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Little ANTs: Researchers build the world's tiniest engine

Developed by University of Cambridge researchers, the nanoscale engine harnesses light energy to generate elastic forces, making it suitable for water navigation and disease-fighting applications. With immense force capabilities and bio-compatibility, these 'ANTs' could revolutionize nano-machinery and microfluidics industries.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2016

The atom without properties

Researchers have observed Bell correlations for the first time in a large system of 480 atoms, indicating that properties may exist independently but not deterministically. This finding opens up new possibilities in quantum technology and basic research.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2016

New laser to shine light on remote sensing

A revolutionary new laser developed by the University of Adelaide can operate over a large range in the infrared light spectrum, allowing for sensitive detection of greenhouse gases. The laser's tunability and affordability make it a promising tool for scanning gases with high sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 4, 2016

New laser achieves wavelength long sought by laser developers

Researchers at the University of Bath created a new laser capable of pulsed and continuous mid-infrared emission between 3.1-3.2 microns, overcoming a major challenge in laser development. The achievement uses silica hollow-core fibers to confine light and gas, enabling efficient interaction and mid-IR emission.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateFeb 24, 2016

Controlling ultrafast electrons in motion

Researchers successfully control ultrafast electron motion using FERMI's light, achieving a time resolution of 3 attoseconds. This breakthrough enables the study of fast chemical reactions on the scale of attoseconds, shedding new light on processes like photosynthesis and combustion.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 23, 2016

Switching light with a silver atom

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a working group that created a tiny, ultra-efficient optical switch using silver atoms. This breakthrough has significant implications for data transmission and storage, as it enables the creation of digital signals with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 1, 2016

Neutral result charges up antimatter research

Researchers from the ALPHA Collaboration have made a breakthrough in studying antihydrogen, improving the measurement of its charge by a factor of 20. The study's results suggest that matter and antimatter may interact differently, with potential implications for our understanding of the universe.

SourceYork University·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

Mechanical quanta see the light

Researchers at University of Vienna develop nanomechanical device that converts quantum vibrations to light, paving the way for a future quantum Internet. The device allows for connection between different quantum systems, enabling global exchange of quantum information.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2016

Shiny fish skin inspires nanoscale light reflectors

Researchers from Penn State have developed a model that uses fractal geometry to describe the layering in silvery fish skin, which can guide the design of devices such as broadband mirrors. The technique has potential applications in advanced optical coatings, laser protection, infrared imaging systems, and photovoltaics.

Reading the smoke signals

A new study uses laser-based measurements to estimate carbon dioxide emissions from tropical peatland fires, revealing that the amount of CO2 released depends on previous fire history. The research provides valuable insights into the devastating impact of climate change on global warming.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 16, 2015

Tapping particles of light

Researchers have developed a mechanism to extract single photons from a stream, enabling practical applications in quantum communication. The discovery relies on a physical effect called single-photon Raman interaction, which allows for the selective capture of individual photons.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 26, 2015