, 2022

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2022
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.

Achieving a quantum fiber

ICFO researchers successfully demonstrate transport of two-photon quantum states through a phase-separated Anderson localization optical fiber, showing maintained spatial anti-correlation. The phase-separated fiber enables efficient transmission of quantum information via Corning's optical fiber.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalCommunications Physics·DateNov 23, 2022