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Measuring height by connecting clocks

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

Optical sensors improve railway safety

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.

SourceOptica·DateSep 30, 2013
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.

Breakthrough in sensing at the nanoscale

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

What if quantum physics worked on a macroscopic level?

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
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.

A high-resolution endoscope as thin as a human hair

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.

New distance record for 400 Gb/s data transmission

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.

SourceOptica·DateMar 12, 2013

NIST's 'nanotubes on a chip' may simplify optical power measurements

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
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.

Flexible silicon solar-cell fabrics may soon become possible

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

World's smallest wrench puts a new twist on microscopic manipulation

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateDec 3, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Longest fiber-optic sensor network developed

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

Longest fiber-optic sensor network developed

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

Clemson researchers make optical fibers from common materials

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
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.

Technology convergence may widen the digital divide

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.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 17, 2012

Atomic clock comparison via data highways

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

On the path to 1 terabit-per-second networks

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.

SourceOptica·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Galileo to image objects in geosynchronous orbit faster

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.

New device could bring optical information processing

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2011

Prototype NIST device measures absolute optical power in fiber at nanowatt levels

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

Optical fiber innovation could make future optical computers a 'SNAP'

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateDec 14, 2011
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.

First electronic optical fibers with hydrogenated amorphous silicon are developed

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

'Microring' device could aid in future optical technologies

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

New depiction of light could boost telecommunications channels

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
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.

How to tell real whiskey from fake -- faster

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

Model finds optimal fiber optic network connections 10,000 times more quickly

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
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.

New kind of optical fiber developed

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

Researchers demystify glasses by studying crystals

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

New initiative to develop a system that controls prosthetic limbs naturally

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.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateNov 17, 2010

Broadband coming wirelessly to the bush

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateNov 2, 2010
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.

Scientists develop device to enable improved global data transmission

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

Novel ion trap with optical fiber could link atoms and light in quantum networks

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

Heavy metal glass helps light go the distance

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.

Chaotic laser brings out higher precision OTDR

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

An optical traffic cop for rapid communication

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

NIST detector counts photons with 99 percent efficiency

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

Laser security for the Internet

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Back to the future for computers: A return to the 1980s?

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.

SourceOptica·DateMar 11, 2010

From the desk lamp to the desktop?

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.

SourceOptica·DateMar 9, 2010

National hydrological measurement facility funded by NSF

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.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateOct 26, 2009