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Seeing the forest through the trees with a new LiDAR system

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory have created a new LiDAR system that can survey obscured ground using gated digital holography methods. This technology allows for 3D topography surveys through foliage or other obstacles, with potential applications in disaster relief and self-driving cars.

SourceOptica·DateJun 27, 2017

New photoacoustic technique detects gases at parts-per-quadrillion level

Researchers have developed a new photoacoustic technique that can detect gases at the parts-per-quadrillion level using three resonances to amplify the signal. This breakthrough enables the detection of low-concentration pollutants and has potential applications in environmental monitoring.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 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.

Protein mingling under blue light

Researchers developed CRY2clust to trigger protein cluster formation in response to blue light, outperforming existing methods with a faster response rate and higher sensitivity.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2017

NIST/CU team launches 'comb and copter' system to map atmospheric gases

The NIST/CU team has developed a mobile ground-based system that scans and maps atmospheric gas plumes over kilometer distances. The system uses an eye-safe laser instrument to analyze the colors of light absorbed by gases, allowing for near-real-time detection of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptica·DateJun 23, 2017

Ultra-thin camera creates images without lenses

Engineers at Caltech developed a new camera design that replaces traditional lenses with an ultra-thin optical phased array, enabling the creation of flat, thin, and lightweight cameras. The system manipulates incoming light to capture images, offering applications in smartphone cameras, astronomy, and wearable technology.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

New metrology technique measures electric fields

American scientists have developed a new method to measure electric fields using atomic resonance-based technology, allowing for accurate and traceable measurements. This technique has improved spatial resolution and can measure frequencies up to one terahertz, relevant for future wireless mobile telecommunication systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 20, 2017

Stanford scientists turbocharge high-resolution, 3-D imaging

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a way to retrofit OCT machines with off-the-shelf components, increasing resolution by several-fold. This improvement enables physicians to perform virtual biopsies and detect retinal and corneal damage, incipient tumors, and more with enhanced accuracy.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 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.

Changing the color of laser light on the femtosecond time scale

Researchers observed a 50% enhancement in second harmonic generation from BiCoO3 crystal upon THz laser pulse irradiation. This effect occurs on the 100 femtosecond time scale, suggesting potential applications in ultrafast optoelectronic devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 14, 2017

Device designed to exploit scattering of light by mechanical vibrations

Researchers developed a silicon photonic device that can exploit the scattering of light by mechanical vibrations, called Brillouin scattering. The device uses two silicon microdisks with tiny cavities, enabling light and mechanical waves to interact at high frequencies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2017

New plasmonic sensor improves early cancer detection

A new plasmonic sensor developed by researchers at the University of Illinois has been proven reliable to detect biomarkers for many forms of cancer, including lung and prostate cancers. The device uses a combination of plasmonic sensing and optical cavity properties to detect lower concentrations of biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultrafast tunable semiconductor metamaterial created

Researchers have devised an ultrafast tunable metamaterial based on gallium arsenide nanoparticles that can be turned on and off quickly, paving the way for ultrafast optical computers. The material consists of semiconductor nanoparticles that concentrate and interact with light efficiently.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2017
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.

Laser, sound waves provide live views of organs in action

Researchers at Duke University and CalTech have developed a hybrid imaging technology that combines light and ultrasound to provide live, holistic views of small animal organs. This technique breaks the resolution and speed barriers in whole-body imaging, enabling functional imaging of entire bodies with sub-millimeter-level resolution.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 10, 2017

Stanford team brings quantum computing closer to reality with new materials

A Stanford team has made significant advancements in developing new materials for quantum computing, enabling the creation of practical systems. By harnessing light and electron interactions, they have created structures that can trap spinning electrons, a crucial step towards making quantum computing a reality.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 8, 2017

Researchers shed new light on influenza detection

A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers has led to the development of a test kit for detecting influenza using fluorescent light. The test kit emits red fluorescence when exposed to infected patient samples, indicating the presence of the virus.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 5, 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.

Lasers shed light on the inner workings of the giant larvacean

Giant larvaceans play a significant role in moving carbon from the upper to deep sea through their 'houses,' which filter tiny particles. Laser technology enables researchers to visualize chambers and passageways inside these structures, revealing higher filtration rates than previously estimated.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2017

Photoluminescent display absorbs, converts light into energy

Researchers developed a laser phosphor display that can absorb ambient light, generating power while displaying high-resolution images. The system achieves up to 71% energy harvesting, but face challenges with ghost images and design optimization.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateMay 1, 2017

New organic lasers one step closer to reality

Researchers at Kyushu University's CENTER FOR ORGANIC PHOTONICS AND ELECTRONICS RESEARCH (OPERA) reported a breakthrough in developing new organic thin-film lasers that can continuously emit light for up to 30 ms, outperforming previous devices.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2017

Light has new capacity for electronics

Scientists have discovered a new phenomenon called the photodielectric effect, which could lead to the creation of laser-controlled touch displays. The discovery uses light to increase the dielectric permittivity of a material, allowing for more efficient energy storage and filtering.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 27, 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.

Light can improve perovskite solar cell performance

EPFL scientists have found that light plays a crucial role in controlling the morphology of perovskite crystals, leading to improved photovoltaic performance. The study reveals that the presence of light accelerates the formation of perovskites and enhances crystal growth.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017

SAVI camera ditches long lens for distant images

The SAVI camera uses laser light to capture high-resolution images of distant objects, eliminating the need for a long lens. The technology has potential applications in visible light imaging, with researchers envisioning real-time, high-resolution capture using this synthetic aperture approach.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 14, 2017

Researchers find mechanism to protect biomolecules against light-induced damage

Scientists used X-ray laser pulses to investigate how energy from light transforms a molecule, revealing a mechanism for protecting biomolecules against light-induced damage. The research provides insight into excited state proton transfers in DNA and other molecules.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 10, 2017

Device boosts interaction between light and motion

A Brazilian research team developed an optomechanical device that boosts the coupling between light waves and mechanical waves to higher levels than similar devices. This enables the creation of highly customizable sensors for detecting force and motion, as well as potential applications in telecommunications as optical modulators.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 6, 2017
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.

Green laser light probes metals for hidden damage (animation)

Researchers have developed a spectroscopic method using second harmonic generation to detect internal damage in metals. The technique uses green laser light to identify changes in metal properties, potentially distinguishing between intact and damaged parts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 5, 2017

Nanoscopic golden springs change color of twisted light

Researchers used gold spring-shaped coils to enhance interactions between light and chiral molecules, enabling detection of minute amounts. The study's findings have potential applications in pharmaceutical design, telecommunications, and nanorobotics.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 3, 2017

New quantum gadget could make contactless payment more secure

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a system to transmit quantum keys, ensuring data security and detecting eavesdropping. The prototype uses movable mirrors and ultrafast LEDs to send secret pin-codes over short distances, improving the security of contactless transactions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 28, 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.

Controlling fast X-ray pulses with laser light

Researchers at Louisiana State University and Lund University have developed a new method to direct short bursts of x-ray light using strong laser pulses. This breakthrough allows for precise control over the properties of the light, including direction and pulse duration.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 21, 2017

Electrons used to control ultrashort laser pulses

Researchers at Lund University developed a method to control extreme UV light using strong laser pulses, allowing for precise manipulation of electron dynamics and light properties. This technique has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of light/electron interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 21, 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.

'Flying saucer' quantum dots hold secret to brighter, better lasers

A research team has developed a new method for fabricating lasers using nanoparticles known as quantum dots. By carefully controlling the size of the quantum dots, they can 'tune' the frequency or color of the emitted light to any desired value.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2017

Piece of mind

University of Utah engineers develop 'computational cannula microscopy' to capture high-resolution images of animal brains using surgical needles and laser light. This non-invasive method shows promise for studying neurological disorders and could lead to a simpler, less expensive alternative to endoscopes for human patients.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 20, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Imaging at the speed of light

Scientists have developed a technique to visualize the complete evolution of micro- and nanostructure formation on a material's surface. This allows for better control over these structures, which are crucial for improving various technologies such as anti-corrosive materials, energy absorbers, and medical instrumentation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 14, 2017

Ultrashort light pulses for fast 'lightwave' computers

The team successfully controlled the peaks of laser pulses and twisted light, moving electrons faster and more efficiently than electrical currents. This achievement brings us closer to developing fast 'lightwave' computers that can process information up to 100,000 times faster than current electronics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 13, 2017

Researchers flip a magnetic memory cell with a light pulse at record speed

University of Minnesota researchers developed a magnetic tunnel junction that can be switched by a pulse of light lasting one trillionth of a second, breaking the current speed record. The device has the potential to enable faster writing speeds and revolutionize information technology advances.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMar 9, 2017

Guiding light: Sandia creates 3-D metasurfaces with optical possibilities

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new type of metamaterial using III-V semiconductors that can be used to create ultra-efficient optical devices. The materials offer a wide range of tunable properties, including the ability to manipulate light and generate entangled photons.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalACS Photonics·DateMar 9, 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.

Scientists develop spectacles for X-ray lasers

Researchers at DESY developed tailor-made corrective glasses to concentrate X-ray beams stronger than ever before. The lenses improved focus by three-quarters and reduced scattered light, enabling more precise measurements and new applications.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2017

Lead dressed like gold

Using advanced computational theory, researchers developed a method called spectral dynamic mimicry that allows them to calculate the laser pulse shape to produce any desired spectral output. This ability could have implications for optical computing and molecular detection.

SourcePrinceton University·DateFeb 28, 2017

Impossible (but working!) recipe for ultrashort laser pulses

Researchers from Warsaw Laser Centre generate high-energy ultrashort laser pulses in an optical fiber using a novel solution. The new method is stable and ideal for industrial applications, offering improved processing times.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 23, 2017

New window into the nanoworld

Researchers have captured images of terahertz electron dynamics of a semiconductor surface on the atomic scale, unlocking a new window into the nanoworld. The breakthrough allows for ultrafast observation of atomic processes with unprecedented precision.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 21, 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.

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.

Extending VCSEL wavelength coverage to the mid-infrared

A team of German researchers has developed a buried tunnel junction VCSEL with a single-stage type-II active region to extend the wavelength coverage of electrically pumped VCSELs into the mid-infrared range. This achievement demonstrates the potential for low-power, battery-operated gas sensors in various industries.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 14, 2017

Increasing the sensitivity of next-generation gravitational wave detectors

Researchers have made significant progress in developing stable laser sources for third-generation gravitational wave detectors, enabling the detection of weaker signals from distant cosmic events. The development includes a new type of pre-mode cleaner that compensates for astigmatism, making designs like the Einstein Telescope possible.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 10, 2017
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.