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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Entangling photons of different colors

Researchers created quantum-correlated pairs made up of one visible and one near-infrared photon, combining the best of both worlds. This breakthrough promises to boost light-based circuits' ability to securely transmit information over long distances.

'Quiet' light

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have successfully created a chip-scale laser that emits light with a fundamental linewidth of less than 1 Hz, quiet enough to move demanding scientific applications to the chip scale. This breakthrough uses stimulated Brillouin scattering to produce extremely quiet light and has significant implications ...

Fiber sensors may leave the jacket on

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have successfully mapped liquids outside coated optical fibers, enabling sensing applications beyond the lab. The use of a polyimide coating overcomes the protective barrier previously hindering sensor performance.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

An important step towards completely secure quantum communication networks

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new technique to improve the storage time of quantum states in optical fibers, enabling secure quantum information transmission over longer distances. This breakthrough enables the creation of a completely secure quantum communication network by teleporting quantum informatio...

Millimeter waves for the last mile

The new modulator enables efficient and low-cost high-frequency microwaves transmission, covering the last mile with high data rates, and is compatible with 5G technology and future industry standards.

New air-filled fiber bundle could make endoscopes smaller

Researchers have created a new air-filled optical fiber bundle that can improve endoscopes used in medical procedures like minimally invasive surgeries. The technology allows for higher resolution images at double the wavelength range, enabling diagnostic procedures not possible with current endoscope technology.

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.

New technology to allow 100-times-faster internet

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new nanophotonic device that can encode and process data using twisted light beams, increasing bandwidth by up to 100 times. This technology has the potential to revolutionize optical communications and quantum computing research.

Optoelectronic interface for stimulating neural networks in the brain

Researchers have developed an optoelectronic interface that uses fiber-optic channels to transmit signals from artificial neurons to live ones, providing galvanic isolation and adaptive stimulation capabilities. This system has been demonstrated effective in stimulating electrophysiological activity of neurons in a surviving section of...