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Inner workings of magnets may lead to faster computers

Researchers at CU-Boulder and NIST used X-ray lasers to study magnetism in nickel and iron atoms, finding that each metal behaves differently. The findings could lead to optimized optical energy delivery for hard drive performance.

Optics Express focus issue: Modular ultrafast lasers

The Optics Express Focus Issue on Modular Ultrafast Lasers showcases state-of-the-art developments in femtosecond lasers, enabling new applications in biology, medicine, chemistry, and energy research. Key findings include the generation of broad-bandwidth frequency combs for precision metrology and spectroscopy.

Ultrafast sonograms shed new light on rapid phase transitions

Researchers have developed an ultrafast method to track structural changes in solid materials during phase transitions. This technique sheds new light on vanadium dioxide's fast transformation between transparent and reflective phases. The study provides valuable insights into designing high-speed optical switches using this material.

Metamaterials may advance with new femtosecond laser technique

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method to create three-dimensional patterns of silver dots using a femtosecond laser. This technique advances nanoscale metal lithography and enables the creation of bulk metamaterials with unique optical properties.

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.

New laser can point the way to new energy harvesting

Researchers at University of East Anglia will use a new ultrafast laser to study molecular energy transfer and design nanomachines and solar collectors. The equipment supports 2D electronic spectroscopy experiments to investigate the link between light-driven processes and molecular architecture.

A rainbow for the palm of your hand

UB researchers develop one-step method to fabricate rainbow-colored polymer with extraordinary properties, reflecting many different wavelengths of light. The material could form basis of handheld multispectral imaging devices for applications in home improvement and biomedical imaging.

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.

3-D laser map shows earthquake zone before and after

Researchers create comprehensive 3-D map of earthquake zone using LiDAR technology, revealing details of fault ruptures and deformation. The study provides insights into how earthquakes change the landscape, shedding light on minor faults that contribute to major earthquakes.

Electrical engineers build 'no-waste' laser

A team of UC San Diego researchers created the smallest room-temperature nanolaser to date, as well as a highly efficient, thresholdless laser that funnels all its photons into lasing without waste. These breakthroughs could enable the development of future optical circuits packed onto tiny computer chips.

Scientists make iron transparent

Researchers at DESY have successfully made atomic nuclei transparent using X-ray light, a crucial step towards developing quantum computers. This achievement demonstrates the effect of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in atomic nuclei and has significant implications for the future of quantum computing.

Good timing: NIST/CU collaboration adds timing capability to living cell sensors

A NIST biophysicist and CU collaborator developed a microfluidic system that records biochemical reactions over milliseconds to seconds in living human cells modified as FRET sensors. The system measures sensor signals at two points in time at a rate of up to 15 cells per second, enabling the study of protein folding or neural activity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Many bodies make 1 coherent burst of light

Rice University researchers have successfully observed superfluorescence in a solid-state material, creating a coherent burst of light. The team used high-intensity laser pulses and strong magnetic fields to create the conditions for this phenomenon, which occurs when electron-hole pairs cooperate.

Scientists create new atomic X-ray laser

Researchers created an atomic X-ray laser by removing electrons from neon gas atoms, creating a 'domino effect' that amplified the laser light. The new technology fulfills a 45-year-old prediction and could lead to breakthroughs in medicine, devices, and materials.

Scientists create first atomic X-ray laser

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created the shortest, purest X-ray laser pulses ever achieved, enabling ultrafast reactions to be seen in detail. This achievement fulfills a 1967 prediction and opens doors for new scientific discoveries.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Cooling semiconductor by laser light

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method for cooling semiconductor membranes using lasers. By heating the material, they were able to cool its fluctuations to minus 269 degrees C.

CCNY's Robert Alfano wins first biomedical optics award

Robert Alfano, CUNY Distinguished Professor of Science and Engineering at CCNY, receives the Britton Chance Biomedical Optics Award for developing non-invasive optical biopsy methods that provide molecular information on cancer cells. His techniques can eliminate wait times and reduce physical trauma of surgery.

Star Trek Tricorder revisited: Toward a genre of medical scanners

A new genre of medical imaging technology uses optical techniques to peer below the skin and through muscle and bone, revealing body structures. Devices such as blood vessel mappers and cancer detectors are already in use or in development, providing non-invasive views for diagnosis and study.

First ever direct measurement of the Earth's rotation

The Earth's rotational axis fluctuates due to gravitational forces and atmospheric pressure. By building a ring laser at the Wettzell observatory, scientists have successfully captured these movements, corroborating Chandler and annual wobble measurements.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

'Nanoantennas' show promise in optical innovations

Researchers at Purdue University have developed nanoantennas that precisely manipulate light, allowing for the alteration of its phase and propagation direction. This enables potential applications in steering and shaping laser beams, nanocircuits for computers, and powerful lenses for microscopes.

A single cell endoscope

Researchers developed a nanowire-based optical probe for single-cell endoscopy, overcoming the diffraction barrier in visible light microscopy. The endoscope can deliver genes, proteins, or therapeutic drugs into cells without damaging them.

MIT research update: Sharpening the lines

A new technique developed by MIT researchers allows for the production of complex shapes on microchips, enabling further leaps in computational power. By combining interference patterns and photochromic materials, the technique can produce features one-eighth the size of traditional photolithography.

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.

Making a light-harvesting antenna from scratch

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis successfully synthesized a chlorosome component, a giant assembly of pigment molecules, and studied its self-assembly properties. The findings suggest that synthetic pigments could be easier to incorporate into solar devices than biomimetics made of proteins.

A smarter way to make ultraviolet light beams

Researchers have optimized a type of optical resonator to boost infrared signals to higher-energy ultraviolet beams using low-power nonlinear processes. This enables the creation of low-cost, wavelength-tunable ultraviolet sources with applications in chemical detection, medical imaging and fine lithography.

Blocked holes can enhance rather than stop light going through

Researchers at Princeton University discovered that blocking small holes in a metal film enhances light transmission by up to 70%. The technique challenges common assumptions in optics and could have significant implications for ultrasensitive detectors. Further investigation is needed to apply this finding to various applications.

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.

City lights could reveal E.T. civilization

Researchers suggest looking for artificial illumination on distant planets as they orbit their stars, which could provide a measurable signal. This technique relies on the assumption that intelligent life uses Earth-like technologies and could potentially spot alien cities using future generations of telescopes.

Solar power could get boost from new light absorption design

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new material that absorbs a wide range of wavelengths, enabling more efficient solar cells. The innovative trapezoid shape could be replicated in semiconducting materials to lead to thinner, lower-cost, and more efficient solar technology.

NASA studying ways to make 'tractor beams' a reality

NASA is studying three experimental methods for capturing and transporting particles using laser light, including optical vortex and solenoid beams. The goal is to develop a system that can collect extraterrestrial samples more efficiently and reduce mission costs.

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.

Single photons for optical information transfer

Using metamaterials to collect and transmit single photons, researchers aim to encode complex information on individual particles of light. This technology could significantly improve data security for the military and other high-stakes applications.

High-quality white light produced by four-color laser source

A recent study conducted by Sandia National Laboratories found that diode lasers can produce high-quality white light comparable to LEDs, which may lead to new lighting technologies. The research used a test involving volunteers and different lighting sources, including LED bulbs, incandescent lights, and diode laser combinations.

Future 'comb on a chip': NIST's compact frequency comb could go places

Researchers at NIST have developed a compact laser frequency comb, the first to use a cavity made of fused silica. The micro-comb is about the size of a shoebox and relies on a low-power laser and the cavity's unusual properties. It has wide spacing between teeth, allowing scientists to easily measure and manipulate them.

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.

For diabetics, spectroscopy may replace painful pinpricks

Researchers have developed a compact Raman spectrograph that can monitor blood sugar levels without daily finger pricks. The new design is five to 20 times smaller than previous models, enabling the creation of portable devices that could also detect other disease markers and identify cancerous tissue.

'Microring' device could aid in future optical technologies

A Purdue University and NIST team developed a microring resonator that converts continuous laser light into numerous ultrashort pulses, enabling applications in advanced sensors, communications systems, and laboratory instruments. The device uses nonlinear interaction to generate frequencies with equal spacing.

A hidden order unraveled

Scientists directly observe quantum-correlated particle-hole pairs in a one-dimensional optical lattice, allowing them to unravel a hidden order in the crystal. The work reveals fluctuations at absolute zero temperature and opens new ways to characterize novel quantum phases of matter.

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.

Caltech team uses laser light to cool object to quantum ground state

Researchers at Caltech have successfully cooled a miniature mechanical object to its lowest possible energy state using laser light, paving the way for the development of exquisitely sensitive detectors and quantum experiments. The achievement uses optical light to extract phonons from the system, creating an efficient optomechanical t...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Single ions -- extremely cool

Researchers from PTB and Hanover have created a novel laser cooling method using a single laser source to bring a magnesium ion to a standstill. This technique allows for more precise measurements of the fine-structure constant, potentially resolving contradictions in astronomical data comparisons.

Stanford engineers create nanoscale nonlinear light source

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a nanoscale nonlinear optical device that can be controlled electronically, offering potential applications in data communications and information processing. The device uses plasmonics to intensify light and produce a powerful electrical field.

Parabolic mirrors concentrate sunlight to power lasers

A team of researchers has proposed a method to harness parabolic mirrors to drive solar-powered lasers, achieving an impressive 35% conversion rate. The new solar lasers would concentrate light with a small parabolic mirror, strike a ceramic disk, and emit laser light of a specific wavelength.

Squeezed laser will bring gravitational waves to the light of day

Researchers from Max Planck Society and Leibniz University Hannover have successfully applied the 'squeezed light' method to improve the sensitivity of the GEO600 gravitational wave detector. This new technology reduces shot noise by a factor of two, allowing for more accurate measurements of tiny changes in space-time.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Taming light

Researchers achieve precise control over ultrashort light pulses, enabling the manipulation of electron motion in atoms and molecules. This breakthrough enables new tools for studying sub-atomic processes and understanding atomic interactions.

New record for measurement of atomic lifetime

Researchers have measured the lifetime of an extremely stable energy level of magnesium atoms with great precision, achieving a record-breaking 2050 seconds. This is the longest lifetime ever measured in a laboratory and has significant implications for the development of ultra-precise atomic clocks.

Aging eyes linked to sleepless nights, new study shows

Researchers found an inverse relationship between blue light transmission and risk of sleep disturbances in the elderly. The study suggests that natural yellowing of the eye lens, which absorbs blue light, may be responsible for insomnia in older adults.

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.

New depiction of light could boost telecommunications channels

Physicists at City College of New York develop a new way to map spiraling light, which can harness untapped data capacity in optical fibers. The Higher Order Poincaré Sphere model reduces complex light patterns to single equations, enabling novel physics and engineering efforts.

Quantum optical link sets new time records

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have successfully maintained entanglement between two gas clouds of caesium atoms for up to an hour using controlled laser light. This breakthrough enables quantum communication and has potential applications in ultra-precise measurements, including studying human brain activity.

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.

New nanostructured glass for imaging and recording

Scientists have created a new type of computer memory using nano-structured glass that can record and store data in a permanent form, revolutionizing medical imaging and material processing. The technology uses ultra-short laser pulses to imprint tiny dots in the glass, enabling precise imaging and manipulation.

Shooting light a curve

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated a technique to control the curved trajectories of Airy beams in real-time, enabling fast-as-light communication systems and optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough uses plasmonic Airy beams to manipulate surface plasmon polaritons, opening doors to new technologies in nano-photonics, biol...

Light unlocks fragrance in laboratory

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a method to stabilize radicals, allowing for controlled release of fragrances. This breakthrough enables slow release of scents over time, useful for household products and medical applications.

Manipulating light at will

Researchers have created a novel metamaterial structure that can 'steer' second-harmonic light, allowing for unprecedented control over light manipulation. This breakthrough has significant implications for all-optical communications and could transform telecommunications technologies.

Physicists report progress in understanding high-temperature superconductors

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, have made significant progress in explaining the unusual properties of high-temperature superconductors using a new theory. The theory, known as Extremely Correlated Fermi Liquids, shows remarkable agreement with experimental data from studies of high-temperature superconductors.

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.