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The Tungsten-Silicone contact lens curing underwater drone blindness

Researchers have developed a soft, custom-molded acoustic contact lens that actively corrects outgoing sound waves before they pass through an autonomous drone's protective shell. The lens boosts sonar signal strength by up to 10 decibels while cutting background reverberation without draining extra battery power.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 16, 2026

“A new security technology that locks information with light color and distance” — unhackable metasurface holograms

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a secure hologram platform that stores information using the wavelength of light and spacing between metasurface layers. The technology enables information processing using light alone, without electrical power or electronic chips.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 3, 2026

New imaging approach simplifies retina exams by enabling digital refocusing

A new imaging approach has simplified retina exams by eliminating the need for mechanical focusing, making fundus cameras more accessible. The system uses a diffuser to capture 3D light information and digitally refocus images after they are taken, producing consistent resolution of about 7-10 line pairs per millimeter.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateSep 10, 2025

Holographic precision, super-resolution vision: scientists reveal the hidden world of vital cellular structures

Researchers measured protein content and growth dynamics of individual biomolecular condensates without disturbing them, gaining insights for future drug development and disease modeling. The study revealed intricate nanoscale organization and complex internal architecture of these microscopic structures.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 16, 2025

Major step for flat and adjustable optics

Scientists at Linköping University have made a significant breakthrough in creating controllable flat optics using nanostructures on a flat surface. By precisely controlling the distance between antennas, they achieved up to tenfold improvement in performance, opening up new avenues for applications such as video holograms and biomedic...

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2025

A one-pixel camera for recording holographic movies

Researchers at Kobe University have created a single-pixel camera that can record three-dimensional holographic movies, even through tissues. The camera uses a high-speed digital micromirror device to project patterns required for recording the hologram, enabling the capture of moving objects and images outside the visible spectrum.

SourceKobe University·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Tying light from lasers into stable “optical knots”

Engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a method to create stable optical knots using laser beams, which could be used to transmit encoded information or measure turbulence in pockets of air. The team found that by adding more squiggles to the knot's features, they could make it stable for longer and resist degradation.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

ELVIS has entered orbit: Pioneering imaging system to enhance space biology and life detection beyond earth

The Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System (ELVIS) will test a new holographic microscope on the International Space Station to analyze the adaptability and resilience of microorganisms. The system aims to reveal how life might persist on distant moons and planets, significantly enhancing our search for life outside Earth.

KAIST develops Janus-like metasurface technology that acts according to the direction of light​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a Janus metasurface capable of controlling asymmetric light transmission, enabling the creation of two independent optical systems with a single device. This technology also enables optical encryption by generating different images depending on the direction and polarization state of incoming light.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 16, 2024

Holographic 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, say Concordia researchers

Concordia researchers develop a novel method of 3D printing using acoustic holograms, capable of creating complex objects quickly and at once. This technique, called holographic direct sound printing (HDSP), stores information of multiple images in a single hologram, allowing for the creation of multiple objects simultaneously.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2024

Smartphone-based microscope rapidly reconstructs 3D holograms

A new smartphone-based digital holographic microscope enables precise 3D measurements and has potential applications in medical diagnostics, education, and resource-limited settings. The portable device uses a simple optical system created with a 3D printer and calculates reconstructions based on a smartphone.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateSep 11, 2024

SNU-Stanford researchers jointly identify key visual perceptual factors enhancing 3D display realism

The study reveals that parallax significantly impacts the perceived realism and immersion of 3D images viewed through holographic displays. The research team confirmed that 3D images generated by the light field method were preferred over those using the multilayer method.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Accuracy verification methodology for CGH used for testing ultra-large aperture mirrors

Researchers have developed a new accuracy verification methodology for ultra-large aperture mirrors using computer-generated hologram (CGH), achieving nanometer-level accuracy. The method uses an equivalent element to test the mirror's surface shape accuracy, overcoming aperture limitations and enabling reliable testing.

Breaking through silicon

The team achieves nanofabrication of nanostructures buried deep inside silicon wafers, enabling sub-wavelength and multi-dimensional control directly inside the material. The breakthrough opens up new possibilities for developing nano-scale systems with unique architectures.

SourceBilkent University Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2024

Advancing real-time 3D holographic display: A breakthrough in computer-generated holography

Researchers introduced a novel method for generating computer-generated holograms (CGHs) that significantly reduces computational overhead while maintaining high-quality 3D visualization. The approach leverages a split Lohmann lens-based diffraction model, enabling rapid synthesis of 3D holograms through a single-step backward propagat...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Researchers use smartphone screen to create 3D layered holographic images

A new approach uses a smartphone screen to create full-color 3D holographic images by leveraging computer-generated holography (CGH) and an optical component called a spatial light modulator. The method has the potential to enhance near-eye displays in virtual reality headsets, creating more realistic and interactive user experiences.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 2, 2024

Holographic message encoded in simple plastic

Researchers at TU Wien have demonstrated the possibility of encoding valuable data, such as Bitcoin wallet addresses, in ordinary plastic using 3D printing and terahertz radiation. By adjusting the thickness of the plastic plate to alter the terahertz wave, a holographic image is created that stores the desired code.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Liquid lens based holographic camera for real 3D scene hologram acquisition using end-to-end physical model-driven network

A new holographic camera using a liquid lens and end-to-end physical model-driven network can capture high-quality holograms of real 3D scenes in 150 milliseconds. The camera solves two major bottlenecks of existing holographic technology, enabling fast acquisition and improved image quality.

Orbital angular momentum boosts multiplexed holography

Researchers have implemented Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) as an independent information carrier for optical holography, leading to OAM multiplexed holography. The new design approach, MHC-OAM, uses spatial light modulators to achieve multiramp helical conical beams with different parameters serving as information encryption or decryp...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJul 5, 2023

Holograms for life: Improving IVF success

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have created 3D holographic images of embryos to aid in selecting the best quality embryos for IVF, potentially improving success rates. The non-invasive approach uses miniscule amounts of light to provide insights into embryo development.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJul 5, 2023

New rapid viral plaque detection system, aided by deep learning and holographic imaging, can help accelerate vaccine and drug development

A new rapid viral plaque detection system enabled by holography and deep learning can help accelerate vaccine and drug development. The system reduces the detection time of traditional viral plaque assays by up to 48 hours, eliminating chemical staining and manual counting.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Source-shifting metastructures composed of only one resin for location camouflaging

Researchers at Shinshu University developed high-performance source-shifters using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, employing inverse design and topology optimization. The optimized structures can reduce the difference between emitted pressure fields to as low as 0.6%, enabling effective acoustic location camouflaging.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2023

The making of a Mona Lisa hologram

A team of researchers developed an acoustic metasurface-based holography technique that uses a deep learning algorithm to generate and iteratively improve a hologram of the Mona Lisa. The technique successfully reconstructed the painting, with even greater detail in her left eye.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Multifunctional interface enables manipulation of light waves in free space

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a multifunctional interface between photonic integrated circuits and free space, allowing for simultaneous manipulation of multiple light beams. The device operates with high accuracy and reliability, enabling applications in quantum computing, sensing, imaging, energy, and more.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 24, 2023