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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.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 17, 2020
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.

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.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 17, 2020

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateJul 6, 2020

Towards lasers powerful enough to investigate a new kind of physics

An international team of researchers has demonstrated a technique to increase the intensity of lasers by compressing light pulses. This approach could enable the exploration of quantum electrodynamics phenomena at previously inaccessible intensities.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 3, 2020

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.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 30, 2020

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.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 2020
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.

Geometry of intricately fabricated glass makes light trap itself

Scientists at Penn State have fabricated a 'photonic topological insulator' that can mediate interaction between photons and form self-sustaining wave patterns called solitons. This innovation could lead to more efficient lasers, medical imaging, and other photonic technologies.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2020

World's fastest Bose-Einstein condensate

A team of scientists at Aalto University has successfully created a Bose-Einstein condensate that behaves as if it were one particle, but makes the elusive state of matter in just 100 femtoseconds. The breakthrough could lead to new areas of fundamental research and applications with these condensates.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2020
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.

Laser technology: The Turbulence and the Comb

A team of scientists has successfully produced a special type of light called a frequency comb, which consists of different light frequencies arranged at regular distances. The breakthrough uses circular quantum cascade lasers and turbulence to create the ordered light, contradicting current laser theory.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2020

Order from disorder

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully generated frequency combs using turbulence in light, contradicting current laser theory. The discovery could lead to more efficient and compact devices for applications such as telecommunications and portable sensing.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

Photonics: From custom-built to ready-made

Researchers developed a compact optical system using silicon photonics, significantly lowering production costs and enabling easy integration with traditional chip production. The technology addresses growing demands for multicolor laser lights in data centers, promising new opportunities in applications like optical clocks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

Custom-built to ready-made

A team of researchers from UC Santa Barbara, Caltech, and EPFL has developed a new technology that simplifies and condenses complex optical systems onto a single silicon photonic chip. This breakthrough allows for easy integration with traditional silicon chip production, significantly reducing cost and improving performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020
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.

TU Darmstadt: Pause button for light particles

Physicists at TU Darmstadt have successfully stopped individual photons and preserved them for a short time, enabling the creation of controlled interactions between light and atoms. This breakthrough could lead to breakthroughs in nonlinear optics and simulation of solid materials through photon crystals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 16, 2020

Superlens squeezes light into nanospace

Physicists have created a focusing component that converts light into electromagnetic waves, compressing it to 60% of the initial wavelength. This breakthrough allows for densely packing optical components in photonic and plasmonic devices, potentially bypassing fundamental limitations of traditional lenses.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 15, 2020

Angling for underwater WiFi

Researchers have developed an underwater wireless system that supports internet services using visible light signals, allowing for faster and more reliable data transmission. The Aqua-Fi prototype demonstrated a maximum data transfer speed of 2.11 megabytes per second and an average delay of 1.00 millisecond.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Communications Magazine·DateJun 11, 2020

'Whispering gallery' effect controls electron beams with light

A research team from the University of Göttingen has successfully harnessed the 'whispering gallery' effect to control electron beams using light. This breakthrough enables new possibilities for quantum technologies in nanoscale sensing and microscopy.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2020
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.

Scientists create smallest semiconductor laser

Researchers develop nanoparticle-sized semiconductor laser generating coherent green light at room temperature, overcoming a significant technological hurdle. The tiny laser operates efficiently without external pressure or low temperatures.

SourceITMO University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 3, 2020

Pushing photons

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed a new approach to design LEDs that can extract and direct photons with high efficiency. By using metasurface concepts, they were able to confine electrons and holes in gallium nitride nanorods, allowing more light to escape the semiconductor structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 3, 2020

Making matter out of light: High-power laser simulations point the way

Researchers have successfully recreated the process of creating matter from light using high-power lasers. The new method produces electron-positron pairs, mimicking conditions during the first minutes of the universe and providing an improved model for studying antimatter.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 1, 2020
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.

High-resolution 3D view inside tumors

A new technique, multi-spectral optoacoustic mesoscopy (MSOM), enables high-resolution visualization of tumor tissue patterns without the need for surgical biopsies. MSOM allows researchers to study blood supply patterns, oxygenation levels, and drug efficacy with greater accuracy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateMay 26, 2020

High-speed femtosecond laser plasmonic lithography of graphene oxide film

Scientists successfully created large-area periodic micro/nanoripple structures on a silicon substrate using femtosecond laser plasmonic lithography, retaining the properties of the graphene material. The process enables enhanced light absorption and photoelectric performance.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 26, 2020

Efficient generation of relativistic near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses in plasmas

Scientists have developed a new scheme to generate near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses in plasmas, achieving conversion efficiencies of up to 30%. The method uses two terawatt-level short-pulse lasers incident into an underdense plasma channel, producing a tunable mid-infrared pulse with millijoules of energy.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Towards visible-wavelength passively mode-locked lasers in all-fibre format

Researchers have developed a visible-wavelength passively mode-locked all-fibre laser, generating picosecond pulses at 635 nm. The laser has a tunable duration and a narrow spectral bandwidth, opening up new possibilities for applications in optical communications, biomedicine, material processing, and scientific research.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

Saturable plasmonic metasurfaces for laser mode locking

Researchers developed plasmonic metasurfaces that can be tuned with polarization light, providing efficient saturable absorption for ultrafast lasers. The metasurfaces achieved stable self-starting ultrashort laser pulse generation with a modulation depth of up to 60%, outperforming previous studies.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

A new law in laser physics could make eye surgery simpler

Scientists have developed a new type of laser that can deliver high amounts of energy in very short bursts, making it ideal for corneal surgery. The research uses quartic solitons to produce short, powerful light pulses without heating and damaging the surface.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 25, 2020
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.

From digital to optical

Researchers from ITMO University have successfully created an all-optical switch based on a metal-organic framework, which can be synthesized in vitro and is useful for developing ultrafast optical memory cells. The switch operates faster, more efficiently, and consumes less energy than traditional electronic devices.

SourceITMO University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 18, 2020

Speeding up long-range coherent LiDAR

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new way to implement parallel FMCW LiDAR by using integrated nonlinear photonic circuitry. The technology enables up to 30 independent FMCW LiDAR channels, improving acquisition rates tenfold for autonomous vehicle applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020
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.

Hollow-core fiber raises prospects for next-generation scientific instruments

Researchers have developed hollow-core fibers that can preserve light's essential attributes over long distances, overcoming challenges in optical interferometric systems and sensors. The technology has the potential to enhance performance in applications such as gravitational wave sensing and inertial navigation.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 12, 2020

Dendrimers finally have what it takes to break into the laser scene

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have synthesized branched polymer crystals that can be used as tiny laser sources, overcoming dendrimers' fragility and poor crystallinity. The new material exhibits lasing properties and shows promising potential for applications in displays and micro-optical circuits.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 7, 2020
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.

Laser loop couples quantum systems over a distance

Researchers have created a new tool for quantum technologies by coupling atoms with nanomechanical membranes using laser light. The technique enables strong interactions between quantum systems over longer distances, opening up possibilities for quantum networks and simulations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2020

Ultra-long-working-distance spectroscopy with 3D-printed aspherical microlenses

Researchers have developed a new technique that uses 3D-printed aspherical microlenses to overcome the limitations of traditional microscope objectives. This allows for ultra-long-working-distance spectroscopy, enabling researchers to study single nanometre-sized light emitters without the need for bulky microscopes.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 7, 2020

Graphene sets sail in microgravity

Researchers demonstrate laser-propulsion of graphene sails in microgravity, accelerating prototypes up to 1 m/s². The scalable design minimizes sail mass, paving the way for human lifespans to reach other star systems.

SourceSCALE Nanotech·JournalActa Astronautica·DateMay 6, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Identifying light sources using artificial intelligence

Researchers developed a smart quantum technology that reduces light source identification measurements from millions to under hundred using AI. This enables quicker and less damaging light exposure in applications like microscopy and cryptography.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateMay 5, 2020

Optical 'nanomixer': Scientists propose new method for mixing liquids

Researchers from ITMO University and Czech Academy of Sciences develop nanoantenna to efficiently manipulate light, creating an optical vortex that mixes liquids and reagents. The system uses gold nanoparticles as a stirring 'spoon', amplifying diffusion by hundreds of times while minimizing side effects.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 30, 2020

A new machine learning method streamlines particle accelerator operations

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a new tool using machine learning to streamline accelerator tuning, reducing the time spent on this task by three to five times. The new algorithm combines human knowledge with the speed and efficiency of 'smart' computer programs.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 29, 2020

Researchers' method holds promise for brain study, better tests for viruses

Researchers at UT Dallas have developed a promising method for remotely stimulating activity in deep brain regions using gold nanoparticles and lasers. The approach has the potential to improve tests for viruses, including influenza and COVID-19, by increasing sensitivity and reducing healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 27, 2020

New metasurface laser produces world's first super-chiral light

Researchers have demonstrated a new metasurface laser that produces 'super-chiral light' with ultra-high angular momentum, enabling control over optical communications and applications in industries like food, computer, and biomedical. The laser design allows for high power operation in a compact design.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 27, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Lighting the way to safer heart procedures

A new study from Johns Hopkins University proves the feasibility of using photoacoustic imaging for medical procedures, offering a potential replacement for current radiation-based methods. The technique involves using light and sound to produce images without ionizing radiation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 17, 2020

Light driven proton pump in distant relative

Researchers discovered a novel light-sensitive protein in Asgard archaea that functions as an inward proton pump, opening possibilities for controlling pH levels in cells or microorganisms with light. This finding could lead to the development of new biomolecular tools and applications in optogenetics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 10, 2020

Eindhoven researchers present revolutionary light-emitting silicon

Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology successfully developed an alloy with silicon that can emit light, paving the way for photonic chips. The breakthrough could lead to faster data transfer, reduced energy consumption, and new applications in self-driving cars and medical diagnosis.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2020
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.

New laser technique will allow more powerful -- and smaller -- particle accelerators

Researchers at the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics developed a novel method to shape intense laser light, accelerating electrons to record energies in very short distances. This technology could allow scientists to perform tabletop experiments to probe the Higgs boson and explore extra dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 3, 2020

Shifting dimensions: Exciting excitons in phosphorene

Researchers from OIST discovered that as exciton density increased, exciton-exciton annihilation shifted from 1D to 2D due to phosphorene's anisotropic properties. Temperature also played a role, with exciton annihilation reverting to 1D at lower temperatures.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2020
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.