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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Dual-function nanorod LEDs could make multifunctional displays

Researchers developed dual-function nanorod LEDs that can emit, detect, and respond to light. These LEDs can be used in display arrays that adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions and recognize objects through touchless gestures or laser stylus input.

Low-cost imaging system detects natural gas leaks in real time

Researchers have developed a low-cost, real-time imaging system that can detect methane gas leaks in pipelines and oil and gas facilities. The system uses active hyperspectral imaging technology and a single-pixel camera to acquire videos of gas leaking at a rate of 0.2 liters per minute.

Infrared links could simplify data center communications

Researchers propose eliminating most wires in data centers by using infrared free-space optics to transmit information. This technology enables fast data transfer rates with minimal interference and can accommodate thousands of servers on a single rack.

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.

Micro-bubbles and frequency combs

Researchers create a frequency comb in the visible spectrum using a micro-bubble resonator, enabling precise optical measurements with low power consumption. The device has potential applications in medical science and optics research.