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.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 25, 2019
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 ...
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 1, 2019
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.
SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 28, 2019
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...
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2018
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.
New insight into opto-mechanics of optical fibers can be applied to sensor systems with longer reach, higher spatial resolution, and better precision.
SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalAPL Photonics·DateNov 28, 2018
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.
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.
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.
SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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...
Researchers developed a light-based technique for measuring weak magnetic fields, like those from the brain. The sensors can detect the brain's magnetic field and have the potential to replace MRI machines, offering an alternative for real-time brain activity mapping.
Researchers developed a smart, flexible photoacoustic imaging technique using a compact fiber laser that may have potential applications in wearable devices, instrumentation, and medical diagnostics. The new technique provides better sensitivity than existing piezoelectric transducers for medical imaging.
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.
Researchers use deep neural networks to recognize images transmitted over optical fibers, achieving high accuracy despite distortions caused by environmental factors. The technique has potential for improving endoscopic imaging in medical diagnosis and increasing the information-carrying capacity of fiber-optic telecommunication networks.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method to identify the material surrounding an optical fiber by generating a sound wave within the fiber. This technique allows for non-invasive detection of changes in temperature and pressure, with potential applications in structures such as bridges and gas pipelines.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018
A new study suggests that thousands of miles of buried fiber optic cable in densely populated coastal regions may be inundated by rising seas within 15 years. The study found that over 4,000 miles of conduit will be underwater and 1,100 traffic hubs will be surrounded by water by 2033, potentially disrupting global communications.
Researchers have demonstrated a record-breaking 4000 km fiber-optic transmission link using ultra low-noise phase-sensitive optical amplifiers, improving reach by almost six times conventional optical amplifiers. The technology has significant potential to enhance video streaming, cloud storage and online services.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2018
Researchers at GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences have developed a new method using fiber-optic cables to detect earthquakes and other ground movements. The technique reveals structural features in the underground with unprecedented resolution, outperforming existing seismological networks worldwide.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2018
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 have developed a new approach to detect quakes by measuring optical phase changes in oceanic fiber optic cables triggered by seismic waves. This method can effectively detect quake activity and parameters, even in regions where seismic monitoring has been limited.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018
A team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and Purdue University has developed a microcomb that can replace dozens of high-performance lasers, enabling faster and more power-efficient optical communication links. The technology uses a tiny optical cavity to generate sharp frequency lines, which have unique properties th...
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2018
A French nanorobotics team has successfully assembled the world's smallest house using a new microassembly system. The μRobotex nanofactory allows for precise control over nanostructures and optical fibers, enabling advanced sensing technologies and applications.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology A Vacuum Surfaces and Films·DateMay 18, 2018
Columbia University researchers develop a method to spin artificial fibers that mimic the nanostructures and optical properties of comet moth cocoon fibers, achieving exceptional cooling abilities and reflectivity. The new fibers can block sunlight and guide light signals with high efficiency.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMay 17, 2018
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.
Researchers from NICT and Fujikura successfully demonstrated a transmission experiment over 1045 km with a data-rate of 159 Tb/s using a 3-mode optical fiber. This achievement sets the world record for a standard outer diameter few-mode optical fiber, surpassing previous records by about twice.
SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateApr 13, 2018
Scientists have created an ultra-thin fiber-based endoscope that can image neurons firing in living mice, offering new insights into brain function. The device is five times thinner than the smallest commercially available microendoscopes and allows for deeper brain imaging without damaging tissue.
SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMar 26, 2018
A particle-based laser was created to measure temperature changes along the length of an optical fiber, offering highly localized light delivery to remote locations. The flying microlaser can detect temperature changes of under 3 degrees Celsius with spatial resolution of a few millimeters.
The new sensor is designed to perform various chemical and biological analyses in small spaces with high sensitivity. It uses an S-taper configuration to detect changes in refractive index and measures concentration, pH, and other chemical parameters.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateMar 15, 2018
The new optical receiver achieves an aggregate bandwidth of 160 Gb/s and features rapid power-on/off functionality, reducing energy consumption by up to 85%. This innovation is crucial for building faster and higher-performance computer systems while minimizing carbon dioxide emissions.
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.
The new bioresorbable optical fiber Bragg gratings can be used to sense pressure at joints or act as tiny probes that can safely reach and assess the heart and other delicate organs. The sensors could also improve laser-based tumor removal techniques by delivering accurate real-time temperature sensing.
Researchers demonstrated reliable transmission of stable frequency references over 300km fiber optic networks, enabling synchronization of radio telescopes. This technology could benefit astronomy, particularly for the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), allowing scientists to access the frequency standard anywhere.
The new technique enables the creation of microstructures with high resolution, potentially paving the way for endoscopic printing in people. Researchers are working to develop biocompatible photopolymers and a compact delivery system before the technique can be used clinically.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab successfully deploy dark fiber for seismic monitoring, detecting earthquakes and changes in permafrost conditions. The technique uses distributed acoustic sensing to measure seismic waves, providing comparable results to conventional seismometers.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 5, 2017
Researchers have developed an optical ultrasound needle that provides unprecedented real-time imaging of soft tissues during keyhole procedures, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical outcomes. The technology uses a miniature optical fibre to deliver light pulses, generating ultrasonic waves for image guidance.
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.
Researchers at Tsinghua University and Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications have successfully demonstrated entanglement-based quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) over 500m optical fibers. The system uses novel fiber-based quantum light sources to generate polarization entangled Bell states, enabling secure informat...
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateNov 30, 2017
Researchers developed illuminated pajamas that emit therapeutic blue light directly onto a baby's skin, improving the treatment experience and reducing discomfort. The photonic textiles, woven into satin fabric, are breathable, comfortable, and suitable for everyday wear.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 31, 2017
Peter Winzer, a renowned expert in optical communication systems, has been awarded the 2018 John Tyndall Award by The Optical Society and the IEEE Photonics Society. His significant advancements involving modulation formats and spatial multiplexing have greatly expanded the field of optical communication systems.
Scientists at Tsinghua University have developed a new type of optical fiber that can detect joint movements and other types of human motion with high accuracy. The flexible fiber, made from silicone, can withstand extreme stretching and bending without losing its sensing ability.
A team of scientists has demonstrated entanglement swapping with two independent sources 12.5 km apart using a 103-km optical fiber, increasing the experimental distance from metropolitan to inter-city levels.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalOptica·DateOct 11, 2017
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.
NICT achieved a world record for 53.3 Tb/s optical switching capacity in short-reach data-center networks using SDM and a high-speed spatial optical switch system. This breakthrough enables significant network efficiency improvements and reduced end-to-end energy consumption per bit compared to existing technologies.
SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateOct 6, 2017
Researchers developed a Doppler LIDAR instrument for accurate remote wind measurements, offering high spatial and temporal resolutions. The system's simplified design enhances stability and reduces costs, making it suitable for real-time applications such as hurricane forecasting and aircraft safety.
A collaboration between University of Central Florida and Yale has discovered novel optical behaviors in laser cavities, providing a unique window into fundamental physics. The research demonstrates the role of gain clamping in governing optical responses and reveals fundamental aspects of causality's limits.
The study describes a method for measuring potential energy surfaces of atoms near optical nanofibers, facilitating quantum memories and components. It enables controlled interactions between lasers and atoms or materials, crucial for unconditionally secure communications and quantum computing.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 17, 2017
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.
A research team at the University of New Mexico is developing ultrafast laser transmitter technology that could send data at a speed of over 100 gigabits per second, ten times faster than current fiber optic networks. The goal is to enable high-speed communication in applications such as remote medical consultations and IoT connectivity.
Researchers from Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology in Jena generate broadband light spectrum with solitons in the near-infrared range, exhibiting unique nonlinear optical effects and high transmission. The use of liquid core fibers enables a more stable alternative to traditional broadband light sources.
SourceLeibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2017
The new optical fiber has an extremely large core diameter and preserves both the distribution of light intensity in cross-section and polarization. This allows for single-mode operation with minimal energy transfer to other modes, reducing parasitic nonlinear effects.
SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 17, 2017
A new type of 3D display, mimicking the depth cues our eyes are accustomed to in the real-world, improves viewing comfort in VR headsets and AR glasses. The innovative display module, measuring only 1 x 2 inches, produces depth cues that create a unified 3D image, eliminating vergence-accommodation conflict.
Two Clemson University engineers, John Ballato and Lin Zhu, are receiving a combined $3.2 million from the Department of Defense to create high-energy lasers that can be used as weapons. The military has already deployed some lasers as defensive weapons to shoot down incoming missiles and drones.
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.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed a nano-sized optical fiber that can detect forces down to 160 femtonewtons and hear sounds down to -30 decibels, with applications in detecting bacteria, monitoring cellular behavior, and creating mini stethoscopes.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 15, 2017
Researchers developed a high-throughput fabrication technique to print nanoscale imaging probes onto the tip of glass fibers, accelerating production from months to days. This enables the widespread adoption of nano-optical structures with potential applications in imaging, sensing, and spectroscopy.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 2017
A newly developed fiber optic distributed sensor can detect changes in temperature or strain at 1 million points over a 10-kilometer optical fiber in under 20 minutes, improving early detection of structural issues. This faster technology has the potential to prevent failures and provide more time for evacuation.
Researchers have developed a handheld fiber optic probe that uses nonlinear imaging techniques to diagnose cancer without tissue staining. The probe can acquire multiple images simultaneously and has been tested on various tissue samples, showing promising results for identifying tumor borders.
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.
Researchers have developed a new method to improve semiconductor fiber optics, which could revolutionize global data transmission. The approach, led by Xiaoyu Ji, reduces imperfections in the fiber core, allowing for more efficient light transmission.
Researchers develop a tiny X-ray sensor integrated onto an optical fiber, enabling high-precision medical imaging and therapeutic applications. The sensor has a spatial resolution of around 1 micron, allowing for real-time measurement of radiation delivery to tumors via endoscopy.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati are developing novel nanowire semiconductors with organic material to transmit data with the speed of fiber optics. The successful harnessing of plasmon waveguiding could enable faster, cheaper, and more efficient electronics.
A silicon optical switch developed at Sandia National Laboratories can transmit up to 10 gigabits per second of data at temperatures near absolute zero. The device operates by using light traveling through an optical fiber, reducing heat and increasing efficiency.
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.
Researchers developed a microscale modulator using plasmonically active gold components, demonstrating fast operation for ultra-broadband signals. The device features compact size and significantly wide bandwidth, supporting higher volume of information flow.
Researchers have developed a new technology using light to continuously monitor a surgical patient's blood, providing real-time status during life-and-death operations. This technology has the potential to replace the need for doctors to wait while blood is drawn and tested, potentially saving lives in intensive care settings.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 27, 2017
Researchers from Warsaw Laser Centre generate high-energy ultrashort laser pulses in an optical fiber using a novel solution. The new method is stable and ideal for industrial applications, offering improved processing times.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 23, 2017
Researchers have developed a single flexible fiber that can deliver optical, electrical, and chemical signals to the brain, enabling precise recordings of neuronal activity. This breakthrough could provide a significantly more accurate understanding of brain function and interconnections.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 22, 2017
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.
The team's breakthrough enables an innovative approach to data processing and switching using magnetized liquid crystals and steerable light beams. This technology could lead to tiny components that process huge amounts of data, as well as compact and fast optical switches, routers and modulators.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2017
Researchers have developed a mathematical model that optimizes data center placement and network design for improved flow of internet traffic generated by cloud computing. The model utilizes distance-adaptive transmission technology, which can reduce bandwidth usage by up to 50%.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a terahertz transmitter capable of transmitting digital data at rates exceeding 100 gigabits per second. This breakthrough enables faster data transfer rates, making it suitable for applications such as satellite communications and ultrafast wireless links between base stations.
Researchers at ORNL have set a new record in superdense coding, transferring 1.67 bits per qubit over fiber optic cable. This achievement brings the technique one step closer to practical use and could lead to more efficient data transfer methods for applications like the Internet and cybersecurity.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2017