Researchers used high-powered lasers to create table-top supernovae, recreating the explosive events that occur when stars reignite or collapse. The experiments revealed irregular 'knotty' features and intense radio and X-ray emissions, confirming a theory about the interaction between magnetic fields and interstellar material.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 1, 2014
A new laser sensing technology developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, can remotely sense objects across distances up to 30 feet, 10 times farther than current systems. This breakthrough technology has potential applications in self-driving cars, smartphones and interactive video games.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab discovered that certain requirements for laser pulses in emerging small-area particle accelerators can be significantly relaxed. This finding has the potential to bring about a new era of accelerators that would need just a few meters to accelerate particles to great speeds, rather than traditional accelerat...
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMay 28, 2014
A team of MIT researchers has successfully demonstrated a broadband wireless connection to the moon using a laser-based communication system, transmitting data at a rate of 622 megabits per second. The system, which uses multiple telescopes and amplification techniques to overcome atmospheric challenges, has the potential to enable lar...
Scientists at Vienna University of Technology create an 'optical synthesizer' that combines different frequencies to form a characteristic laser waveform, similar to music. This enables the creation of attosecond pulse radiation hundreds of times more intense than previous methods.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 21, 2014
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a way to physically prove a 1934 theory that turned light into matter by smashing two particles of light together. The 'photon-photon collider' experiment uses existing technology to recreate a process important in the universe's first 100 seconds.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 18, 2014
Researchers developed a new technology that can generate visible light deep within the body, activating drugs and destroying tumors. This approach could greatly expand photodynamic therapy's effectiveness, offering fewer side effects and precise targeting of cancer cells.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 15, 2014
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.
Researchers have developed a new concept for simplifying ultrafast lasers, enabling control over multiple parameters and excellent performance potential. The 'frequency domain optical parametric amplification' (FOPA) approach supersedes traditional time domain amplification schemes.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014
University of Central Florida physicists have developed a new ultrafast light source to observe electron motion in molecules, allowing scientists to understand how electrons interact with each other. This breakthrough may lead to improved efficiency in solar cells and unlock new rules for quantum mechanics.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 13, 2014
Researchers developed a broadband imaging technique combining atomic force microscopy and infrared synchrotron light to study complex systems at the nanoscale. The new technique, SINS, enables in-depth investigation of liquid batteries, living cells, and novel materials.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2014
Researchers have studied phytochromes, proteins that detect light and inform plant cells whether it is day or night. The discovery increases understanding of these proteins and may lead to new strategies for developing more efficient crops that can grow in low-light conditions.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2014
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a new tool to investigate the chemistry of nature using ultrashort laser pulses. The tool allows for insights into electronic and structural dynamics of molecules and molecular complexes, revealing mechanisms of molecular processes on subpicosecond timescales.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 29, 2014
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.
Singlet oxygen modifies target molecules through precise location and monitoring its effects on HCN channels in open and closed states. The findings introduce a method for further exploration of singlet oxygen's role in biological processes, including memory, heart rate, pain sensation, and cancer development.
SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateApr 14, 2014
Researchers at KIT and EPFL demonstrated the use of miniaturized optical frequency comb sources for coherent data transmission in the terabit range, achieving a data rate of 1.44 terabits per second over 300 km.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 14, 2014
Scientists at MIT and Harvard have developed a method to couple individual atoms with photons, enabling the creation of quantum switches that can transmit information. This technique allows for the scaling up of quantum computing processing available within small spaces.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2014
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.
Researchers developed an optical diode with nonreciprocal light transmission, eliminating backflow of light. The device enhances light transmission in one direction, leading to faster and cooler computers.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 6, 2014
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism for using light to activate drug-delivering nanoparticles, providing precise control over the release of therapeutic substances. The method employs near-infrared light from a low-power laser to heat pockets of water within non-photo-responsive polymeric nanoparticles infused with drugs.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 1, 2014
Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells that excel at absorbing and emitting light, with a remarkable 70% efficiency rate. These 'wonder cells' can also produce cheap lasers, opening up new applications in telecommunications and light-emitting devices.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 2014
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.
A new system can monitor lubricating oils, hydraulic oils and other fluids in industrial installations without interruption, predicting the best time for an oil change. The compact sensor system uses optical methods to measure the oil's chemical makeup and particle loading, reducing environmental impact and unnecessary costs.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a next-generation solar cell material that can also emit light, doubling its potential applications. The material, made from Perovskite, has been found to be highly luminescent and suitable for both solar energy conversion and light emission.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 24, 2014
Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute discovered that imperfect nanostructures can be used to produce 'nanolasers', which is an ultimately compact and energy-efficient light source. The imperfections in photonic crystal membranes result in controlled reflections, amplifying light and enabling efficient laser production.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 23, 2014
Researchers from the University of Michigan and Princeton have discovered a new kind of magnetic behavior that can help make nuclear fusion reactions more efficient. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in nuclear energy, as fusion generates helium without radioactive waste.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 19, 2014
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.
Scientists have observed phonon polaritons in van der Waals crystals, which can be tunable and long-lived, opening the door for innovative applications in nanoscale devices. The discovery uses infrared light to launch waves that travel across the crystal material, creating interference patterns.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateMar 6, 2014
Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute developed a new optomechanical method that achieves extreme precision in measuring radio waves by avoiding noise with laser light. The detector can operate at room temperature, reducing the need for expensive cooling measures.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2014
ICFO researchers develop plasmonic nano-tweezers that trap and manipulate nano-scale objects without mechanical contact, enabling 3D displacement. This technique has potential applications in medicine and nanotechnology.
SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 2, 2014
Scientists used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to take snapshots of individual free molecules, overcoming hurdles in imaging single molecules. The technique enables the study of ultra-fast molecular dynamics with unprecedented precision and detail.
SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2014
A team of researchers from the University at Buffalo and two Chinese universities has developed an optical nanocavity that boosts the amount of light ultrathin semiconductors absorb. The advancement could lead to more powerful photovoltaic cells, faster video cameras, and potentially aid in developing hydrogen fuel.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 26, 2014
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.
Researchers have developed a new optical device that can measure blood coagulation parameters in near real time, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment of bleeding patients. The device uses laser speckle rheology to detect changes in blood sample patterns, providing insights into clotting time and fibrinogen concentration.
SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 24, 2014
Researchers developed a unique, compact imaging device to 'light up' malignant brain tumors using scorpion venom protein and a laser. The system consists of a special camera and an imaging agent that targets cancer cells, enabling neurosurgeons to remove more tumor and spare healthy tissue during surgery.
SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNeurosurgical FOCUS·DateFeb 24, 2014
Researchers at Caltech have created a new laser that can carry vast amounts of information, increasing data transmission rates in optical-fiber networks. The high-coherence laser has a 20 times narrower range of frequencies than previous lasers, enabling faster and more efficient communication.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2014
A team of Belgian researchers successfully developed a stretchable optical interconnection that can be bent and stretched without losing its light-gathering ability. The new material consists of a transparent core surrounded by a lower refractive index layer, which traps light and causes it to propagate along its length.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers at NIST and JPL have designed a detector array that can extract more information than usual from single particles of light. The new device can record signal timing, enabling the use of pulse position modulation to encode multiple bits of information in space optical communications.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 12, 2014
A team of scientists, led by Tom Murphy, found that the performance of laser-based reflectors on the Moon's surface is negatively affected during full moon nights due to accumulated moon dust and heating. The effect was later confirmed during a lunar eclipse in December 2010.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIcarus·DateFeb 11, 2014
Scientists discovered that Amazon forest canopy greening during the dry season is not caused by biophysical changes, but rather by shadowing within the canopy and satellite observation artifacts. Correcting for this issue reveals a relatively constant greenness and canopy structure throughout the dry season.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2014
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new type of laser that can detect very low concentrations of gases in exhaled breath and the atmosphere. The laser's high power and efficiency make it suitable for detecting gases such as methane and ethane, which are important in global warming.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 30, 2014
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.
A new approach to produce transparent projection screens has been developed by a MIT team, enabling wide viewing angle, scalability to large size, and low cost. The technology uses color-sensitive nanoparticles to create a material that lets most ambient light pass through while scattering specific colors for high-resolution images.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2014
A team at TUM has developed a glass-based detector that accurately determines the form of light waves in individual femtosecond pulses. The new detector simplifies measurements of ultrafast physical processes and enables the generation of stable attosecond light flashes with controlled shape.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 13, 2014
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that modeling secondary light emission as Raman scattering can predict its dependence on laser power and wavelength, leading to improved biological and medical imaging modalities. This breakthrough has significant implications for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014
Researchers have developed a new holographic process that utilizes an image-stabilized X-ray camera to improve imaging efficiency and resolution. The method, which uses a Fresnel zone plate to increase brightness, enables the study of fast dynamic processes at the nanoscale.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 7, 2014
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 have developed a highly sensitive system to detect individual molecules using a 'golden trap' technique. By creating a customized environment with gold nanoparticles and DNA, they can capture and identify single molecules, opening up possibilities for early disease detection in medical diagnostics.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 16, 2013
Researchers at Purdue University and Macquarie University have developed a way to control the length of time light from luminescent nanocrystals lingers, exponentially boosting detection capabilities. This technology can identify thousands of different target molecules simultaneously, far surpassing current limits.
SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 15, 2013
Researchers from the University of Houston have discovered a catalyst that can quickly generate hydrogen from water using sunlight, producing twice as much hydrogen as oxygen. The technology has potential as a clean and renewable source of energy, but its efficiency rate is still too low to be commercially viable at present.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 15, 2013
Pretreating intradermal vaccination with near-infrared laser light improves vaccine effectiveness by increasing immune system activity and survival rates in a mouse model. The treatment also increases antibody production and dendritic cell concentrations, indicating a safe alternative to chemical adjuvants.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013
Researchers at the Laboratory for Attosecond Physics have developed a system to precisely measure the duration of energetic electron pulses using laser fields. This allows for the investigation of ultrafast processes in atoms and molecules, providing insights into nature's smallest scales.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 9, 2013
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.
Researchers used ultrashort laser pulses to study how bacteria and algae efficiently gather light, suggesting that quantum interactions play a subtle role in energy transfers. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but understanding the role of quantum coherence may help develop more efficient solar technologies.
SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 6, 2013
Scientists have demonstrated laser action in semiconductor nanowires that emit light at technologically useful wavelengths and operate at room temperature. The nanowire lasers could represent the next step in developing smaller, faster, more energy-efficient sources of light for various applications.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2013
A new method to detect and identify molecules has been discovered by Richard Martel's team, enabling the use of optical scanners to pinpoint particles. The technique uses nanoprobes composed of dye molecules aligned inside carbon nanotubes, which amplify Raman signals up to a million times stronger than other molecules.
SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 2, 2013
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.
Researchers have created a way to measure Bose-Einstein condensates, the coldest objects in the universe, by canceling out light damage. This allows for longer imaging and potentially indefinite measurement, enabling further study of BECs.
SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 27, 2013
Researchers at UNL's Extreme Light Laboratory developed a novel method to generate research-quality X-rays using a 'tabletop' laser, increasing accessibility to the technology. The new device produces high-energy X-rays with potential applications in Homeland Security, medical imaging, and scientific research.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 24, 2013
Researchers from HZDR simulated a plasma jet at high resolution, following the electrons in the jet. The simulation used enormous computing power to analyze billions of particles, enabling comparison with astronomical observations.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new hologram technology using tiny nanoantennas that can control light with unprecedented efficiency. The metasurface, thousands of V-shaped nanoantennas, enables the creation of ultra-efficient devices for sensing, displays and information processing.
SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2013
Physicists at the University of Warsaw and Hanover demonstrate that experimentally available squeezed states are optimal for improving the precision of measurements in gravitational wave detectors. This breakthrough improves sensitivity by up to 30%, allowing for more accurate detection of subtle spacetime vibrations.
SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review A·DateNov 13, 2013
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.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to image individual carbon nanotubes, allowing for the characterization of their electronic and optical properties. This breakthrough enables the identification of specific species of nanotubes in functional devices, crucial for advancing nanotube technology.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 12, 2013
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed polymers that 'snap' when triggered by light, converting light energy into mechanical work. This phenomenon enables flexible devices with potential applications in robotics and biomedical engineering.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2013
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are developing a new method to deliver genes that allow expression of light-sensitive proteins, enabling optogenetic stimulation. This technique holds promise for treating neurological disorders and understanding brain function.
Physicists at NIST create a compact atomic clock design that relies on cold rubidium atoms, promising improved precision and stability. The new design has the potential to be smaller and more precise than existing chip-scale atomic clocks.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review A·DateNov 6, 2013
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.
University of Helsinki researchers have developed photochemically active polymers that can switch from a trans conformation to a cis conformation using light. This phenomenon allows for the creation of complex patterns and designs in liquids, opening up new possibilities for materials science and optics.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalMacromolecules·DateNov 4, 2013
Researchers have achieved a quadruple intensity increase in terahertz quantum cascade laser, producing one watt of radiation. The new design uses two symmetrical lasers joined together, increasing the number of emitted photons and efficiency.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 2013
A Sandia-led team has created a tunable plasmonic crystal that can transmit terahertz light at varying frequencies, increasing bandwidth in high-speed communication networks. The crystal's ability to direct light like a photonic crystal, combined with its sub-wavelength size, hybridizes the two concepts.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 29, 2013
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.
Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive method to measure blood sugar levels using photoacoustic spectroscopy and infrared laser light. The technology has the potential to make diabetes management easier and more reliable without pricking or using test strips.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 25, 2013