A team of researchers has developed a method to image molecular movement in real-time, revealing the fundamental processes of a chemical reaction. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the structure and behavior of proteins at the atomic level, shedding light on the chemistry necessary for life.
SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016
Researchers used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to take snapshots of an ultrafast structural transition in a protein, capturing atomic motions as fast as 100 quadrillionths of a second. The technique could benefit studies of light-driven atomic motions and reveal how visual pigments respond to light.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers used a world-class camera to observe the atomic structure of proteins as they reacted to light in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to understanding how proteins function and ultimately inform treatment of diseases.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016
Researchers at JILA have developed a new technique using laser frequency comb spectroscopy to detect and identify large, complex molecules. The upgraded system cools molecules to near absolute zero, simplifying and strengthening absorption signals and greatly boosting the ability to identify the molecules.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 2016
Researchers have developed a way to print lasers using an inkjet printer, creating 'lasing capsules' that can be easily disposed of after use. The tech estimates production costs at just a few cents per unit.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 3, 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.
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
Scientists from ITMO University developed a new technique to create planar arrays of hybrid nanoantennas, enabling precise control over light manipulation at the nanoscale. The technology promises to increase data storage capacity and pave the way for high-throughput fabrication of optical nanodevices.
SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 27, 2016
Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have created a superfast light source using an artificial atom called a quantum dot. The innovation increases the interaction between light and matter, resulting in faster electron decay and more efficient light emission.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 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.
Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that a mixture of mirror-image molecules can exhibit optical activity when crystallized in the solid state. This finding challenges a long-standing chemical principle and opens up new areas of materials research.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 26, 2016
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.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed nano-magnetic pixels for wide-view 3D holographic displays. These displays can reconstruct realistic 3D images with a viewing angle over 30°, eliminating the need for special glasses.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 19, 2016
A team of researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a compact, miniaturized switching element that converts electric signals into clearly defined optical signals. The innovation uses integrated carbon nanotubes and nanostructured waveguides to generate narrow-band light in the desired color on the chip.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 19, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists at NIST have developed a miniaturized device to convert photons between frequencies, addressing two critical problems in quantum communication. The new device consumes low power and produces minimal noise, making it suitable for future experiments with single-photon sources.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 18, 2016
Researchers developed a way to embed light-responsive switches into proteins, allowing them to manipulate protein movement and activity in real-time. This new approach enables the rapid study of biological changes and reveals that cellular processes are more dynamic than previously expected.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 18, 2016
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed a method for reconfigurable optical elements using multimode interference devices. The team shows that intricate interplay between modes can be dynamically controlled, allowing to freely route light in a static silicon element.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalOptica·DateApr 18, 2016
Researchers at University of Rochester demonstrate twisted light correlations for remote sensing applications, including detecting rotating black holes and object detection by lidar. Random fluctuations in intensity give rise to correlations in twisted beams, offering a new approach without requiring lasers or entangled photons.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2016
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a way to control electron states using both light and sound waves, providing a potential breakthrough for quantum computing. This method uses sound waves to manipulate qubits, which are essential for building advanced quantum systems.
SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2016
Researchers at Stanford University found that applying pressure can increase the voltages of perovskite solar cells and enhance their electronic conductivity. This discovery holds promise for advancing low-cost tandem solar cells.
SourceStanford University·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 6, 2016
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a method to capture X-ray images of nanoparticles in femtosecond sequences, providing insights into their interactions with intense laser light. The technique has applications in understanding aerosol formation, climate models, and the development of optoelectronics.
SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 5, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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
Researchers from MIT developed a new infrared depth-sensing system that works outdoors, using a smartphone with a $10 laser. The system captures four frames of video and subtracts ambient infrared light to improve accuracy. It has been tested on a driverless golf cart and shows promise for autonomous vehicles.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 25, 2016
Researchers developed a new method to kill bacteria in seconds using gold nanoparticles and light, outperforming traditional sterilization methods. The technique shows promise for biomedical applications, including reducing urinary tract infections and improving water quality.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateMar 17, 2016
A new type of laser enables the creation of twisted light with controlled spin, producing vector vortex beams and polarised light. This innovation has significant applications in optics, machining metals, and communication.
SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 15, 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.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel nano biosensor for rapid detection of flu virus using upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) process. The technology reduces testing duration from 1-3 days to 2-3 hours and costs around HK$20 per sample, making it a low-cost and efficient diagnostic tool.
SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 14, 2016
A new study by University of Illinois engineers found that the transistor laser device can switch faster than traditional technologies due to photon-assisted tunneling, enabling ultra-high-speed signal modulation. The technology has the potential to revolutionize big data transfer and computing.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 9, 2016
Researchers have demonstrated a unique optical trapping system that can efficiently couple high-power laser light into hollow-core fibers. The system uses a self-aligning method to trap tiny tapered glass fiber inside the hollow core, with potential applications in laser cutting and basic physics research.
Researchers at the University of Bath created a new type of laser that can emit mid-infrared light between 3.1 and 3.2 microns, a range previously difficult to achieve. The breakthrough uses silica hollow-core fibers to confine light and enable gas-mid-IR interaction.
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
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.
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
Researchers used the powerful x-ray pulses from SACLA to investigate excited-state induced transient lattice dynamics in phase-change materials. They observed non-thermal local structural rearrangements within a few picoseconds, followed by warming of the lattice and a 2 pm change in lattice spacing after 20 ps.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 22, 2016
Scientists have developed a novel method to control the Berry phase of a quantum state in a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, enabling robust quantum logic operations. The approach uses laser light to draw paths for the defect's spin, resulting in insensitive behavior to noise sources.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 19, 2016
Scientists at University of Southampton have developed a new form of eternal data storage that can record the history of humankind for billions of years. The technology uses nanostructured glass and can store unprecedented amounts of data, including major documents from human history.
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.
Researchers at the University of Washington successfully combined two different ultrathin semiconductors to form a new two-dimensional heterostructure. This device allows excitons to be preserved in valleys, enabling critical steps in developing nanoscale technologies that integrate light with electronics.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2016
Researchers developed an imaging device using a loose bundle of optical fibers, enabling non-invasive imaging without lenses or protective housings. The system uses time-of-flight technique to determine fiber positions and can produce images with high resolution.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2016
Researchers create nanowire lasers with exceptional brightness and stability, promising breakthroughs in optoelectronics and photonics. The innovative method uses a simple chemical-dipping process to produce self-assembled nanoscale crystals, plates, and wires composed of cesium, lead, and bromine.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2016
Physicists at TUM have developed a nanolaser that can be integrated onto a silicon chip, paving the way for fast and efficient data processing with light. The technology has the potential to break barriers of current electronics.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 11, 2016
Scientists from PTB reduce the measurement uncertainty of their ytterbium clock to 3 E-18, exceeding predictions by Hans Dehmelt in 1981. The achievement showcases the accuracy and stability of optical atomic clocks.
SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 10, 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.
Researchers at Texas A&M University use optogenetics to control immune cells, instructing them to kill cancerous tumor cells. This method allows for fine-tuning of calcium-dependent actions of immune cells to fight against invading pathogens or tumor cells.
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.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a novel quantum light source that can enable perfectly secure communication. By harnessing the quantum properties of light, they've overcome technical challenges in devices that send and receive quantum data.
SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 27, 2016
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at University of Strathclyde discovered that ultra-intense laser light passing through a thin foil can be used to control charged particle motion. This new observation has wide-reaching implications for advancing smaller, cheaper, laser-driven particle accelerators.
SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 12, 2016
A team of MIT researchers has developed a novel way to recycle unwanted infrared light from thermal emitters like incandescent bulbs, improving their efficiency and reducing waste. The innovative design features nanophotonic structures that spectrally filter emitted light, allowing visible light to pass through.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 11, 2016
Researchers developed lipoprotein nanoplatelets with unique properties, rapidly taken up by cells and retaining fluorescence. These particles may enable single-molecule imaging and track metastatic cancer cells, revealing new insights into biological systems.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 5, 2016
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.
Researchers have created a new type of liquid crystal elastomer that can precisely emit laser light without mirrors, while being stretched. This innovation could lead to the development of remote sensors and precisely tunable light sources for various applications.
SourceKent State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 22, 2015
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
A nanotechnology breakthrough from DTU allows printing of high-resolution data and colour images at 127,000 DPI, comparable to weekly magazines.
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 16, 2015
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A novel spectral confocal microscopy technique enables the visualization of silver- and gold-labeled neurons in three dimensions, providing high-resolution images that can be archived for decades. This method retains image quality even with repeated light exposure, making it ideal for studying neurological disorders and cancer.
Researchers used optogenetics, fMRI, and electrophysiology to track brain activity and show how stimulation frequencies affect arousal. They found that altering deep-brain circuit firing frequency dramatically alters forebrain activity and alertness levels.
Engineers tested ATLAS's precision by simulating launch vibrations and temperature changes to ensure accurate beam alignment. The automatic steering mechanism adjusts the laser beams to hit specific spots on Earth, generating a precise electrical signal.
The OIST team developed an on-off switch with ultrathin optical fibers, using the quantum properties of rubidium atoms in the presence of different wavelengths of light. This proof-of-concept system could be used as a building block in a quantum network, enabling efficient data transfer and security.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateDec 7, 2015
Researchers developed nanoparticles that target and burst when exposed to near-infrared laser light, releasing therapeutic agents that alter gene activity in cancer stem cells. The study used human prostate-cancer cells and tumors, showing promise for overcoming biological barriers to gene-regulating agents.
SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 3, 2015
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.
Researchers at Caltech developed a novel technique called TRUME that utilizes microbubbles to focus light inside biological tissue. The technique can be used as an effective 'guidestar' to target specific locations in tissues, enabling minimally invasive treatments such as tumor destruction and diagnostic imaging. This innovation has t...
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2015
By exploiting polarization of light, MIT researchers have developed a system that can increase the resolution of conventional 3D imaging devices up to 1,000 times. The technique uses coarse depth estimates and real-time calculations to provide high-quality 3D images.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 1, 2015
Researchers have discovered that silicon nanocones can intensify luminescence by up to 200 times compared to nanocolumns. This is due to the amplification of electromagnetic waves through whisper gallery modes, which facilitate increased electron excitation and release of light.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2015
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.
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
Scientists at EPFL show how a light-induced force can push the capabilities of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) even further. They overcame limitations by amplifying molecular vibrations with light, increasing sensitivity and resolution.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 23, 2015
A team of scientists has successfully developed a working prototype of a 'shoebox-sized accelerator on a chip,' which could revolutionize fields like biology, chemistry, and materials science. The $13.5 million grant-funded project aims to make particle accelerators smaller, cheaper, and more accessible.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·DateNov 19, 2015