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Light: Information's new friend

African researchers have made a breakthrough in optical communication by demonstrating a significant increase in the amount of information that can be packed into light. The team used over 100 patterns of light, exploiting three degrees of freedom to achieve this result, which could potentially increase bandwidth by 100 times.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 2016

Inkjet hologram printing now possible

Researchers at ITMO University have developed a method for producing vivid holographic images using an ordinary inkjet printer. The new technique uses colorless ink made of nanocrystalline titania, which can be deposited on special microembossed paper to create unique patterned images.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 24, 2015

What's on the surface of a black hole?

Physicist Samir Mathur proposes that the surface of a black hole is not a fiery firewall but rather a benign copy machine creating an imperfect hologram. This idea counters the prevailing firewall theory and has significant implications for our understanding of the universe as a hologram.

Picture this: Graphene brings 3-D holograms clearer and closer

Researchers at Griffith University and their international consortium have made significant progress in creating wide-angle and full-color 3D images using graphene. The sub-wavelength feature size allows for static holographic 3D images with a wide viewing angle, revolutionizing capabilities across various optical and electronic devices.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Quantum holograms as atomic scale memory keepsake

Researchers from St. Petersburg State University developed a theoretical model for quantum memory in light, adapting classical hologram concepts to a quantum system. They demonstrated the possibility of retrieving specific portions of stored quantized light signals with precise control over space and time.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 21, 2014

First 3-D movies of living sperm

Researchers have developed a new tracking system that takes 3-D movies of living sperm, providing detailed imaging and analyzing motility data. The method helps detect potential infertility-causing anomalies, such as bent tails, and may soon aid in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics in selecting the most viable sperm cells.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 11, 2014

Holographic diagnostics

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed portable, inexpensive medical tests using color-changing 'smart' holograms that can detect a wide range of compounds in blood, breath, urine, saliva or tear fluid.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJan 22, 2014

New hologram technology created with tiny nanoantennas

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new hologram technology using tiny nanoantennas that can control light with unprecedented efficiency. The metasurface, thousands of V-shaped nanoantennas, enables the creation of ultra-efficient devices for sensing, displays and information processing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2013

'Groovy' hologram creates strange state of light

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a nanostructured hologram that controls the intensity, phase, and polarization of light rays. This innovation enables the creation of radially polarized beams, which are crucial for high-resolution lithography and particle manipulation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 20, 2013

Ferroelectricity on the nanoscale

Researchers mapped ferroelectric structural distortions in individual nanocrystals using the world's most powerful transmission electron microscope. The study indicates that a monodomain ferroelectric state remains stable down to dimensions of less than 10 nanometers, and room-temperature polarization flipping was demonstrated down to ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 10, 2012

Applied Optics focus issue: Digital holography and 3-D imaging

The Focus Issue on Digital Holography and 3-D Imaging presents recent breakthroughs in digital holography, enabling non-invasive biomedical imaging and applications in structural analysis. Novel techniques such as compressive holography and lens-free tomographic microscopy are showcased, advancing 3-D display technologies.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateDec 7, 2011

Fastest movie in the world recorded

Researchers at Helmholtz Association create ultrafast image sequences of nanostructures, enabling real-time observation of molecules and nanostructures. The breakthrough method uses X-ray pulses to capture images at femtosecond intervals, paving the way for new insights into fundamental processes in natural sciences.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 12, 2011

Tying light in knots

A team of physicists from Bristol, Glasgow and Southampton universities have successfully created knots in optical vortices using holograms designed with knot theory. This new research demonstrates the physical application of an abstract branch of mathematics previously considered impossible to apply.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 17, 2010

Stanford writes in world's smallest letters

Researchers encoded letters 'S' and 'U' in interference patterns formed by quantum electron waves, creating a tiny hologram that can be viewed with a microscope. The achievement paves the way for storing more information in less space, challenging the assumption of atomic limits

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 29, 2009

'Smart' holograms help patients help themselves

Smart holograms can detect changes in blood-glucose levels, adrenaline levels, and other chemical imbalances, enabling patients to monitor their health more effectively. This new technology has wide applicability in various fields, including diabetes management, security, and smart packaging systems.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateFeb 4, 2008

Holograms make for better vision tests

Researchers developed a one-step test using holograms to diagnose astigmatic error, a key factor in prescribing glasses. The new technique is simpler and faster than traditional methods, which involve multiple lenses and complex processes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 5, 2007