Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 30, 2017

Big Brother will have some difficulty 'watching you' in future

Scientists at the University of the Witwatersrand have made a groundbreaking discovery that allows for real-time error correction in quantum communications. By utilizing classical entangled light, they can establish secure quantum links over long distances, paving the way for major advances in data transfer and encryption.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 23, 2017

NASA Goddard scientist wins 2017 GLBT Scientist Award

Matthew McGill, a NASA Goddard researcher, has made significant contributions to understanding climate change impacts through the application of lidar technology. His work on the Cloud Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument has been successfully operating on the International Space Station for two years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 19, 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.

Traffic jam in empty space

Researchers detect electromagnetic fluctuations in the quantum vacuum using a world-leading optical measurement technique. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in understanding radiation and material properties.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2017

Self-assembling particles brighten future of LED lighting

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a technique to create ultra-fine grained films using self-assembling nanoparticles, leading to more efficient and stable perovskite-based LEDs. This advancement brings perovskite technologies closer to commercialization and could speed the adoption of lower-cost and environmentally fri...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 16, 2017
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.

The researchers created a tiny laser using nanoparticles

Researchers at Aalto University developed a plasmonic nanolaser that operates at visible light frequencies and uses dark lattice modes, allowing for ultrafast and tiny coherent light sources. The nanolaser uses silver nanoparticles arranged in a periodic array, which radiate in unison to produce high-intensity laser light.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 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.

Proteins at the movies

Researchers have successfully filmed protein folding in three dimensions for the first time, enabling them to observe minute changes in protein structures during transformation. The technique, developed using Japan's XFEL facility, has significant implications for drug development and studying membrane transport proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

Tattoos mark the spot -- for surgery -- then disappear

Scientists have developed a temporary tattoo ink that marks the spot for future treatment in skin cancer patients. The new ink glows under specific light conditions and can disappear after a period of time, eliminating the need for laser or surgical removal.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 21, 2016

Magnifying time reveals fundamental rogue wave instabilities of nature

Scientists used a novel measurement technique to magnify time and study ultrafast intense pulses of light, confirming theoretical predictions. The technique has implications for understanding giant rogue waves on the ocean and extreme events in nature.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

World's smallest radio receiver has building blocks the size of 2 atoms

Researchers have created a tiny radio receiver using atomic-scale defects in pink diamonds, enabling it to operate in harsh environments and human bodies. The device uses nitrogen-vacancy centers, which can emit single photons or detect weak magnetic fields.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateDec 16, 2016

Ultrafast lasers reveal light-harvesting secrets of photosynthetic algae

Scientists at Princeton University have discovered a vibrational resonance mechanism that enables the efficient transfer of light energy in cryptophyte algae. This finding provides valuable insights for designing artificial light-harvesting systems, potentially leading to more efficient solar energy collectors.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalChem·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Optical tractor beam traps bacteria

Bielefeld University physicists develop new method to study biological cells using optical tractor beams, allowing for superresolution images of DNA in single bacteria. The technique enables researchers to rotate and move bacterial cells at will, enabling the study of three-dimensional cellular structures.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 2016

Why cryptophyte algae are really good at harvesting light

Cryptophyte algae have been found to harness light energy at an unprecedented rate, thanks to the ability of molecular vibrations to enhance photon absorption. This discovery has potential applications in developing more efficient light-harvesting technologies, such as sensors and communication systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateDec 8, 2016
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.

ANU invention to inspire new night-vision specs

Scientists at ANU have designed a nano crystal that turns darkness into visible light, enabling the creation of lightweight night-vision glasses. This innovation has potential applications in anti-counterfeit devices, medical imaging, and holographic displays.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

New material could lead to erasable and rewriteable optical chips

A new material developed by Yuebing Zheng could lead to the creation of erasable and rewriteable optical chips. The material, which combines light-sensitive molecules with a plasmonic surface, allows for wireless erasure and rewriting of optical components.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

New telescope chip offers clear view of alien planets

A new optical chip enables astronomers to capture clear images of exoplanets near their host sun, overcoming the challenge of intense solar brightness. This breakthrough technology uses an interferometer to cancel out sunlight and detect fainter planet light, paving the way for discovering planets with conditions suitable for life.

SourceAustralian National University·DateDec 5, 2016
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.

Squeezed states of light can improve feedback cooling significantly

Researchers from DTU Physics demonstrated how quantum-engineered states of light can improve the efficiency of feedback cooling beyond classical bounds. They successfully cooled a mechanical oscillator's temperature by more than 140 degrees below room temperature using a novel technique involving squeezed light.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2016

New method developed for analyzing photonic crystal structure

Researchers have developed a new method for analyzing photonic crystal structure, which provides a direct view of the inner details. The technique uses scattered light patterns to reveal the iso-frequency contours, offering a beautiful and straightforward way to observe the material's properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 25, 2016

Spray-printed crystals to move forward organic electronic applications

Researchers at University of Surrey develop a scalable and low-cost method to fabricate high-quality isolated organic single crystals using spray-printing. This breakthrough enables the production of inexpensive electronics with applications in flexible circuits, medical detectors, sensors, and more.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2016
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.

New records set up with 'Screws of Light'

Researchers at the University of Vienna have made significant breakthroughs in transmitting twisted light over long distances, exceeding 100 kilometers. They also demonstrated record-breaking quantum entanglement with 5-digit quantum numbers using a novel technique developed in Australia.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2016

What a twist: Silicon nanoantennas turn light around

Researchers developed a silicon nanoantenna that scatters light in a particular direction depending on the intensity of incident radiation. The nanoantenna allows for the dynamic modification of its properties, enabling faster control over light propagation and paving the way for ultrafast processing of optical information.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateNov 16, 2016

Scientists have 'scared away' microparticles with laser light

Researchers have developed a method to manipulate microparticles using laser light, creating fast waterflows that allow for efficient surface cleaning without damaging the material. The technique also enables the assembly of micro- and nanoparticle patterns at solid-liquid interfaces with high precision.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2016
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.

First random laser made of paper-based ceramics

A team led by Professor Cordt Zollfrank from the Technical University of Munich created the first controllable random laser based on cellulose paper. The laser uses a biogenic structure to scatter light in different directions, but can still be controlled and localized.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateNov 10, 2016

The self-driving microscope

Researchers developed an adaptive microscope that can analyze and optimize its settings in real-time, achieving five-fold improvements in resolution. This technology enables long-term imaging of entire embryos and has significant implications for high-throughput drug screens and biological modeling.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 10, 2016

Shedding light on the formation of nanodroplets in aqueous solutions of polar organics

A team of Russian researchers used dynamic light scattering and phase microscopy to demonstrate the existence of stable nanodroplets of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in aqueous electrolyte solutions. The research developed a new theory explaining the spontaneous generation of heterogeneous nanoparticles due to 'twinkling' hydrogen bonds.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2016

Entering the field of zeptosecond measurement

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute and Technical University of Munich have measured photoionization with unprecedented zeptosecond precision, determining the timescale of this process for the first time. This achievement resolves quantum mechanics' impact on ultra-short events in atomic interactions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 8, 2016

Attosecond physics: A zeptosecond stopwatch for the microcosm

Physicists have recorded an internal atomic event with unprecedented precision, measuring the duration of photoionization for the first time with zeptosecond accuracy. The study provides a reliable basis for future experiments and reconciles theory and experiment in complex systems like helium.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 8, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

We gather here today to join lasers and anti-lasers

Scientists at Berkeley Lab created a single device that can act as both a laser and an anti-laser, enabling flexible operation in optical communication. The device uses parity-time symmetry to balance amplification and absorption, allowing for control over light behavior.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 7, 2016

Laser particles could provide sharper images of tissues

Scientists at MIT and Harvard University developed a new imaging technique called LASE microscopy, which uses tiny particles to create sharper images of deep tissue and cells. The particles emit laser light when stimulated by a laser beam, resulting in higher-resolution images.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 4, 2016

Smart microscope adapts to changes in live specimens

The new 'smart' light-sheet microscope analyzes a specimen continuously and adjusts its settings to optimize image quality. Researchers achieved improvements in spatial resolution and signal strength by a factor of 2 to 5, making it easier to produce high-quality images of larger specimens.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 3, 2016

NASA completes Webb Telescope Center of Curvature pre-test

Engineers successfully completed the first Center of Curvature test for the James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror, measuring its shape and alignment with incredible precision. The test will be repeated after launch environment testing to confirm the optics' performance in space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 2, 2016
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.

New instrument could search for signatures of life on Mars

A new instrument prototype, BILI, uses fluorescence-based lidar to search for organic bio-signatures on Mars and other targets in the solar system. The instrument can scan terrain from a distance of several hundred meters, detecting small levels of complex organic materials in real-time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 1, 2016

Making lasers cool again

Sushil Kumar aims to create terahertz semiconductor lasers with precise emission frequency, improving power output and beam quality. His goal is to enable various applications including chemical sensing, disease diagnosis and remote-sensing in astronomy.

SourceLehigh University·DateOct 31, 2016

Weakness is good...when controlling light

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new method for controlling light using one-third of the energy typically required. The asymmetric metawaveguide technology has the potential to lead to more powerful and energy-efficient computer chips and other optics-based technologies.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 31, 2016

Novel light sources made of 2-D materials

Researchers have developed novel light sources using 2-D materials, which can be used to transfer information securely. The light sources emit photons in pairs, making them ideal for quantum communication. Additionally, the novel lasers exhibit self-sustaining properties, opening up new possibilities for studying quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2016
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.

Extinguishing a fusion fire in a flash of light

Researchers found that injecting large quantities of neon gas can rapidly cool and extinguish magnetically confined fusion plasmas hotter than the sun's center. This process converts plasma heat into an intense flash of light, uniformly illuminating the interior wall to avoid damage.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

Making silicon-germanium core fibers a reality

Researchers have developed a method to create glass fibers with single-crystal silicon-germanium cores using laser recrystallization. This process enables the creation of functional materials for faster transistors and expands the capabilities of endoscopes.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2016

The quantum sniffer dog

A microscopic sensor has been developed at TU Wien that can identify different gases simultaneously using a laser and detector in one. The sensor, made of a sophisticated layered system of materials, emits light in the infrared range and measures its strength to detect gases with unique 'fingerprints'.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 24, 2016
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.

Converting optical frequencies with 10^(-21) uncertainty

Researchers have developed an optical frequency divider with unprecedented precision, enabling arbitrary optical frequency conversions. This breakthrough paves the way for improved applications in optics, metrology, and atomic physics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 21, 2016

Move over, lasers: Scientists can now create holograms from neutrons, too

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to create visual holograms using neutron beams, which can reveal detailed information about an object's interior. This technique has potential applications in studying solid materials and exploring small structures.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 20, 2016
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.

OU researchers develop novel, non-invasive cancer therapy

University of Oklahoma researchers have designed a novel photothermal therapy that eliminates tumors without affecting healthy cells. The therapy uses single-walled carbon nanotubes to target specific cancer cells in breast, bladder, esophageal, and melanoma cancers.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateOct 17, 2016

Researchers create stretchy, biocompatible optical fibers

Developed by MIT and Harvard Medical School, the fibers are made from hydrogel material that can stretch and bend like taffy. They can sense signs of disease and could be used to deliver therapeutic pulses of light, enabling long-lasting implantable medical devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 17, 2016