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UT engineers develop first method for controlling nanomotors

Researchers at UT Austin developed a novel technique to switch the mechanical motion of nanomotors using visible light, opening doors to autonomous and intelligent machines. The method enables tunable speed and efficient control of nanomotors for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 19, 2018
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.

Team of researchers determines absolute duration of photoelectric effect for the first time

A team of researchers at Technical University of Munich has developed a new method to measure the time between X-ray photon absorption and electron emission. The study reveals that photoelectrons can be generated in around 40 attoseconds, which is twice as fast as expected. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in photocathodes ...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2018

Introducing the 'smart mirror'

Researchers from NIST developed a laser power sensor that can be built into manufacturing devices for real-time measurements. The 'smart mirror' uses radiation pressure to measure the force of light on a reflective surface, providing high accuracy and sensitivity for lasers of hundreds of watts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateSep 18, 2018

Extremely small and fast: Laser ignites hot plasma

Physicists from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a new type of diagnostics to investigate the complex acceleration process of electrons and ions in hot plasma created by ultra-powerful lasers. The results, published in Physical Review X, confirm the spatial and temporal resolution of the diagnostic method.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 18, 2018

New discovery of a photobase so strong, it merits moniker of 'super'

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a light-induced super photobase that is 10 million times stronger than anything previously discovered. The discovery could lead to advances in solar energy capture and the development of new materials with potential applications in medicine and environmental monitoring.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 17, 2018

'Optical rocket' created with intense laser light

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have successfully accelerated plasma electrons almost instantly to speeds close to the speed of light using intense laser light pulses. The new application, dubbed an 'optical rocket,' boasts a force nearly trillion-trillion times greater than what astronauts experience in space.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 14, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enabling 'internet of photonic things' with miniature sensors

A team of researchers successfully recorded environmental data using a wireless photonic sensor resonator with a whispering-gallery-mode architecture, mapping temperature distribution on a drone and recording real-time air temperature data. The findings demonstrate the potential applications of miniature sensors in IoT.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateSep 12, 2018
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.

Experiment obtains entanglement of six light waves with a single laser

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Physics Institute have successfully entangled six light waves using an optical parametric oscillator. This achievement could lead to faster processing speeds and improve the feasibility of quantum computing by enabling the creation of systems with multiple entangled components.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 6, 2018

Tilted pulses

Researchers from Konstanz and Munich have successfully directed and controlled ultrashort electron pulses using laser light cycles, enabling precise material studies in the femtosecond and attosecond range. This achievement has significant implications for ultrafast materials research and the production of intense X-ray flashes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

Boosting gravitational wave detectors with quantum tricks

A group of scientists from the Niels Bohr Institute aim to improve gravitational wave detectors by incorporating a 'filter' made of cesium atoms, which can neutralize Quantum Back Action and increase accuracy. The development is expected to show proof of concept within three years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 2018

Research could lead to security scanners capable of detecting explosives

Scientists at the University of Sussex have created a blueprint for airport scanners capable of detecting explosives using a single pixel camera and Terahertz electromagnetic waves. The innovative imaging concept, Nonlinear Ghost Imaging, produces high-accuracy images of objects' chemical composition, surpassing previous studies.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalACS Photonics·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

'Safe' UV light may prevent infections in catheters, cardiac drivelines

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that UV light can kill drug-resistant bacteria, a major cause of infections around skin-penetrating medical devices. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that far-UVC light delivered through optical fibers could be used to prevent catheter-based and drivelin...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 23, 2018

Researchers shine a light on 150-year-old mystery

A team of researchers has discovered a way to measure the effect of light momentum on materials, shedding new light on a 150-year-old mystery. The study reveals that light momentum is converted into force through elastic waves on mirrors.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2018
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.

Better genome editing

UCSB researchers have developed a highly efficient genome editing method that offers complete spatiotemporal control, allowing users to target specific cells or regions within the cell. This approach enables precise and transient gene editing with minimal long-term effects on DNA.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSmall·DateAug 21, 2018

Researchers develop irregular-shaped laser to tackle laser instability

A team of scientists has designed a D-shaped laser that regulates light emission patterns and eliminates instabilities, leading to stable beams. The unique cavity shape causes light to bounce off mirrors in an unpredictable manner, resulting in a stable light stream for high-powered applications.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2018

Physicists fight laser chaos with quantum chaos to improve laser performance

Researchers have developed a new technique using 'quantum chaos' to prevent optical filaments from forming in semiconductor lasers, leading to instabilities. The new system uses a D-shaped cavity to create a quantum chaotic landscape, disrupting the formation of self-organized structures and maintaining laser stability.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018
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.

The cure for chaotic lasers? More chaos, of course

A Yale-led research team has developed a new approach to stabilize high-power lasers by introducing chaotic cavities, reducing laser instabilities and promoting stable beam profiles. The innovative method is scalable to increasing power levels and can be applied to various types of high-power lasers.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Low bandwidth? Use more colors at once

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to produce multiple colors simultaneously on an electronic chip, enabling broader bandwidth for sensing and processing information. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in nanophotonics, bio-sensing, and imaging applications.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2018

Light-emitting nanoparticles could provide a safer way to image living cells

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can be excited with ultralow-power laser light, emitting visible light for deep-tissue imaging. The findings hold promise for advanced imaging systems to pinpoint single cancer cells, guiding high-precision surgeries and radiation treatments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2018

Novel optics for ultrafast cameras create new possibilities for imaging

MIT researchers developed novel optics that capture images based on the timing of reflecting light inside the optics. This allows for new capabilities in time- or depth-sensitive cameras, such as capturing a trillion-frame-per-second video. The new optics architecture includes semireflective parallel mirrors that reduce focal length by...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 13, 2018
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.

Fast, cheap and colorful 3D printing

Researchers developed a new photosensitizer using gold nanorods to enable color printing in selective laser sintering. The material is cost-effective for large-scale production and produces brightly colored objects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 1, 2018

Scientists find holes in light by tying it in knots

Researchers use holographic technology to create complex knots in light, revealing new insights into the topology of knotted fields. The study's findings could lead to the creation of new devices processing information through customized light structures.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 1, 2018

NIST chip lights up optical neural network demo

Researchers at NIST have developed a silicon chip that uses light instead of electricity to precisely distribute optical signals across a miniature brain-like grid. The chip enables complex routing schemes necessary to mimic neural systems and has demonstrated uniform output with low error rates.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAPL Photonics·DateJul 26, 2018

Vibrations at an exceptional point

A team of international researchers has developed a lasing system that produces phonons, the energy products of oscillation, or vibration. By tuning the system to create resonance, they can trigger mechanical movement that generates an acoustic wave. This breakthrough could lead to new medical and materials science applications.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 25, 2018
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.

Scientists develop new materials that move in response to light

Researchers at Tufts University have developed magnetic elastomeric composites that can flex, grip, release or rotate when exposed to lasers or sunlight. The materials can exhibit complex movements like crawling, walking or swimming and can be triggered and controlled wirelessly using light.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

NIST unblinded me with science: New application of blue light sees through fire

Researchers at NIST demonstrate a new method for visualizing objects engulfed by large gas fires using ordinary blue light. This technique improves the accuracy of material testing by reducing image distortion and enhancing signal clarity. The study has potential applications in fire-resistance standards testing and could lead to more ...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalFire Technology·DateJul 23, 2018

A step closer to quantum computers: NUS researchers show how to directly observe quantum spin effects

Scientists at NUS have discovered a practical way to observe and examine the quantum effects of electrons in topological insulators and heavy metals. This breakthrough enables the development of advanced quantum computing components and devices, potentially answering some of the world's toughest questions in finance and physics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2018

Faster photons could enable total data security

The team has generated rapid single-photon light pulses, which cannot be intercepted without disturbing them. This enables secure data transfer using light passed along fibre optic cables, making it ideal for environments where security is paramount.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 16, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bubbles and whispers -- glass bubbles boost nanoparticle detection

Researchers at OIST have created a new sensor design using hollow glass bubbles to detect tiny particles, increasing sensitivity and efficacy. This technology has potential applications in detecting toxic molecules in water and blood-borne viruses in rural areas.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOptica·DateJul 11, 2018

Using light for next-generation data storage

Tiny nano-sized crystals of salt can store digital information using light, offering a promising alternative to traditional magnetic and solid-state data storage. The technology demonstrates rewritable data storage in crystals that are hundreds of times smaller than visible to the human eye.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 11, 2018

Photonic capsules for injectable laser resonators

The KAIST research group created photonic capsules that can be injected into any target volume, exhibiting omnidirectional laser emissions. The capsules contain cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) with helical nanostructures, which reflect circularly-polarized light and enable wavelength-tunable lasing.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2018

A bright and vibrant future for seismology

Researchers at GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences have developed a new method using fiber-optic cables to detect earthquakes and other ground movements. The technique reveals structural features in the underground with unprecedented resolution, outperforming existing seismological networks worldwide.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2018

Correcting the eyesight of microscopes

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered that asymmetric apertures can cause astigmatism in microscopes, leading to degraded image resolution. By correcting for this effect, they improved the technique of line-temporal focusing microscopy, achieving unprecedented resolution in biological structures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2018
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.

Sandia light mixer generates 11 colors simultaneously

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a tiny synthetic material that can mix two laser pulses to produce 11 new colors, offering potential applications in fields such as archaeology, extraterrestrial life detection, and fiber-optics communication. The metamaterial's efficiency is currently low, but further work aim...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2018

Closing the gap: On the road to terahertz electronics

A team at TUM has succeeded in generating ultrashort electric pulses on a chip using tiny plasmonic antennas, operating above the surface and reading them in again. This breakthrough closes the terahertz gap, enabling frequencies up to 10 terahertz.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2018
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.

Modern laser science brightened by 2,300-year-old technology

Scientists at Tel Aviv University develop a laser beam that traps and moves particles in specific directions using Archimedes' screw-inspired technology. The rotation of the beam determines the direction of particle movement, overcoming a major challenge in laser optical trapping.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalOptica·DateJun 20, 2018

Scientists create continuously emitting microlasers with nanoparticle-coated beads

Researchers have found a way to convert nanoparticle-coated microscopic beads into lasers smaller than red blood cells. These microlasers can constantly and stably emit light for hours at a time, even when submerged in biological fluids. The innovation opens up the possibility for imaging or controlling biological activity with infrare...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 18, 2018

QUT project aims to reduce dental anxiety and pain

A QUT-led project, funded by the Australian Research Council, is developing 'on-demand visible light degradable dental materials' to enable removal of bonded material without mechanical force. This innovation could make dental visits less painful and allow for more flexible dental applications.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJun 18, 2018

Multiple lasers could be replaced by a single microcomb

A team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and Purdue University has developed a microcomb that can replace dozens of high-performance lasers, enabling faster and more power-efficient optical communication links. The technology uses a tiny optical cavity to generate sharp frequency lines, which have unique properties th...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2018
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.

New laser makes silicon 'sing'

Researchers at Yale University have created a new type of silicon laser that uses sound waves to amplify light, enabling faster and more efficient data processing. The innovative design maximizes light amplification using a special structure developed in the Rakich lab.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2018

A laser that smells like a hound

University of Adelaide researchers have developed a laser that can measure gas composition in under one second with high accuracy and precision. The device uses patterns of light absorption to differentiate between different gas compounds, mimicking the sensitive nose of a bloodhound.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 6, 2018

Physicists devise method to reveal how light affects materials

Researchers have devised a method to study how light affects materials, shedding light on the fundamental laws governing electron-light interactions. The new approach enables better understanding of material behavior, which can be applied to improve devices such as optical sensors and photovoltaic cells.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2018

MIT researchers devise new way to make light interact with matter

Researchers at MIT have devised a new method for enhancing the interaction between light and matter, which could lead to more efficient solar cells that collect a wider range of light wavelengths. By slowing down light and controlling its frequency, they can also create tunable color LEDs with fully tunable emissions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 4, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Capturing light in a waveguide array

A team of physicists has demonstrated a way to confine light in a waveguide array, making it insensitive to defects. This innovation could lead to cheaper and more efficient photonic devices, such as lasers and solar cells, by reducing material imperfections.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 4, 2018

Switching with molecules

Researchers have developed molecular nanoswitches that can switch between two states using an applied voltage, enabling the development of novel electro-optical devices. This breakthrough could replace silicon-based components with organic molecules, reducing component sizes in electronics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2018
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.

New portable malaria screening instrument developed

A new prototype for a portable instrument capable of early-stage malaria detection has been developed by researchers at the University of Southern California. The device uses magnetic properties of a parasite byproduct to detect all malaria strains, making it suitable for low-resource environments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalACS Sensors·DateMay 23, 2018

Innovative light-delivery technique improves biosensors

A new approach to injecting light into silicon microdisks enhances the performance of chip-based biosensors, leading to more sensitive detection of diseases. The end-fire injection technique offers improved robustness and reduced cost, paving the way for commercial applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMay 17, 2018

Team achieves two-electron chemical reactions using light energy, gold

Researchers optimize system to drive two-electron chemical reactions, significantly improving efficiency over one-electron reactions. The discovery enables the conversion of CO2 into liquid fuels, paving the way for practical carbon-recycling systems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 15, 2018

Shedding light on a cyclic molecule with a twist

Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a Möbius aromatic molecule that exhibits strong antiaromatic properties when exposed to light. The twist in the molecule's structure allows for high energy levels and magnetism, which could be utilized in eco-friendly organic devices such as solar cells and electroluminescent elements.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 14, 2018
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.

Voltage loss in cable bacteria

Using Raman spectroscopy, researchers have followed electrons through individual cable bacteria and found that voltage loss prevents efficient functioning beyond 3 cm into the sediment. The bacteria can distribute energy between cells using cytochromes, but lose electrical potential when electrons are unloaded to oxygen.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2018