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Engineers improve infrared devices using century-old materials

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a promising approach to using well-studied semiconductors to improve infrared light-emitting diodes and sensors. The new technology has the potential to lead to smaller, sleeker, and less expensive infrared devices with improved defect tolerance.

SourceStanford University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMar 5, 2026

Seeing the unseen: Scientists demonstrate dual-mode color generation from invisible light

Researchers develop a rigid organic crystal that emits red light under UV irradiation through excimer formation and generates green light through second harmonic generation under near-infrared exposure. The dual-mode optical behavior operates independently within the same crystal without interference.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2026
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.

Simultaneous imaging of intracellular DNA and RNA using harmless light

Researchers have created a method for simultaneous imaging of DNA and RNA in living cells using harmless infrared light, allowing for high-precision detection of all stages of cell death. This breakthrough enables the early detection of cellular damage that leads to aging or death.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2025

Unexpectedly high heat transfer in the nanoworld

Researchers found that heat transfer values increase dramatically at distances less than ten nanometres, exceeding theoretical predictions by a factor of one hundred. This phenomenon challenges current understanding of heat transfer in the nanometre range.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2025
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.

Upconversion nanoparticles to aid the application of molecular motors

Scientists have created nanoparticles that convert near-infrared radiation into blue or UV light, enabling efficient powering of molecular motors. This breakthrough solves a significant problem in real-life applications, allowing bulk materials to respond or act as molecular switches in biological settings.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Advances bring us closer to new ‘light-squeezing’ technologies

Researchers have developed thin films that can compress infrared light, improving its propagation distance and wavelength range. The technology has potential applications in thermal management, molecular sensing, and photonics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

A new method identifies rancid hazelnuts without removing them from the bag

Researchers at URV develop system to monitor oxidation of hazelnuts using hyperspectral camera, confirming atmosphere and light exposure as main causes of oxidation. The method allows for quality standards to be set and improves packaging techniques.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalSpectrochimica Acta Part A Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

New electronic “skin” could enable lightweight night-vision glasses

MIT engineers developed ultrathin electronic films that sense heat and other signals, reducing the bulk of conventional goggles and scopes. The new pyroelectric thin film is highly sensitive to heat and radiation across the far-infrared spectrum, enabling lighter, more portable night-vision eyewear.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2025

Engineered bacteria emit signals that can be spotted from a distance

Researchers at MIT engineered bacteria to produce unique wavelengths of light that can be detected using hyperspectral cameras. This technology could enable the development of bacterial sensors for agricultural applications, such as monitoring crop health and detecting pollutants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 11, 2025
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A non-volatile switchable infrared stealth metafilm with GST

Researchers have created a flexible and tunable infrared stealth technology by adjusting the phase change material GST in different states. The metafilm achieves effective infrared stealth functionality in certain atmospheric window bands and excellent radiative heat dissipation capabilities in others.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateApr 9, 2025

Infrared heavy-metal-free quantum dots deliver sensitive and fast sensors for eye-safe LIDAR applications

Scientists have created a new method to create silver telluride colloidal quantum dots that overcome challenges of high dark current, limited linear dynamic range, and response speed. The team developed the first proof-of-concept SWIR LIDAR using these non-toxic materials, measuring distances over 10 meters with decimetre resolution.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 3, 2025

Terahertz wave control for enhanced wireless and biomedical technology

The device enables precise control over terahertz wave polarization, revolutionizing applications such as data transmission, imaging, and sensing. This innovation promises to transform fields like wireless communication and biomedical imaging.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 24, 2025

Nanotech-induced cooling improves crop yields in arid climates

Scientists at KAUST developed a new nanoplastic mulch that cools greenhouses by 25 degrees Celsius, increasing Chinese cabbage crop yields by nearly 200%. The biodegradable mulch reduces microplastic waste and energy consumption in hot cities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNexus·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2025
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.

Reading magnetic states faster – in far infrared

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a new method to determine the magnetic orientation of a material using terahertz light pulses. This technique enables reading out magnetic structures within picoseconds, opening up possibilities for ultrafast data storage and processing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2025

Rising CO2 likely to speed decrease in ‘space sustainability’

Scientists at the University of Birmingham warn that increasing CO2 levels could lead to a decrease in 'space sustainability' due to changes in the Earth's upper atmosphere. The research suggests that as the atmosphere cools, it contracts, reducing satellite density and potentially increasing the risk of collisions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2025

New limits found for dark matter properties from latest search

Researchers have set new limits on the lifetime of dark matter particles using a combination of models and state-of-the-art observations. The findings highlight the utility of their technology, setting an upper bound of ten to a hundred million times the age of the universe for the frequency of dark matter decay events.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2025
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.

New photon-avalanching nanoparticles could enable next-generation optical computers

Researchers developed new photon avalanching nanoparticles that exhibit high nonlinearities, overcoming challenges in realizing intrinsic optical bistability at the nanoscale. The breakthrough paves the way for fabricating optical memory and transistors on a nanometer scale comparable to current microelectronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Hybrid transparent electrodes enhance efficiency and longevity of perovskite solar cells

Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology developed bifacial perovskite solar cells with a novel NiO/Ag/NiO transparent electrode, achieving high efficiency, durability, and infrared transparency. The cells demonstrated impressive power conversion efficiencies and high bifaciality factors.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateFeb 20, 2025
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.

Chung-Ang University achieves dual-purpose breakthrough: Turning water into electricity while detecting fires

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Innovative smart window technology balances heat and visibility control

A new smart window technology combines liquid crystals with nanoporous microparticles and a patterned vanadium dioxide layer to simultaneously control visible light and infrared radiation. The device offers fast, efficient heat and visibility management, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient building design.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 9, 2025

Building better infrared sensors

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new type of infrared photodiode that is 35% more responsive at 1.55 µm than existing germanium-based components. The new device can be manufactured using current production techniques, making it highly practical for adoption in various technologies.

SourceAalto University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 2, 2025

Polaron-assisted organic integer charge transfer hybrids for near-infrared photodetection

Researchers have proposed a novel strategy utilizing ICT between D-A molecules to enhance IR photodetection. The approach leads to elevated EQE in the polaron absorption region and strong low-energy subgap absorptions, offering a pathway to high-performance next-generation IR photodetectors.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateDec 24, 2024

Does the exoplanet Trappist-1 b have an atmosphere after all?

A new study using the James Webb Space Telescope has reevaluated the atmospheric composition of Trappist-1 b, finding conditions that could support a thick CO2-rich atmosphere. Researchers propose that haze from hydrocarbon compounds in the upper atmosphere may explain this scenario.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Astronomy·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Key to the invisible world found. ICTER scientists decipher two-photon vision

Researchers developed a method to measure the brightness of two-photon stimuli using photometric units, enabling the quantification of perceived brightness. The study found that two-photon retinal illumination can reach almost 670 cd/m² in safe laser power ranges.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 4, 2024

Now live: Living cells can be seen with infrared light

Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to measure biomolecules in live cells using infrared light, removing water's obscuring effects. This allows for the determination of key biomolecules like proteins and their amounts in cells, speeding up advances in biomanufacturing and cell therapy development.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 9, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Versatile Warrior: MXene/CNT Janus Films for Electromagnetic & Infrared Shielding/Detection in Harsh Environments

Researchers have developed MXene/CNT Janus films with high electrical conductivity, robust mechanical strength, and excellent thermal camouflage performance. These films demonstrate exceptional electromagnetic shielding capabilities and can detect infrared radiation, making them ideal for harsh environment applications.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2024

Leveraging gold nanostars for precision laser interstitial thermal therapy

Researchers have developed procedures for using gold nanostars to perform more efficient, conformal, and safe laser ablations for treating brain tumors. This technique addresses limitations in traditional LITT by providing improved precision for lesions greater than 3 cm or with complex shapes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 24, 2024
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.

Turning infrared light visible

The Indian Institute of Science has fabricated a device to up-convert short infrared light to the visible range, utilizing a non-linear optical mirror stack made of gallium selenide. This innovation has diverse applications in defence and optical communications, including astronomy and chemistry.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateJun 20, 2024

Can large-area, three-dimensional metamaterials revolutionize optical sensing?

Researchers developed a 3D metamaterial capable of detecting polarization and direction of light, overcoming limitations of conventional optical devices. The breakthrough technology utilizes pi-shaped metal nanostructures with numerical aperture-detector polarimetry to analyze light distribution.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 18, 2024

Switching nanomagnets using infrared lasers

Researchers at TU Graz have calculated that metal phthalocyanine molecules generate tiny magnetic fields when irradiated with circularly polarized infrared light. The team aims to experimentally prove the principle, which could lead to high-precision optical switches for quantum computer circuits.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 11, 2024

Researchers demonstrate new way to ‘squeeze’ infrared light

Researchers demonstrate a new way to confine infrared light using thin-film oxide membranes, which outperform bulk crystals in resolution and frequency maintenance. The technique has potential applications in photonics, sensors, and thermal management.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024

Discover optimal conditions for mass production of ultraviolet holograms

The study found that an 80% concentration of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and specific solvents leads to the highest pattern transfer efficiency. The conversion efficiency reaches impressive levels in the ultraviolet spectrum, paving the way for commercial viability of metasurfaces.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateMay 9, 2024
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.

IRIS beamline at BESSY II extended with nanomicroscopy

The IRIS beamline at BESSY II has been extended with a nanoscope, enabling the imaging and spectroscopy of structures smaller than a thousandth of a human hair. This upgrade allows researchers to study biological systems, catalysts, polymers, and quantum materials with unprecedented resolution.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

A better view with new mid-infrared nanoscopy

A team at the University of Tokyo has constructed an improved mid-infrared microscope that enables them to see the structures inside living bacteria at the nanometer scale with a resolution of 120 nanometers. This breakthrough can aid multiple fields of research, including into infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

In search for alien life, purple may be the new green

A team of scientists has discovered that purple bacteria, which thrive in low-energy light, could be a sign of life on Earth-like planets. Using this knowledge, researchers have created models of purple worlds with varying conditions and cloud cover, revealing intense colored biosignatures from both wet and dry purple bacteria.

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 16, 2024

Sunrise to sunset, new window coating blocks heat — not view

A new window coating developed by the University of Notre Dame's Tengfei Luo and his team maintains functionality and efficiency regardless of the sun's position in the sky. The coating reduces air-conditioning cooling costs by more than one-third in hot climates.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateApr 2, 2024
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.

Spiral wrappers switch nanotubes from conductors to semiconductors and back

Duke researchers have developed a new technique to engineer carbon-based semiconductors by wrapping metallic nanotubes in spiral polymers, transforming them into semiconducting forms that can be switched on and off. This method enables the creation of semiconductors that can control electricity with low-energy light wavelengths, openin...

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2024

Lighting the way to noninvasive blood glucose monitoring using portable devices

A novel approach estimates metabolic activity and infers blood glucose levels from near-infrared measurements in commercial smartphones and smartwatches. The phase delay between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals closely relates to oxygen consumption during cardiac cycles, serving as a gauge for metabolism.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMar 8, 2024

Lights, detector, action!

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel method for quantum infrared spectroscopy, generating a wider range of infrared photons with improved sensitivity. This breakthrough enables compact, high-performance scanners for various applications in environmental monitoring, medicine, and security.

SourceKyoto University·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Study delivers detailed photos of galaxies’ inner structures

A team of astronomers used JWST data to create detailed photos of nearby star-forming galaxies, revealing the intricate physics of cosmic dust. The study found consistent patterns in the distribution of diffuse gas across galaxies, suggesting universal principles in star and planet formation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 17, 2024
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.

Tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon, graphene, using terahertz pulses. The graphene discs briefly turned into strong magnets, with magnetic fields in the range of 0.5 Tesla, and showed promise for developing future magnetic switches and storage devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

NASA’s Webb, Hubble telescopes combine to create most colorful view of universe

Astronomers combined the Webb and Hubble telescopes to capture a detailed portrait of the cosmos, revealing a galaxy cluster about 4.3 billion light-years from Earth. The image showcases magnified supernovae and individual stars, providing insights into the universe's first stars and the forces driving its expansion.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 9, 2023

Uranus aurora discovery offers clues to habitable icy worlds

University of Leicester astronomers confirm the existence of an infrared aurora on Uranus, offering clues to its magnetic fields and potential for life. The discovery may also help identify other habitable planets with similar characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 26, 2023

CityU researchers develop novel photo-oxidation therapy for anticancer treatment

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen. The discovery offers a promising direction for developing anti-cancer drugs and could overcome existing limitations of photodynamic therapies.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A nonrelativistic and nonmagnetic mechanism for generating terahertz waves

Scientists have developed a nonrelativistic and nonmagnetic mechanism for generating terahertz waves, harnessing the electrical anisotropy of two conductive oxides. This approach produces signals comparable to commercial terahertz sources and offers a high terahertz conversion efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateSep 14, 2023

Copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals transform infrared light conversion

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals that can harness all-solar energy, including infrared light. The nanocrystals exhibit enhanced photothermal and photo-assisted water evaporation characteristics, making them suitable for various applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023