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Using air to amplify light

Researchers at EPFL have created a technology to amplify light inside hollow-core optical fibers filled with air, increasing the light intensity significantly. This breakthrough enables longer-distance transmission and potential applications in thermometers and temporary optical memory.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smart textiles powered by soft transmission lines

Researchers have developed a technology that can detect various fabric deformations, such as stretch, pressure, and torque, using soft fiber-shaped sensors. These sensors operate like transmission lines and measure time intervals to determine deformation location, type, and intensity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 1, 2020

Smart textiles made possible by flexible transmission lines

Researchers developed flexible sensor technology to detect fabric deformation, opening doors for smart textiles in clothing, hospital beds and robots. The technology measures time between sent and received signals to determine deformation location, type and intensity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 1, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Record-high data transmission using a soliton crystal

Researchers have developed an efficient way to create micro-combs and exploit them in highly performing and robust frequency multiplexed optical fibre networks. This breakthrough enables the record-high data transmission over 75 km of standard optical fibre using a powerful class of micro-comb called soliton crystals.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2020

BladeSense research advances rotor blade health monitoring

The BladeSense project has shown strong potential for advancing rotor blade health monitoring through real-time data collection. This technology could substantially save on lifecycle costs and provide new pathways for performance monitoring, using novel interferometric fibre optic shape measurement.

SourceCranfield University·DateMay 14, 2020

Hollow-core fiber raises prospects for next-generation scientific instruments

Researchers have developed hollow-core fibers that can preserve light's essential attributes over long distances, overcoming challenges in optical interferometric systems and sensors. The technology has the potential to enhance performance in applications such as gravitational wave sensing and inertial navigation.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 12, 2020

Light sensors detect larval pests munching on date palms

Researchers at KAUST developed a cost-effective approach to detect red palm weevil infestation using laser pulses and optical fibers. The system can identify larvae as young as 12 days old and provide noninvasive, 24/7 monitoring of large-scale farms.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 6, 2020
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.

Fiber optics capture seismic signatures of the rose parade

A recent study used fiber optic cables to capture seismic signatures of the Rose Parade, capturing the vibrations of marching bands and floats. The technique, called distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), revealed distinct signals from the parade, including harmonic frequencies corresponding to even-stepping marching bands.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMay 6, 2020

All-fiber optical wavelength converter

Scientists have developed an all-fiber optical wavelength converter using few-layer gallium selenide (GaSe) nanoflakes, enhancing efficiency by over four orders of magnitude compared to traditional microfibers. The converter can operate in a wide wavelength range, covering C, L telecom bands and the O band, with minimal power consumption.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 5, 2020

New design could make fiber communications more energy efficient

Researchers developed a new design to reduce energy loss in optical fiber communications by radiating light in a single direction. This breakthrough has the potential to improve data communications for commercial data centers and enable battery-powered photonic computers.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020
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.

Using fiber optics to advance safe and renewable energy

Researchers at Berkeley Lab are developing fiber optic sensors to monitor offshore wind operations and underground natural gas storage. These sensors aim to detect issues such as gearbox failure and marine mammal activity, improving the reliability and safety of these systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 30, 2020

A funnel of light

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new quantum state of matter that enables light to be accumulated at a specific point in an optical fiber. This effect, known as a 'light funnel', has the potential to improve the sensitivity of optical detectors and unlock new technological applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Revamping optical fibers to transmit even more data

Researchers explore alternative materials to improve optical fiber's data transmission capabilities, as telecom demands grow. They discovered fluoride glass can transmit light over a wider range of wavelengths, but it is more expensive and brittle.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 18, 2020

Hollow-core fiber technology closes in on mainstream optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a significant leap in hollow-core fibre performance, enabling faster data transmission rates and reducing latency. The new technology has shown a 50% reduction in attenuation and a doubling of maximum transmission length compared to conventional glass fibres.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateMar 17, 2020

Long-distance fiber link poised to create powerful networks of optical clocks

Researchers in Japan have developed a low-noise fiber link to connect high-precision clocks, enabling the creation of powerful networks for applications like earthquake detection and communication systems. The system uses a cascaded link with ultralow-noise laser repeater stations to minimize noise and stabilize the laser signal.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 17, 2020
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.

What if we could teach photons to behave like electrons?

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a trick to precisely control photons, the basic particles of light. This breakthrough enables the creation of light-based chips that could deliver far greater computational power than electronic chips.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2020

Demonstration of world record transmission capacity over a 38-core 3-mode optical fiber

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a world record transmission capacity of 10.66 peta-bit per second over a 38-core 3-mode optical fiber, achieving a spectral efficiency of 1158.7 bits per second per Hz. This breakthrough enables a drastic increase in data-rate per fiber for intra- and inter data-center communication.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateFeb 14, 2020

Making the internet more energy efficient through systemic optimization

The study proposes smart data chip circuits that consume up to 10 times less energy than conventional chips. Researchers also developed an optimisation algorithm to control fibre optic communications at the network level, reducing energy consumption by up to 70%.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

Quantum physics: On the way to quantum networks

Researchers successfully demonstrated the transport of an entangled state between an atom and a photon via an optic fiber over a distance of up to 20 km. This achievement sets a new record for quantum communication and confirms that quantum information can be distributed on a large scale with little loss.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 24, 2020
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 new twist on quantum communication in fiber

A team from Wits and HUST shows that multiple quantum patterns of twisted light can be transmitted across a conventional fibre link, enabling a new approach to realising a future quantum network. The researchers demonstrated transfer of multi-dimensional entanglement states over 250m of single-mode fibre.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 24, 2020

Blue light triggers memory and emphatic fear in mice via a non-invasive approach

Researchers at IBS have engineered a new biological tool that controls calcium signaling in the brain of mice using blue light. The study found that this non-invasive approach triggers memory and emphatic fear responses, indicating its potential for studying Ca2+ signaling and its role in neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Hydrogen alarm for remote hydrogen leak detection

The new sensor detects hydrogen molecules at concentrations below 2%, outperforming traditional methods that require expensive equipment and trained personnel. Its sensitivity and resistance to interfering gases make it a game-changer for remote hydrogen leak detection.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalACS Sensors·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Submarine cables: billions of potential seismic sensors!

Scientists have successfully detected seismic waves using submarine telecommunications cables, which can also detect earthquakes, swell, and underwater noise. The researchers deployed a 41 km-long cable to retrieve data from an underwater observatory, converting it into over 6000 seismic sensors.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

New system transmits high-speed unrepeated signal over 520 kilometers

Researchers successfully transmitted a signal over 520 km at 200 Gbps using commercial cables and stimulated Raman scattering effect, increasing signal-to-noise ratio. The system uses remote optically pumped amplifiers to amplify the signal along the link without electrical power sources.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalIEEE Photonics Technology Letters·DateDec 16, 2019

Seismologists see future in fiber optic cables as earthquake sensors

Scientists are exploring the use of fiber optic cables as earthquake sensors due to their potential for accurate seismic data collection. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology uses internal flaws in fibers to detect changes in temperature, strain, or vibrations caused by seismic waves.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

VTT developed an optical fiber made of cellulose

Researchers at VTT created an optical fibre from cellulose, suitable for measuring moisture levels in buildings. The cellulose-based fibre absorbs and releases water, allowing for accurate measurements.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalCellulose·DateDec 3, 2019

Underwater telecom cables make superb seismic network

Researchers used fiber-optic cables to create a seismic network that can detect earthquakes and map fault zones. The technique, known as Distributed Acoustic Sensing, uses laser light to measure strain in the cable, providing detailed images of the ocean floor.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

Illuminating seafloor seismology with existing 'dark' fiber-optic cables

Researchers used existing underwater fiber optic cables to create an array of seismic sensors, mapping a previously unknown fault system off California's coast. The technique, known as Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), allows for unprecedented detail in monitoring seafloor seismic activity and potential offshore resources.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019
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.

Scientists develop a new method to detect light in the brain

Researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, University of Salento, and Harvard Medical School have developed a new light-based method to capture and pinpoint the epicenter of neural activity. The approach allows for novel ways to map connections across different brain regions.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 19, 2019

Researchers use 3D printing to make glass optical fiber preform

The researchers developed a method to print silica optical fibers using additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for precise core centering. This allows for the creation of complex fiber designs and applications, such as fiber optic sensors, with reduced costs and improved longevity.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 30, 2019

First demonstration of a 1 petabit per second network node

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has developed a large-scale optical switching testbed capable of handling 1 Petabit per second optical signals. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of ultra-high capacity petabit-class backbone networks, which can support increasing internet services ...

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateOct 17, 2019
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.

Nerve-like 'optical lace' gives robots a human touch

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a stretchable optical lace material that enables soft robots to sense their environment through mechanosensors. The material allows robots to detect changes in stress and strain, enabling them to adjust their actions accordingly.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 11, 2019

Making and controlling crystals of light

Scientists at EPFL have developed perfect soliton crystals in optical microresonators, allowing for the generation of pulse trains with high repetition rates and enhanced power. This breakthrough enables applications in spectroscopy, distance measurements, and low-noise terahertz radiation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 9, 2019
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.

Researchers turn off backscattering, aim to improve optical data transmission

Engineers at the University of Illinois have found a way to redirect misfit light waves to reduce energy loss during optical data transmission. By exploiting an interaction between light and sound waves, they were able to suppress backscattering in silica glass, a common material used in fiber optic cables.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOptica·DateAug 12, 2019

Seismologists monitor Ridgecrest aftershocks using novel fiber optic network

A team of seismologists from Caltech is tracking thousands of tiny aftershocks in the Ridgecrest region using a novel fiber optic network. This technique involves shooting light down unused fiber optic cables, which act as individual seismometers, allowing for unprecedented detail on the evolution of earthquake sequences.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJul 24, 2019

Fiber-optic vibration sensors could prevent train accidents

Researchers developed new accelerometers to measure acceleration and vibration on trains, enabling real-time monitoring of track or train problems. The sensors use polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber and can detect frequencies double that of traditional accelerometers.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 17, 2019

Blood flow monitor could save lives

A tiny fibre-optic sensor has the potential to save lives in open heart surgery and during surgery on pre-term babies. The continuous cardiac flow monitoring probe is a safe way to give real-time measurement of blood flow.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateJul 8, 2019

Fiber-optic probe can see molecular bonds

Engineers at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a new technology that tunnels light into the quantum realm with unprecedented efficiency. The device integrates a glass optical fiber with a silver nanowire condenser to squeeze visible light to the tip of the condenser and interact with molecules locally.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 10, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Why you should care about better fiber optics

Researchers at NTNU have developed a method to make optical fibers using gallium antimonide, which can emit infrared light, allowing for longer wavelengths and improved transmission. This could lead to better medical diagnoses and more precise environmental monitoring.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2019

High-capacity transmission over multi-core fiber link with 19-core optical amplifier

Researchers at NICT and Furukawa Electric successfully demonstrated a record SDM transmission experiment, achieving 715 Tb/s over 2009 km using a 19-core optical amplifier. The demonstration showcases the potential of high-core count cladding pumped EDFAs for long-haul transmission in both C and L bands.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateApr 8, 2019

Photons trained for optical fiber obstacle course will deliver stronger cyber security

A new approach enables the smooth navigation of photons through complex optical fiber obstacle courses, preserving entanglement and correlation. This breakthrough boosts expectations for quantum key distribution (QKD) technology, which uses signals in particles of light to create encryption keys.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 4, 2019
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.