Researchers from Garching and Braunschweig transport frequencies with high precision over almost 2000 km to accurately determine the geoid of the Earth. The new technology allows for a height difference of 4 mm between clocks to be resolved within 100 seconds.
SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 2, 2013
A recent study tested fiber-optic sensors on a 36-km stretch of high-speed commuter railroad lines in Hong Kong, detecting over 10 million measurements and identifying anomalies such as excessive vibrations and mechanical defects. The system saves the rail company around $250,000 annually in maintenance costs.
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.
The discovery enables rapid localization and measurement of cells within living environments at the nanoscale, such as changes to a single cell in response to chemical signals. The ultra-sensitive nanoparticles, or SuperDots, can detect individual particles with thousand times more sensitivity than existing materials.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 1, 2013
Researchers from UNIGE have successfully entangled two optic fibers populated by 500 photons, surviving on a macroscopic level. The phenomenon demonstrates that larger elements can retain their quantum properties, despite interactions with the surrounding environment.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 25, 2013
Researchers have devised a new fiber optic technology that could ease Internet congestion and enable on-demand video streaming. The technology uses donut-shaped laser light beams called optical vortices to boost Internet bandwidth, promising terabit-per-second capacity transmission links.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2013
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a low-cost fiber-optic pen that tracks brain activity in real-time while children with learning disabilities read and write. The device, which costs less than $100, allows scientists to study the neural connections involved in writing and reading.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalSensors·DateJun 18, 2013
Purdue researchers achieve significant improvement in temporal cloaking, enabling 46% of data transmission to be encrypted. This technology could enhance telecommunications security and find applications in military, homeland security, or law enforcement.
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.
Researchers at IBM have developed a prototype optical link that shatters the previous power efficiency record by half, paving the way for faster supercomputers. The link operates at 25 gigabits per second using just 24 milliwatts of total wall-plug power.
A new splicing technique offers an automated way to align and connect multicore optical fibers with minimal signal quality loss. This method enables the production line deployment of these high-capacity fibers, which can carry up to 10 terabits per second.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a micro-endoscope that can resolve objects four times better than previous devices, enabling new methods in diverse fields. The so-called micro-endoscope is a significant step forward in high-resolution bio-imaging with potential applications in research and clinical practice.
SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 12, 2013
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.
Engineers at AT&T Labs have devised a new technique to enable 400 Gb/s signals to be transmitted over ultra-long distances using current-generation systems. The team successfully transmitted 400 Gb/s signals over a record-breaking 12,000 km distance.
Researchers develop a new dynamic network management system that can redirect traffic-congesting connections in real-time, improving network efficiency. The system combines OpenFlow and PCE technology to provide efficient solution for operating transport networks.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a novel chip-scale instrument using carbon nanotubes to measure laser power with high accuracy. The mini-radiometer achieves this by absorbing light over a broad range of wavelengths and converting it to heat, allowing for precise measurements.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 25, 2013
A team of researchers from Australia and France has developed a novel manufacturing technique to create uniform silica wires through self-assembly. The technique enables the combination of silica with any material, paving the way for new applications in sensing, photovoltaics, optical switches, and photon sources.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJan 23, 2013
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.
Researchers developed a new nanomechanical dual-core optical fiber that can enhance data processing and serve as sensors by applying mechanical pressure. The fibers' internal core structure is designed to be dynamic, allowing for precise motion control and harnessing the fundamental properties of light.
The Optics Express Special Issue on ECOC 2012 features in-depth versions of 134 papers from the conference, covering topics such as multicore components and hybrid optoelectronic devices. The issue includes submissions from 37% of authors of the 350+ papers presented at the conference.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a new type of optical fiber with integrated solar-cell capabilities that can be scaled to long lengths and woven into flexible fabrics. This technology has the potential to revolutionize portable electronics, offering lightweight, foldable, and wearable power sources.
SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 6, 2012
Researchers have created a fiber-optic equivalent of the world's smallest wrench, enabling precise control over microscopic particles like living cells and DNA. This new technique uses flexible optical fibers to twist and turn particles in any direction, promising advancements in biological research, healthcare, and more.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Montserrat Fernández-Vallejo has developed the longest fibre-optic sensor network measuring 250 km with a multiplexing capability, enabling remote monitoring of large infrastructures. The network addresses three main challenges: multiplexing sensors, ensuring continued service in case of faults, and allowing remote monitoring.
SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateOct 1, 2012
A new 'smart' surgical tool combines advanced technology with human hand precision to minimize surgical accidents. The device uses an optical fiber sensor to compensate for hand tremors, allowing for accurate and precise movements during delicate procedures.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateSep 27, 2012
Montserrat Fernández-Vallejo has developed the longest fibre-optic sensor network measuring 250 km with a multiplexing capability, enabling remote monitoring of large infrastructures. This technology allows for efficient data transmission and analysis without power sources, critical state observation, and preventive maintenance.
SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateSep 6, 2012
Researchers at Clemson University have developed optical fibers using highly purified silica and sapphire, pushing the limits of current fiber technology. The goal is to create stronger and more durable fiber material for telecommunications and high-energy applications.
SourceClemson University·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 13, 2012
Researchers have developed new materials that improve X-ray machines' light-capturing efficiency, reducing patient radiation doses and enhancing image resolution. The nanostructures are modeled after the compound eyes of moths, which exhibit anti-reflective properties.
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.
Rural residents may face a digital divide due to the increasing adoption of technology that replaces copper lines with faster, cheaper, and more convenient alternatives. While cellular phones offer an affordable option, most cell phone companies charge per minute, and service can be unreliable.
A team of researchers has demonstrated an optical frequency transfer with high stability through a standard telecommunication optical fiber network. This achievement enables the ability to compare optical clocks located far apart and transmit their stability to distant laboratories, benefiting fundamental research in physics and industry.
SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2012
Japanese researchers have developed a spectrally efficient, scalable elastic optical transport network architecture called SLICE to address growing IP traffic demands. The technology enables adaptive spectrum allocation, providing significant savings of network resources and increased capacity.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have discovered that graphene is an excellent active media for optical modulators, promising faster data transmission and computing. The graphene-based modulators can perform at speeds up to 10 times faster than current technology, enabling applications such as high-definition streaming on smartphones.
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.
A German research team has created a record-speed wireless data bridge that transmits digital information up to 20 billion bits per second, surpassing current state-of-the-art systems. The bridge operates at 200 GHz and remains operational under adverse atmospheric conditions.
Photonic interconnects promise to revolutionize computer architecture with ultra-high communication bandwidths and extreme energy efficiency. HP Labs is studying the shift to light-based interconnects to build next-generation IT solutions.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed crystalline materials that allow optical fibers to have integrated, high-speed electronic functions. The breakthrough enables faster and more efficient technologies in telecommunications, laser technology, and remote-sensing devices.
SourcePenn State·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 5, 2012
Researchers created an integrated electronic component directly into optical fibers, bypassing the need to integrate fiber-optics onto a chip. This breakthrough enables high-speed optoelectronic function and has potential applications in telecommunications and hybrid technologies.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 5, 2012
The Galileo program seeks to bridge the precision fiber optic controls and long-baseline astronomical interferometry technical communities to enable faster imaging of objects in geosynchronous orbit. By harnessing the power of flexible fiber optics, researchers aim to create a new means of better, faster imaging of objects in GEO.
SourceDefense Advanced Research Projects Agency·DateJan 17, 2012
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.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of optical device that can process information in one direction, eliminating the need for translation and increasing bandwidth. This innovation has the potential to lead to faster and more powerful supercomputers by connecting multiple processors together.
Researchers have demonstrated a prototype device capable of absolute measurements of optical power delivered through an optical fiber, outperforming existing devices with improved temperature control and speed. The new radiometer can measure power levels as low as 10 nanowatts with high accuracy, paving the way for ultraprecise calibra...
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateDec 21, 2011
Researchers have developed a precise method to create microresonators in optical fibers, enabling the creation of 'Whispering Gallery' structures that can store tiny packets of light. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize computing with faster calculations and more efficient memory storage.
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.
A new chemical technique has been developed to deposit a non-crystalline form of silicon into ultra-thin pores of optical fibers. This allows for the creation of more-efficient and flexible optical fibers with hydrogenated amorphous silicon, ideal for applications such as solar cells and telecommunications.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 13, 2011
A Purdue University and NIST team developed a microring resonator that converts continuous laser light into numerous ultrashort pulses, enabling applications in advanced sensors, communications systems, and laboratory instruments. The device uses nonlinear interaction to generate frequencies with equal spacing.
SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 19, 2011
Physicists at City College of New York develop a new way to map spiraling light, which can harness untapped data capacity in optical fibers. The Higher Order Poincaré Sphere model reduces complex light patterns to single equations, enabling novel physics and engineering efforts.
SourceCity College of New York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 2011
The photonics center will develop novel sensing technologies for remote oil storage measurement, gasifier refractory wall monitoring, and on-line dissolved gas detection in transformers. This will improve the efficient operation of advanced power systems and reduce costs associated with transformer failures.
Researchers explore ways to boost fiber optic communication capacity to meet growing internet traffic demands, including space-division multiplexing and mode-division multiplexing. Studies aim to increase fiber capacity by up to seven-fold, enabling exponential growth in optical communication systems.
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.
Scientists at the University of Strathclyde devise a new system to compare whisky samples, distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit brands with high accuracy. The method uses mid-infrared spectrometry and has been successfully tested in blind tests.
SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·DateJul 25, 2011
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a model that can find optimal fiber optic network connections significantly faster and more efficiently. The model breaks down the complex problem into smaller units, allowing for faster design and re-design cycles.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Optical Communications and Networking·DateJun 28, 2011
Researchers at TE SubCom have demonstrated a way to boost undersea cable capacity without increasing optical bandwidth. The breakthrough allows for high spectral efficiency channels to be transmitted over longer distances, up to 18,000 kilometers, surpassing previous records.
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.
Researchers have developed a new class of optical fibers using zinc selenide, enabling more efficient light manipulation and transmission in the infrared spectrum. This breakthrough has potential applications in medical lasers, countermeasure lasers, and environmental monitoring.
SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 1, 2011
Scientists have demystified glasses by analyzing the behavior of a metallic alloy as it cools down. The findings suggest that glassy states can be unfrozen and refrozen by changing temperature, contradicting previous theories on strong and fragile liquids.
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 29, 2010
A new $5.6 million initiative aims to create a system that controls prosthetic limbs naturally by sensing and stimulating nerve activity. The Vanderbilt team, in collaboration with SMU researchers, is developing a neurophotonics-based system that uses laser beams to stimulate sensory nerves and provide feedback to the brain.
CSIRO's Ngara technology offers wireless broadband access to rural areas, with a six-user system capable of uploading data at 12 Mbps. The technology achieves high spectral efficiency, enabling multiple users to upload simultaneously without reducing individual data transfer rates.
The Neurophotonics Research Center aims to develop a two-way fiber optic communication link between prosthetic limbs and peripheral nerves, enabling realistic movement and 'feeling' sensations. Successful completion will allow for revolutionary freedom of movement and agility for amputees.
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.
Researchers have developed a new device that can eliminate phase noise and cross talk in optical communication networks, enabling improved data transmission. The device uses phase sensitive amplification and regeneration to restore signal quality, allowing for increased network capacity and reduced energy consumption.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 7, 2010
Physicists at NIST have demonstrated an ion trap with a built-in optical fiber, enabling the measurement of quantum information stored in ions. The device simplifies quantum computer design and paves the way for swapping information between matter and light in future quantum networks.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2010
A team from Dalian Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong developed an experimental glass with heavy metals, which amplifies light signals at a wavelength of 1185 nanometers. The results indicate the potential for this material in both fiber optic networks and lasers.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 16, 2010
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.
A new concept of optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) based on a chaotic light correlation method has been developed, achieving distance-independent resolutions of up to 25 km. This technique uses broadband chaotic light generated from a laser diode to improve the accuracy of fiber fault location.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateJun 3, 2010
Dr. Koby Scheuer's plastic-based technology uses nano-sized grooves to filter noise from information in optical devices, making them smaller, more flexible, and powerful.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 3, 2010
The NIST team has developed a single photon detector that can count individual photons with 99 percent efficiency. This breakthrough technology improves the accuracy of electronic communication and quantum computing, while also enabling the detection of missing photons in long-distance data transmission to prevent information theft.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 15, 2010
Dr. Jacob Scheuer's new invention transmits binary lock-and-key information in light pulses, ensuring secure communication without eavesdropping. The system uses a special laser to send different signals that can be distinguished by the sender and receiver but appear identical to an attacker.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateMar 23, 2010
The conference will showcase cutting-edge research in optical communication, including an express lane for large data transfers and innovations in wireless connectivity. Scientists will also explore new technologies for more efficient data routing and faster internet speeds.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Emerging optical technologies will enable warehouse-scale computing data centers, allowing users to access their data from anywhere and at any time. Google's Cedric Lam highlights the importance of low-cost, high-bandwidth, and high-density optical fiber interconnects in powering cloud computing.
Researchers from Germany have developed a way to encode wireless broadband signals using desk lamps, exploiting synergy between illumination and information. The system uses visible-frequency wireless with all the bandwidth one could want, achieving record speeds of up to 230 Mbit/s with commercial LEDs.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new type of three-dimensional photovoltaic system using zinc oxide nanostructures grown on optical fibers. The approach allows PV systems to be hidden from view, providing an alternative to traditional rooftop installations.
The University of Nevada, Reno has received an $890,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a national community-user facility for environmental sensing. This facility will provide state-of-the-art fiber-optic distributed temperature (DTS) instrumentation and equipment to researchers nationwide.