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New method uses noise to make spectrometers more accurate

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to characterize and calibrate spectrometers using excess noise in light signals. This approach allows for faster and more accurate calibration, with results comparable to traditional methods in just a few seconds.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Well-formed disorder for versatile light technologies

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to frequency doubling in nonlinear crystals, utilizing disordered nanocrystals to achieve efficient light conversion. The method, which combines two seemingly irreconcilable approaches, enables wide-range frequency tuning and minimizes material usage.

Ultrafast fiber laser produces record high power

The research team developed a new ultrafast fiber laser that produces an average power of over 10 kW without significant degradation in beam quality. This technology paves the way for industrial-scale materials processing and visionary applications such as space debris removal.

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.

Nanoscale machines convert light into work

Researchers developed tiny optically powered machines that self-assemble and can manipulate tiny cargo for applications like nanofluidics and particle sorting. The machines use circularly polarized light from a laser to create a nanoparticle array acting like a gear, influencing nearby particles to orbit the array.

Polarimetric parity-time-symmetric photonic system

A new technique realizes PT symmetry in a single spatial resonator by manipulating polarization-dependent response, enabling effective suppression of sidemodes and stable single-mode lasing. The proposed polarimetric PT symmetry concept opens avenues for non-Hermitian photonic systems with various optical parameters.

Intelligent nanomaterials for photonics

Scientists at the University of Jena have developed a novel material platform by integrating 2D materials with glass fibers, enabling novel applications in sensors and non-linear optics. The breakthrough allows for the direct growth of 2D materials on optical fibers, overcoming laborious transfer processes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Record-breaking, floating laser resonator

Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed a floating laser resonator that breaks records in resonance enhancement. The device amplifies light power by an astonishing 10 million watts, equivalent to a large neighborhood's electricity consumption.

Chemical innovation stabilizes best-performing perovskite formulation

Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel deposition method that enables the creation of highly efficient and stable black-phase FAPbI3 perovskite solar cells. The new method, which uses vapor-assisted deposition, overcomes the stability issues associated with traditional methods, resulting in power-conversion efficiencies of over 23%.

The most sensitive optical receivers yet for space communications

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a novel concept for laser-based communications using an almost noiseless optical preamplifier in the receiver. This results in an unprecedented receiver sensitivity of one photon-per-information bit at a data rate of 10 gigabits per second.

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.

New extreme ultraviolet facility opens for use

The new extreme ultraviolet facility allows for investigation of time-dependent phenomena and reveals details of biological or physical samples with unprecedented clarity. It offers ultrashort pulses with high frequencies, useful for probing fast phenomena and investigating the structure and chemical properties of matter.

Landmark discovery could improve Army lasers, precision sensors

A landmark discovery at New York University has developed a method to create colloids that crystallize into the diamond lattice, enabling cheap and reliable fabrication of 3D photonic crystals for optical circuits. This breakthrough could lead to lightweight high-efficiency lasers, precise light control, and new materials for managing ...

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Tandon Researchers develop method to create colloidal diamonds

Researchers led by David Pine have devised a new process for the reliable self-assembly of colloids in a diamond formation, which could lead to cheap, scalable fabrication of colloidal diamonds. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for advanced optical technologies, including high-efficiency lasers and precise control of light.

Very sensitive optical receivers for space communication

A team of scientists has developed a free-space optical transmission system that relies on an optical amplifier without excess noise, achieving unprecedented error-free sensitivity of one photon-per-information-bit at 10.5 Gbit/s. The system operates at room temperature and is scalable to higher data rates.

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.

Researchers demonstrate record speed with advanced spectroscopy technique

A new spectrometer uses dual-comb spectroscopy to measure spectra in mere microseconds, enabling real-time biological imaging and machine vision applications. The device can analyze gases and solids at high speeds, making it ideal for applications like explosion analysis and chemical signatures capture.

Physicists make electrical nanolasers even smaller

Researchers have developed an approach to create electrically driven nanolasers for integrated circuits, enabling coherent light source design at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could lead to ultrafast optical data transfer and potentially create a 1,000-core processor that is virtually 100 times faster than its counterpart.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Harvard team uses laser to cool polyatomic molecule

A Harvard team has successfully cooled a six-atom molecule to just above absolute zero using laser light, marking the first time such a complex molecule has been achieved. The breakthrough opens up new avenues of study in quantum simulation and computation, particle physics, and quantum chemistry.

Seeing objects through clouds and fog

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that can reconstruct three-dimensional hidden scenes based on the movement of individual particles of light. This technique complements other vision systems and is more focused on large-scale situations, such as navigating self-driving cars in fog or heavy rain.

New ultrafast yellow laser poised to benefit biomedical applications

Researchers created a compact and ultrafast high-power yellow laser with excellent beam quality, filling the need for practical yellow light source emitting ultrafast pulses. The laser's wavelength range is highly absorbed by hemoglobin in blood, making it useful for medical treatments, dermatology, and eye surgery.

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.

Quantum light squeezes the noise out of microscopy signals

Researchers at ORNL developed a quantum microscope that measures signals with sensitivity better than classical limits, revealing fine details hidden by noise in microscopy signals. The approach uses squeezed light to reduce noise and achieve higher signal-to-noise ratios.

Electric current is manipulated by light in an organic superconductor

Scientists have successfully moved electrons in an organic superconductor by irradiation of ultrashort laser pulses, generating a polarized net current. The observed effect is attributed to scattering-free current, sensitive to superconducting fluctuations, with potential applications in ultra-fast computing and understanding microscop...

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.

New method to track ultrafast change of magnetic state

Researchers developed a precise method to measure ultrafast magnetization changes in materials by observing emitted terahertz radiation. The technique enabled the detection of an acoustically-driven ultrafast magnetization signal, confirming its accuracy and sensitivity.

UCF researchers generate attosecond light from industrial laser

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a method to generate attosecond pulses using industrial-grade lasers, making it more accessible to scientists from various disciplines. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in power generation, chemical- and biological-weapon detection, and medical diagnostics.

Stanford scientists slow and steer light with resonant nanoantennas

Researchers at Stanford University have created nanostructures that can slow down and redirect light, allowing for new technologies such as quantum computing, virtual reality, and biosensing. These 'high-Q' resonators have demonstrated quality factors up to 2,500, enabling applications like detecting COVID-19 antigens and antibodies.

OCT-based technique captures subtle details of photoreceptor function

Researchers developed a new instrument to measure tiny light-evoked deformations in individual rods and cones, offering potential for earlier detection of retinal diseases. The system combines high-speed OCT imaging with adaptive optics technology to capture photoreceptor responses, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.

The MOF-based multicolor single-mode microlaser

Scientists create hierarchical assembly of dye molecules in a host-guest hybrid metal-organic framework to achieve up to three-wavelength single-mode polarized lasing. The resulting three-color single-mode lasing has a large wavelength coverage of ~186 nm and a low threshold of ~1.72 mJ/cm2.

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.

A light bright and tiny: NIST scientists build a better nanoscale LED

A new design for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) developed by NIST scientists achieves a significant increase in brightness and the ability to create laser light, overcoming a long-standing limitation in LED efficiency. The device shows an increase of 100 to 1,000 times in brightness over conventional tiny LEDs.

Algal blue light switch control of electrical excitation in plants

Scientists have successfully applied optogenetics to higher plants, using blue light to trigger electrical excitation and simulate plant stress responses. This allows for the non-invasive investigation of cellular communication pathways and the analysis of membrane potential waves.

Light swirls provide insights into the quantum world

Physicists have created a new method to study previously invisible quantum states of electrons using optical vortices. By combining conventional laser beams with swirls of light, researchers can detect the properties of emitted photoelectrons and gain insights into material structure and interaction with light.

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.

New method lets scientists peer deeper into ocean

Researchers have developed a new method to detect algae and measure key properties in the ocean's depths using laser-based lidar. The technique allows for measurements up to three times deeper than satellites, shedding light on ocean biology and its role in climate.

Tailored light inspired by nature

A team of international researchers developed propagation-invariant light fields using caustics that do not change during propagation. This breakthrough enables new applications in high-resolution microscopy, material processing, and multidimensional signal transmission.

Black phosphorus future in 3D analysis, molecular fingerprinting

Black phosphorus has potential for emerging devices, including medical imaging and environment monitoring, thanks to its versatility and manipulation as a 2D material. The material's ability to tune electron energy levels makes it suitable for electro-optic modulation, which is essential for faster computing and data communication.

Look into the mirror

Scientists from IPC PAS develop holographic OCT tomography, capturing cornea in a fraction of a second with high resolution, without contact or anesthesia. This breakthrough technology enables sharper images even with micro-movement of the eye, revolutionizing diagnosis of eye diseases.

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.

Photonic crystal light converter

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a simple device to convert circularly polarized visible laser light into circularly polarized vacuum ultraviolet light, twisted in the opposite direction. This new method can be useful for researchers in medicine, life sciences, molecular chemistry and solid state physics.

Shrinking (ultra)violet

The NIST researchers developed a portable laser-based system to test the effectiveness of different wavelengths of UV light against various microorganisms. The study found that narrower wavebands were more effective in inactivating germs, with some unexpected results.

Valley-Hall nanoscale lasers

Researchers created nanophotonic cavities in a nanopatterned InGaAsP membrane, exhibiting photonic analogue of valley-Hall effect. The structure supports quantized spectrum of modes confined to the domain wall, enabling topologically controlled ultrathin light sources.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Ultracold mystery: Solved

Scientists cooled potassium-rubidium molecules to near absolute zero, observing an intermediate complex that lived for 360 nanoseconds. The team found that laser light was forcing the molecules off their reaction path, leading to loss.

SLAC's upgraded X-ray laser facility produces first light

The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has successfully produced its first X-ray beam using the upgraded LCLS-II facility, demonstrating significant advancements in X-ray technology. The new undulators offer dramatic new capabilities, including precise control of X-ray beams and unprecedented repetition rates.

Fast and flexible computation of optical diffraction

A team of scientists has proposed an efficient full-path calculation method for optical diffraction, leveraging the mathematical similarities between scalar and vector diffraction. The method uses the Bluestein approach to reduce computation time to sub-second levels, with superior flexibility in choosing ROIs and sampling numbers.

New technology speeds up organic data transfer

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new type of organic LED that enables faster data transfer speeds, reaching 2.2 Mb/s. This breakthrough could enable the integration of portable and wearable organic biosensors into visible light communication links.

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.

Portable system boosts laser precision, at room temperature

Physicists at MIT have designed a quantum light squeezer that reduces quantum noise in lasers by 15% at room temperature. The system uses an optical cavity with two mirrors to engineer the light exiting the cavity, allowing for more precise measurements in quantum computing and gravitational-wave detection.

Leap in lidar could improve safety, security of new technology

Researchers developed a new silicon chip with no moving parts that improves lidar system resolution and scanning speed, enabling applications in self-driving cars and smartphones. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper, smaller, and more complex lidar systems.

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.

Light from inside the tunnel

Physicists from Max Born Institute and University of Rostock discover light-induced tunneling of electrons in dielectrics, creating a nonlinear current that dominates bright bursts of light. This finding expands fundamental understanding of optical non-linearity and its applications in information processing and material processing.

Black hole collision may have exploded with light

Astronomers have spotted evidence of a light-producing scenario during a black hole merger, with the flare likely resulting from the reaction of gas to the merging black holes. The event, observed by ZTF and other telescopes, provides insights into the behavior of supermassive black holes.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.