Research using lasers and light-based technology. Covers electron control, metalens optics, mid-flight drone charging, and water purification.
Weizmann Institute researchers found that measuring a single atom's spin can collapse its superposition into one state. By adjusting the polarization of the emitted photon, they demonstrate that observers can influence the spin collapse, suggesting an 'action-at-a-distance' effect.
Researchers have developed metasurfaces that can manipulate and control light, enabling new optical technologies with applications in solar cells, computers, and telecommunications. The technology uses metamaterials to harness surface plasmons and reduce the size of photons, promising breakthroughs in nanophotonic devices.
The new device uses a polymer sheet with fluorescent particles to capture incoming light and channel it to an array of sensors. This allows for the creation of high-resolution images without any internal components or electronics. The technology has potential applications in user interface devices that can respond to gestures alone.
Scientists have developed wavelength-modulated Raman spectroscopy to overcome challenges in using the method in a clinical setting. The technique enables clean extraction of Raman signals even with high auto-fluorescence backgrounds and ambient light.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed a novel way to manipulate massive particles using nanosecond long flashes of laser light, enabling precise measurements of small forces and fields. This breakthrough allows for the investigation of quantum wave nature in both single molecules and clusters of molecules.
Researchers at EPFL have created a device that combines holographic microscopy and computational image processing to observe living biological tissues at the nanoscale. Three-dimensional images of living cells can be obtained in just a few minutes with an incredibly precise resolution of less than 100 nanometers.
A Stanford researcher has developed a non-invasive technique to measure the mechanical properties of an intact spider web, revealing surprising variations in stiffness and supercontraction. The study provides insights into the behavior of nature's strongest material and its potential applications in engineering bio-inspired materials.
Scientists use single quantum dots to excite plasmons in metal wires, creating precise images of electric field intensity with 12-nm accuracy. This technique enables new hybrid electronics by combining photonics and electronics for efficient sensing and processing.
Researchers at Penn State have successfully created single layers of the rare mineral tungstenite, forming triangular structures that exhibit photoluminescent properties. These findings hold promise for various optical technologies, including light detection and laser technology.
Researchers have uncovered the elastic properties of spider silk, with variations among fibers, junctions, and glue spots. The findings provide a blueprint for structural engineering of strong, stretchy, and elastic materials.
Researchers at NIST have developed a way to predictably increase or decrease the intensity of quantum dot fluorescence by using DNA templates and controlling distances between gold nanoparticles. This breakthrough enables potential applications in photodetectors, chemical sensors, and nanoscale lasers.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a novel chip-scale instrument using carbon nanotubes to measure laser power with high accuracy. The mini-radiometer achieves this by absorbing light over a broad range of wavelengths and converting it to heat, allowing for precise measurements.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired coating that enhances LED light extraction by up to 55 percent. The innovative design mimics the natural structure of firefly lanterns, which reduces internal reflections and allows more light to escape, ultimately making LEDs brighter while using less energy.
Rice University researchers have found a way to selectively heat diverse nanoparticles using short laser pulses. They demonstrated the effect in common gold nanoparticles, nanoparticle clusters, and mixed nanorods and nanoshells, showing narrow photothermal spectra and spectral selectivity.
A new therapeutic ultrasound approach converts light to sound, focusing high-pressure waves to finer points than ever before. The device can blast and cut with pressure, rather than heat, potentially operating painlessly.
Researchers at Rice University have created a method to trigger biochemical reactions remotely on demand by exposing plasmonic gold nanoparticles to near-infrared light, enabling chemical processes to occur at lower temperatures. This technology has great potential for industrial applications, including energy savings and more sustaina...
Researchers at Caltech developed a new waveguide that channels light and focuses surface plasmon polaritons to achieve nanoscale precision. The device has the potential to revolutionize biological imaging and computer storage by allowing for high-resolution maps of molecules and increased memory capacity.
Researchers found that blackbody radiation shifts caused by surrounding chamber temperature can impose limits on atomic clock precision. The study, led by Charles Clark and Marianna Safronova, explores how ytterbium atoms are affected by this faint form of influence, crucial for future clock recalibrations.
A new diffraction spectrometer uses a webcam and diffraction grating to achieve sub-picometer accuracy in laser tuning. The instrument is simple enough for undergraduate physics labs, providing training in optics and the wave nature of light.
Curiosity rover analyzed its first solid sample of Mars using the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite. The analysis included separating molecules, identifying chemicals, and detecting volatiles and isotopes to search for signs of life.
Researchers challenge a long-held hypothesis on water's surface charge, finding that intrinsic properties of water molecules are responsible. Using advanced techniques like nonlinear optics and light diffusion, scientists detect negative charges even in the absence of impurities.
Scientists have developed a method to prevent 'light shifts' in atomic energy levels using pulsed radiation. The 'hyper' Ramsey excitation scheme suppresses the effect, allowing for more accurate measurements and potentially greater accuracy in optical clocks.
Researchers have developed new tiny probes called BRIGHTs that bind to biomarkers of disease and light up to reveal their location when swept by an infrared laser. These probes, made of gold nanoparticles with Raman reporters, create an electromagnetic hotspot that boosts the reporters' emission by a factor of nearly a trillion.
Researchers have created self-bending light beams that can move along curved paths and heal themselves, potentially using them to manipulate particles and data. Meanwhile, scientists have also designed ultralight fractal materials that could be used to build solar sails with reduced weight, potentially improving space propulsion.
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck propose a novel method for powering lasers through heat, which could provide internal cooling and revolutionize microchip technology. The concept involves using temperature gradients to separate cold and warm areas in the laser, allowing for efficient energy transfer.
Scientists at Vienna University of Technology propose a new measuring method using the forward calorimeter at CERN, enabling the creation of the world's most precise stopwatch for light pulses. This could revolutionize quark-gluon plasma physics and open up new avenues for nuclear research.
Researchers at Caltech engineer a new class of microsensors using laser light, enabling detection of motions in tens of microseconds. The sensors can measure both extremely small and large accelerations, making them valuable for various applications including oil and gas exploration and biomedical uses.
Two teams explore using natural silk for implantable sensors, compostable lasers, and microfibers integrated into photonic chips. Silk's optical properties make it an attractive material for biocompatible and biodegradable applications.
Researchers at University of Luxembourg develop method to observe and prevent solar cell degradation before production, improving industry efficiency. Thin film solar cells can be degraded during production, but new findings show it's reversible with quick treatment.
A compact, portable Raman spectrometer using a green laser pointer detects extremely minute traces of hazardous chemicals in real-time. The system's modular design enables rapid field deployment to disaster zones and areas with security concerns.
Montserrat Fernández-Vallejo has developed the longest fibre-optic sensor network measuring 250 km with a multiplexing capability, enabling remote monitoring of large infrastructures. The network addresses three main challenges: multiplexing sensors, ensuring continued service in case of faults, and allowing remote monitoring.
Researchers created photoluminescent nanoparticles that shine clearly through over 3 centimeters of biological tissue. The particles, made with calcium-fluoride shells and thulium core, provide high-contrast imaging without adverse effects.
Researchers in Dresden observed how electrons in individual quantum dots absorb energy and emit it as light. They used scanning near-field microscopy to excite electrons and measure their energy levels.
A prototype sensor array worn on the chest automatically creates a digital map of the wearer's environment, recognizing movement between floors. The system is envisioned as a tool to help emergency responders coordinate disaster response by providing accurate location estimates and visual features of the surroundings.
Griffith University researchers have developed a new technique for ultra-precise motion tracking using quantum-enhanced optical phase tracking. By combining
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an all-optical photonic switch made from cadmium sulfide nanowires, enabling faster and more efficient light manipulation. This breakthrough paves the way for significant advancements in photonics and its applications in computing.
A University of Central Florida research team has created a 67-attosecond laser pulse, allowing scientists to watch electrons move in atoms and molecules. The technique, called Double Optical Grating, enables extreme ultraviolet light to be concentrated into the shortest possible pulse.
UCF researchers have made a breakthrough in nanotechnology by developing nanoclusters that can diffuse high-energy laser beams. These tiny clusters of gold particles have the potential to protect pilots and sensitive equipment from destructive lasers, providing a new level of safety for these applications.
Researchers successfully probed the effects of light on matter at the atomic scale by mixing x-ray and optical light waves. This technique allows them to directly measure how light manipulates chemical bonds in materials, enabling new insights into light-matter interactions.
Kansas State University professor Matthias Kling has received a $750,000 award to study electron dynamics in nanostructures with strong laser fields. His research could lead to speeding up electrons by a factor of 100,000, improving communication technology.
Researchers at Harvard University have created an ultrathin flat lens that focuses light without imparting distortions, approaching the physical limit set by diffraction laws. The device is scalable and simple to manufacture, making it a promising new technology for fiber-optic communications.
A new super-resolution microscope will be built at the University of Houston with a $1 million grant, allowing scientists to study the chemical properties of surfaces more accurately. The device combines sum frequency generation and compressive sensing imaging techniques to provide detailed data on surface reactions.
Researchers at Clemson University have developed optical fibers using highly purified silica and sapphire, pushing the limits of current fiber technology. The goal is to create stronger and more durable fiber material for telecommunications and high-energy applications.
Researchers have successfully produced and implemented single particles of light into a quantum key distribution link, enabling secure communication networks. The experiment uses semiconductor nanostructures to emit single photons with high efficiency, making it possible to transmit keys over longer distances without interception.
A team of scientists aims to create novel materials that change shape in response to external stimuli like heat or light. The researchers will use high-throughput techniques to identify components that can be combined to produce interesting effects.
Researchers at HZDR demonstrate proton acceleration in the direction of the laser light, achieving unprecedented high energies. This breakthrough enables future cancer therapy applications with ultra-short pulse lasers.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a plasma-based technology that produces high-energy light, which can be used to etch next-generation microchips with 13.5-nanometer wavelengths. This breakthrough has the potential to overcome the industry's current limitations and enable further miniaturization of electronics.
Researchers from CCNY and UC Berkeley have created rewritable computer chips using a beam of light. The technique, published in Nature Communications, uses laser light to control the spin of an atom's nucleus for encoding information.
Caltech engineers enable focusing of light deep into biological tissue, opening up possibilities for non-invasive diagnoses and treatments. The technique uses ultrasound waves to shift the frequency of light, allowing for image creation without scattering effects.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab develop 3D optical cavities with potential to generate intense nanolaser beams, suitable for various technologies including LEDs and optical sensing. The unique electromagnetic properties of these cavities enable new approaches for designing nano-scale optical cavities.
Researchers estimate that ice may make up 22 percent of Shackleton crater's surface material using laser light from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The team discovered the crater's floor is brighter than nearby craters, indicating possible ice presence.
Scientists have demonstrated that they can control the length and height of plasmons on graphene using an electrical circuit, opening up possibilities for information processing in tight spaces. This breakthrough uses infrared light to excite surface plasmons with wavelengths as short as 100 nanometers.
An international team produced a coherent beam that includes X-rays for the first time using a setup on a laboratory table. The researchers converted part of the original laser energy into a super-continuum of light extending well into the X-ray region, enabling the study of fastest physical processes in nature.
A research team at CU-Boulder has generated laser-like beams of X-rays from a tabletop device, enabling super-high-resolution imaging and providing insights into the nanoworld. The breakthrough device uses atoms in a gas to efficiently combine low-energy photons, generating high-energy X-ray photons.
A new imaging technology captures unprecedented speed and precision of embryogenesis, enabling quantitative analyses of developmental processes. The SiMView light sheet microscope allows users to track each cell in an embryo as it takes shape over hours or days.
Iowa State researchers have found a new photo-excited graphene state characterized by broadband population inversion of electrons, resulting in optical gain. This discovery could enable the development of efficient amplifiers and opto-electronics devices.
Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute store and replay two separate images, a feat of cinematography, using a room-temperature vapor of atoms. The new storage process has great promise for quantum information and may lead to the development of a random access memory for continuous variable quantum information.
A team of American researchers has created an array of 25,000 individual invisibility cloaks that can slow down or stop light, creating a trapped rainbow. This technology enables 'spectroscopy on-a-chip' for detailed analysis of biological materials.
Physicists have successfully trapped and cooled exotic particles called excitons, condensing them into a giant matter wave that coheres at extremely low temperatures. This breakthrough allows scientists to better study the physical properties of excitons, promising applications in efficient solar energy harvesting and ultrafast computing.
Researchers at Stanford and Penn have developed an invisible photodetector that uses plasmonic cloaking to detect light. The device features silicon nanowires covered by a thin gold cap, which cancels out reflected light through destructive interference, rendering the device invisible.