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Mantis shrimp-inspired camera enables glimpse into hidden world

Researchers developed a bioinspired camera mimicking the mantis shrimp's eye to sense both color and polarization, enabling early cancer detection and decoding underwater communication channels. The camera uses silicon photodetectors and nanomaterials to replicate the mantis shrimp's visual system.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOptica·DateOct 12, 2017
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.

How switches work in bacteria

Researchers analyzed the structure and dynamics of riboswitches using optical single-molecule experiments. They found that the riboswitch fluctuates between different conformations, with SAM attachment accelerating structure changes to ensure quick gene expression shutdown.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 12, 2017

Laser cavities take on new shapes and functionalities

The researchers have demonstrated the first laser cavity that can confine and propagate light in any shape imaginable, even pathways with sharp bends and angles. This new design could enable higher speed optical communication technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2017

A safe optical fiber for delivering light and drugs into the body

Penn State researchers have developed a flexible, biodegradable optical fiber that can deliver light into the body for medical applications. The fiber, made of citrate-based polymer, enables ultrafine tuning of refractive index differences and allows for bending and stretching without damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiomaterials·DateOct 11, 2017

Missing atoms in a forgotten crystal bring luminescence

A team of researchers at KAUST discovered the origin of strong photoluminescence in Cs4PbBr6, a perovskite material. Heating the crystal to 180°C irreversibly destroys its photoluminescence, but creates CsPbBr3 nanocrystals that act as traps for excitons, leading to efficient re-emission of light.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateOct 10, 2017
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 dash of gold improves microlasers

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a new type of microlaser that uses gold nanoparticles to improve frequency comb technology. This innovation enables the creation of smaller, more efficient systems for applications such as portable chemical spectroscopy and cybersecurity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 6, 2017
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.

Unexpected discovery leads to new theory of liquid streaming

Researchers at the University of Houston have made an unexpected discovery that leads to a new theory of liquid streaming. The researchers generated a liquid stream using a pulsed laser and found that gold nanoparticles played a crucial role in creating the phenomenon, which they called acoustic streaming.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 27, 2017

Graphene forged into three-dimensional shapes

Researchers from Finland and Taiwan have successfully fabricated three-dimensional graphene structures using optical forging, a technique that utilizes laser light to shape the material. The resulting graphene objects exhibit unique electronic and optical properties, opening up new possibilities for graphene-based devices.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 26, 2017

Holograms for molecules

Scientists at ETH Zurich and Roche have developed a new diagnostic method using light diffraction on molecules, allowing for quick and easy disease detection in doctors' offices. The technique uses molecular recognition and focused laser light to identify specific protein interactions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The fastest light-driven current source

Researchers from FAU have successfully controlled electronic current in graphene using a single laser pulse within a femtosecond, generating a current that is more than a thousand times faster than the most efficient transistors today. The method uses light waves to regulate electron movement and generate electricity.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature·DateSep 25, 2017

Dancing electrons lose the race

Physicists observe that electrons emitted from different initial states in a solid material arrive at the surface last, contrary to intuition. Theoretical models are revised to account for intra-atomic interactions, which affect electron motion and lead to a new understanding of photoemission.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Drones can almost see in the dark

Researchers from the University of Zurich have developed a new camera system that allows drones to capture images in high-speed motion and low light, enabling autonomous flight. This technology can assist search and rescue teams in disaster areas where conventional drones are unable to operate.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateSep 20, 2017

Tiny lasers from a gallery of whispers

Researchers have developed a new type of dye-doped WGM micro-laser that produces light with tunable wavelengths, offering broader tuning ranges and reversible tuning. The devices also exhibit enhanced sensitivity in refractive index sensing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateSep 19, 2017
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.

Supercontinuum lasers can lead to better bread and beer

A new breakthrough in food analysis using supercontinuum lasers can measure whole grains non-destructively and accurately predict health-promoting properties like beta-glucan content. This technology has great potential for improving the quality of food products, including bread and beer.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·DateSep 19, 2017

UC3M spinoff develops new ultra-fast 3-D microscope

The QIs-scope can capture 200 images a second and mark cells with different colors, allowing for the creation of 3D images of organs and tissues. This technology represents the next step in confocal microscopy and has applications in biomedical imaging research and development.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateSep 18, 2017
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.

Graphene based terahertz absorbers

Researchers have created a terahertz saturable absorber using graphene produced by liquid phase exfoliation, enabling ultrafast lasers with high modulation. The devices have great potential for applications such as time-resolved spectroscopy of gases and molecules, quantum information, and ultra-high speed communication.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2017

Core solutions reach optimally extreme light pulses

Researchers at ICFO and MPL create a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber system producing single-cycle IR pulses at an unprecedented repetition rate of 160 kHz. This enables applications such as real-time electron motions observation in single molecules, opening a window to watching subatomic processes during chemical reactions.

SourceOptica·DateSep 11, 2017

New dental imaging method uses squid ink to fish for gum disease

A new dental imaging method using squid ink combines light and ultrasound for a comprehensive and accurate examination of gums without pain or discomfort. This non-invasive approach enables dentists to create detailed maps of gum pocket depths, surpassing the conventional method's limitations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateSep 7, 2017
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.

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.

Clamping down on causality by probing laser cavities

A collaboration between University of Central Florida and Yale has discovered novel optical behaviors in laser cavities, providing a unique window into fundamental physics. The research demonstrates the role of gain clamping in governing optical responses and reveals fundamental aspects of causality's limits.

SourceOptica·DateAug 29, 2017

Lasers zap decontaminates from soil

A new method uses high-powered lasers to directly break down pollutants in contaminated soil, showing promise as a cheaper and more efficient decontamination technique. The process heats up the pollutant locally, fragmenting it into smaller, safer molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 29, 2017

Optical control of magnetic memory -- New insights into fundamental mechanisms

Researchers have made an important step toward understanding optically controlled magnetic storage devices, finding that laser light plays a key role in toggling magnetisation alignments. The study reveals the formation of a ring-shaped region around the tiny laser spot and its impact on the material's temperature distribution.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Wing shape helps swifts glide through storms, study suggests

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh discovered that swifts' crescent-shaped wings reduce turbulence effects, enabling them to conserve energy while gliding in blustery conditions. This unique aerodynamic property may inspire the design of new aerial technology similar to drones.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 23, 2017

3-D particle tracking? There's an app for that

KAUST researchers develop a tomographic PIV system using four low-cost smartphones and colored backlighting, enabling quantitative flow visualization. The system compares well with commercial equipment, with deviations in circulation flow of less than 8%, and holds promise for various applications involving turbulence.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2017

Lasers used to detect risk of heart attack and stroke

A new diagnostic tool uses near-infrared light to identify high-risk arterial plaques, which can lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. By selectively identifying rupture-prone deposits, doctors may be able to detect the threat of an imminent heart attack earlier.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2017

Researchers achieve major improvement for lensless computational microscopy

Scientists from ITMO University and Tampere University of Technology developed a new algorithm to increase the resolution of images obtained in lensless microscopes. The approach relies on diffraction patterns and computational methods, allowing for improved image quality without physical changes to the microscope.

SourceITMO University·JournalOptica·DateAug 14, 2017
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.

Exotic quantum states made from light

Researchers at the University of Bonn have created exotic quantum states made from light by creating an optical 'well' that traps a super-photon. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing quantum circuits and improving quantum communication and computing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 14, 2017

X-ray imaging with a significantly enhanced resolution

Physicists from FAU and DESY have developed a method to improve X-ray image quality, enabling the visualization of individual atoms in molecules at higher resolutions. The new technique uses incoherent radiation and time-resolved snapshots to overcome limitations of conventional coherent imaging methods.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 14, 2017

Sensing technology takes a quantum leap with RIT photonics research

Research at RIT develops new precision quantum sensing solutions using levitated optomechanics, capturing data with improved accuracy. The study aims to create smaller and lighter sensors for various applications, including detecting gravitational waves and perfecting quantum computing.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateAug 9, 2017

Materials governed by light

Hybrid materials combining organic and inorganic components show promise for various applications, including optics and biomedicine. The materials display enhanced photophysical properties, such as anisotropic response to polarized light and artificial antenna effects.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateAug 4, 2017
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.

Broadband light sources with liquid core

Researchers from Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology in Jena generate broadband light spectrum with solitons in the near-infrared range, exhibiting unique nonlinear optical effects and high transmission. The use of liquid core fibers enables a more stable alternative to traditional broadband light sources.

SourceLeibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2017

WSU physicists turn a crystal into an electrical circuit

Researchers have successfully written an electrical circuit into a crystal, enabling the creation of transparent and reconfigurable electronics. The phenomenon, called persistent photoconductivity, can be erased and reconfigured using heat and light, similar to an Etch A Sketch.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2017

Shedding light deeper into the human brain

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method for propagating light through human tissue, enabling deeper brain imaging and potential applications in medical imaging and driving safety. The technique involves making tiny holes to pass light through, increasing optical transmission by a factor of 100.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Holograms taken to new dimension

Researchers have developed a new technology to create inexpensive full-color 2-D and 3-D holograms that are far more realistic, brighter and can be viewed at wider angles than current holograms. The applications for this technology could be wide-ranging, from currency and identification badges to amusement rides and advertisements.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2017
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.

Black light helps diagnose common skin problem found in pregnant women

Researchers found that using a black light helps dermatologists determine the extent of melasma, a hyperpigmentation condition that causes brown and gray patches on the face. This can lead to early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of the condition worsening over time.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJul 17, 2017

A firefly's flash inspires new nanolaser light

Researchers developed a new laser source that stores light energy in nanoscale disks, enabling ultrafast light pulses suitable for studying neural connections and machine learning. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize optically powered neurocomputers.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2017

The wave nature of light in super-slow motion

Researchers in Erlangen and Jena have achieved high-precision measurement of the wave characteristics of focused, ultra-short light pulses. This will enable targeted influence on electrons and chemical reactions.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 12, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Smart atomic cloud solves Heisenberg's observation problem

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a 'smart' atomic cloud that can neutralize Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, allowing for more accurate measurements at quantum level. This breakthrough could lead to new sensors and technologies, including better understanding of gravitational waves.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2017

News laser design offers more inexpensive multi-color output

A Northwestern University study has engineered a cost-effective laser design that outputs multi-color lasing, offering potential benefits in optical fibers, medical imaging, and sensing applications. The new technology allows for stable multi-modal nanoscale lasing with fine control over color and intensity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 11, 2017

Study reveals new insights into rare chronic pain condition

A study reveals that individuals with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) process visual information from the affected side of their body more slowly than the unaffected side. This suggests a possible change in brain mechanisms that normally allow us to process information at different locations.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBrain·DateJul 9, 2017
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.

Zero gravity: Graphene for space applications

Researchers are testing graphene's potential in space applications through two experiments. GrapheneX, a student-led team, will use microgravity conditions to test graphene for light sails, while another experiment investigates how graphene improves efficiency in loop heat pipes, crucial for satellite cooling systems.

SourceGraphene Flagship·DateJul 7, 2017

Tiny 'motors' are driven by light

A team at MIT has created a system that can manipulate particles ranging from molecules to bacteria-sized objects using ordinary light. The researchers engineered asymmetrical particles, called Janus particles, which respond to the orientation of the beam and create forces that set them spinning uniformly.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2017

The sharpest laser in the world

Researchers from PTB and JILA develop a laser with an unprecedented 10 mHz linewidth, setting a new world record. The precision of the laser allows for accurate measurements in optical atomic clocks and spectroscopy.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 29, 2017