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VISTA stares right through the Milky Way

The VISTA telescope has mapped the central regions of the Milky Way in infrared light, revealing a pair of newly discovered classical Cepheid variables beyond the galactic bulge. The stars were detected at a distance of about 37,000 light-years and have a period of eleven days.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 4, 2015

Infrared imaging technique operates at high temperatures

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new detector that can capture high-resolution mid-wavelength infrared images at room temperature, paving the way for applications in surveillance and disease detection. The technology has potential for vascular imaging and disease detection, particularly with images of the human body.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 23, 2015

Laser sniffs out toxic gases from afar

Scientists have developed a system that can identify chemicals in the atmosphere from up to one kilometer away. The technique uses terahertz radiation and an infrared laser to detect toxic gases, including nerve gas, chemical spills, and industrial pollutants.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateDec 3, 2014

The human eye can see 'invisible' infrared light

Researchers found that the retina can sense infrared light when laser pulses rapidly deliver a double hit of energy, allowing the eye to detect light outside the visible spectrum. This discovery may lead to developing new tools for examining and stimulating the retina.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2014

Light detector to revolutionize night vision technology

A team of researchers at Monash University has developed a light detector based on graphene that can detect light over an unusually broad range of wavelengths, including terahertz waves. This breakthrough could lead to inexpensive infrared cameras or night-vision goggles with unparalleled sensitivity and speed.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 8, 2014

Toothpaste fluorine formed in stars

Researchers at Lund University found that toothpaste fluorine is formed in stars similar to our sun, supporting a theory about its origins. By analyzing light emitted by stars, they calculated the amount of fluorine present and compared it with predictions.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 21, 2014

Dimly lit working environments: Correcting your body clock is possible!

Researchers at Inserm found that artificial light with blue wavelengths can synchronize the body clock and activate non-visual functions in extreme lighting conditions. This breakthrough has practical applications for dimly lit workplaces, enabling design of lighting strategies to maintain staff health, productivity, and safety.

Making smartphones smarter with see-through sensors

Researchers have developed laser-written light-guiding systems for efficient commercial use. The technology allows embedding sensors, including temperature and biometric sensors, into Gorilla Glass to create new real estate in phones. This could enable secure transactions using infrared light and more compact devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 18, 2014

Chemical sensor on a chip

A new type of sensor has been developed at the Vienna University of Technology using miniaturized laser technology, allowing for the analysis of liquids and gases. The sensor can measure the composition of liquids with an accuracy of 0.06%, opening up potential applications in chemical, biological, and medical analytics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2014

Flatland optics with graphene

Researchers successfully trapped and controlled light using graphene-based optical antennas, demonstrating the fundamental principles of conventional optics. The discovery paves the way for the development of compact and faster photonic devices and circuits, which could revolutionize signal processing and computing.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2014

Probing dopant distribution

Researchers have demonstrated that the distribution of dopants in semiconductor nanocrystals is crucial for controlling optical properties. By probing electron distribution using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, they found that surface-doped samples exhibit reduced activation of dopants and symmetric plasmon resonances.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 2, 2014

Squeezing light into metals

University of Utah engineers create microscopic structures that use light in metals to carry information, controlling electrical conductivity with an inexpensive inkjet printer. The technique could lead to rapid fabrication of superfast components and faster wireless technology.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMar 7, 2014