Introducing the disposable laser
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.
Laser Light
Articles tagged with Laser Light
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.
Hybrid nanoantennas -- next-generation platform for ultradense data recording
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.
Superfast light source made from artificial atom
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.
One minus 1 does not always equal 0 in chemistry
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.
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.
Nano-magnets produce 3-dimensional images
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.
Nature Photonics: Light source for quicker computer chips
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.
New nanodevice shifts light's color at single-photon level
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.
New optogenetic tool moves proteins within cells to study biological changes
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.
Controlling integrated optical circuits using patterns of light
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.
A twist on Hanbury Brown -- Twiss interferometry offers new approach for remote sensing
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.
Oregon researchers use light and sound waves to control electron states
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.
Stanford scientists improve perovskite solar-cell absorbers by giving them a squeeze
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.
A movie of the microworld: Physicists create nanoparticle picture series
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.
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.
Phone-based laser rangefinder works outdoors
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.
New technique for rapidly killing bacteria using tiny gold disks and light
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.
Laser beams with a 'twist'
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.
PolyU develops novel nano biosensor for rapid detection of flu virus
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.
Light helps the transistor laser switch faster
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.
Unique optical trapping system offers way to launch high-power laser light
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.
New laser achieves wavelength long sought by laser developers
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.
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.
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.
Successful real-time observation of atomic motion with sub-nanometer resolution
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.
Moving electrons around loops with light: A quantum device based on geometry
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.
Eternal 5D data storage could record the history of humankind
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.
UW scientists create ultrathin semiconductor heterostructures for new technologies
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.
Imaging with an 'optical brush'
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.
'Lasers rewired': Scientists find a new way to make nanowire lasers
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.
Silicon chip with integrated laser: Light from a nanowire
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.
The most accurate optical single-ion clock worldwide
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.
Harnessing the power of light to fight cancer
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.
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.
Scholars look to early 20th century radio technology to help improve Internet security
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.
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.
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.
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.
New twists in the diffraction of intense laser light
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.
Recycling light
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.
Lipoprotein nanoplatelets shed new light on biological molecules and cells
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.
Newly developed liquid crystal elastomer material could enable advanced sensors
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.
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.
This article can be printed on a hair
A nanotechnology breakthrough from DTU allows printing of high-resolution data and colour images at 127,000 DPI, comparable to weekly magazines.
Novel imaging technique captures beauty of metal-labeled neurons in 3-D
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.
Stanford scientists reveal brain circuit mechanisms underlying arousal regulation
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.
NASA tests ICESat-2's laser aim
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.
Using atoms to turn optical nanofiber guided light on and off
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.
'Nanobombs' might deliver agents that alter gene activity in cancer stem cells
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.
Popping microbubbles help focus light inside the body
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...
System boosts resolution of commercial depth sensors 1,000-fold
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.
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.
Whisper gallery modes in Silicon nanocones intensify luminescence
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.
Using light-force to study single molecules
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.
$13.5 million Moore grant to develop working 'accelerator on a chip' prototype
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.
Pioneering research boosts graphene revolution
Researchers have developed a new technique to trap light at the surface of graphene using laser pulses, enabling the steered light to be directed across the material's surface. This breakthrough has significant implications for advances in electronic products, such as sensors and miniaturized integrated circuits.
UW team refrigerates liquids with a laser for the first time
The University of Washington team has made history by cooling water by about 36 degrees Fahrenheit using an infrared laser. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including manufacturing, telecommunications, and defense.
Onion-like layers help this efficient new nanoparticle glow
A new nanoparticle with onion-like layers converts low-energy near-infrared light to higher energy blue and UV light with record-high efficiency. This innovation enables improved performance in technologies such as deep-tissue imaging, security inks for printing money, and bioimaging.
Researchers find way to create wide variety of new holograms
NC State University researchers developed techniques to create ideal geometric phase holograms for any type of optical pattern. These holograms can focus, disperse or modify light efficiently. The breakthrough enables creation of new displays, imaging systems, telecommunications technology and astronomical instruments.