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A quantum leap forward?

Physicist Jeff Barrett and colleagues are analyzing old notes by Hugh Everett III to understand how to measure physical objects in quantum mechanics. The effort aims to resolve the quantum measurement problem, a long-standing puzzle in physics.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateNov 23, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vibrations key to efficiency of green fluorescent protein

University of California, Berkeley chemists use ultrafast laser pulses to study green fluorescent protein's structural changes during fluorescence. The study reveals the importance of vibrational oscillations in proton transfer reactions, shedding light on how GFP captures and emits light.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 2009

Near vision research study

A research study is being conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational corneal inlay in reducing the need for reading glasses. The inlay, called AcuFocus Corneal Inlay (ACI), is intended to improve near vision in patients with presbyopia, a natural loss of near vision that occurs after age 45.

SourceThe Cornea and Laser Eye Institute, P.A.·DateNov 5, 2009
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.

Science begins at the world's most powerful X-ray laser

The Linac Coherent Light Source has embarked on pioneering research in physics, structural biology, energy science, chemistry, and more. Researchers have successfully observed atomic physics phenomena with unprecedented detail, creating stop-action movies of molecules in motion.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·DateNov 2, 2009

Researchers use trident laser to accelerate protons to record energies

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have achieved world-record energies in laser-accelerated particles, accelerating protons to 254 million miles per hour. The technique has potential applications in cancer treatment and is expected to contribute to future advances in modern cancer radiotherapy.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 2, 2009

An exquisite container

Researchers have developed a tiny, gold nanocage that responds to light and releases carefully titrated amounts of chemotherapy drugs at specific tissue sites. The system is designed to maximize the beneficial effects of the medication while minimizing side effects.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 1, 2009
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.

Scientists build first 'frequency comb' to display visible 'teeth'

Researchers at NIST and University of Konstanz create a frequency comb that can be visually observed, allowing for precise measurement of visible light frequencies. The new comb has approximately 50,000 distinct 'teeth' separated enough to be seen with the naked eye, enabling applications in astronomy, communications, and other fields.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2009

Next-generation microcapsules deliver 'chemicals on demand'

Researchers have developed phototriggerable microcapsules that burst and release chemicals upon light exposure, opening doors for targeted medical treatments and various industrial uses. The innovation uses laser light to convert nanotubes into heat, bursting the nylon capsule and releasing its contents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 28, 2009

Caltech scientists first to trap light and sound vibrations together in nanocrystal

Researchers at Caltech have created a nanoscale crystal device that confines both light and sound vibrations in the same tiny space. This enables the manipulation of sound and light waves with frequencies as high as tens of gigahertz, opening up potential applications in lightwave communication systems, biosensors, and more.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Pushing the cold frontier in an orderly fashion

Researchers at two Italian universities create method to transfer entropy from potassium atoms to surrounding rubidium atoms, enabling control over ultra-cold matter. This breakthrough technique opens new possibilities for physics research at extremely low temperatures and entropies.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 28, 2009

Diamonds are a laser's best friend

Researchers in Australia have developed the first efficient diamond Raman laser, achieving an efficiency of 63.5%, comparable to existing lasers built with other materials. This technology has potential applications in defense technologies, trace gas detectors, medical devices, and satellite mapping.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateSep 18, 2009
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.

Portable and precise gas sensor could monitor pollution and detect disease

A team of Princeton and Rice University researchers has developed a new method to identify nitric oxide using lasers and sensors, making it possible for large-scale deployment. The device can detect tiny amounts of the gas in the air or human breath, monitoring pollution and detecting disease such as asthma.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2009

Light at the speed of a bicycle and much more

Advances in optics and photonics are transforming our daily lives with innovations like optical fibers, lasers, and medical imaging techniques. Researchers are now exploring the potential of plasmonics to develop metamaterial-based invisibility cloaks and super-strength solar cells.

SourceIOP Publishing·DateSep 9, 2009

Laser pulses control single electrons in complex molecules

Physicists and chemists have successfully controlled individual, negatively charged particles within a group of electrons in complex molecules. They used femtosecond laser pulses to manipulate the motion of outer electrons in carbon monoxide molecules.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 1, 2009

World's smallest semiconductor laser heralds new era in optical science

Researchers at UC Berkeley have created the world's smallest semiconductor laser, generating visible light in a space smaller than a single protein molecule. The breakthrough enables innovations like nanolasers for DNA manipulation, faster telecommunications, and optical computing.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2009
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.

New nanolaser key to future optical computers and technologies

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully created a nanolaser called spaser, which emits visible light and could revolutionize future technologies based on nanophotonic circuitry. The device overcomes the limitation of current lasers being too large to integrate into electronic chips.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2009

Breaking barriers with nanoscale lasers

Researchers at Arizona State University and Technical University of Eindhoven have made a breakthrough in creating nanoscale lasers, which can improve computer performance and speed up Internet access. The new design uses a combination of semiconductors and metals to confine light and achieve a laser with the smallest thickness ever pr...

SourceArizona State University·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 28, 2009
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.

NIST develops novel ion trap for sensing force and light

The NIST-developed stylus trap is a highly sensitive device that can sense small forces and transfer individual light particles with high efficiency. This technology has potential applications in quantum key cryptography, quantum computing, and surface characterization.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 1, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The sound of light: Innovative technology shatters the barriers of modern light microscopy

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich developed a new technology that allows for high-resolution imaging of tissue depth using sound waves. The technique, called multispectral opto-acoustic tomography, uses flashes of laser light to create small shock waves, which are then analyzed to generate detailed images of internal organs and tissues.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 30, 2009

Nanocrystals reveal activity within cells

Researchers have developed bio-friendly nanocrystals that act as individual investigators of activity within a cell. These nanocrystals can track proteins in real-time, allowing for the study of biomolecules one at a time. The breakthrough has significant implications for understanding complex biological systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2009

Red giant star Betelgeuse is mysteriously shrinking

UC Berkeley researchers have found that Betelgeuse, the bright reddish star in the constellation Orion, has steadily shrunk over the past 15 years. The star's diameter has decreased by more than 15% since 1993, a change that is striking to observe.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 9, 2009
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.

Scientists create metal that pumps liquid uphill

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a metal slab that can lift liquids using capillary action, moving them at speeds faster than nature. The metal's surface structure can be controlled to direct liquid flow or even create hydrophobic surfaces that prevent germ growth.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 2, 2009

NIST's LIDAR may offer peerless precision in remote measurements

Researchers at NIST have developed a laser ranging system that can pinpoint objects with nanometer precision over distances up to 100 kilometers. The novel LIDAR system combines the best of two approaches and features rapid updates from multiple reference points simultaneously every 200 microseconds.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 24, 2009
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.

New system for detection of single atoms

Researchers have developed a new technique to detect individual neutral atoms, which is more accurate and sensitive than previous methods. The system uses a novel means of altering laser light polarization to 'see' the scattered photons, allowing for real-time detection with a speed of less than one-millionth of a second.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 17, 2009

Liquid lens creates tiny flexible laser on a chip

Researchers create Liquid-Gradient Refractive Index (L-GRIN) lenses using water and calcium chloride, enabling precise control over light direction. These fluidic lenses can be fabricated on chips and have potential applications in optical tweezers and medical imaging.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMay 11, 2009

New nanotube coating enables novel laser power meter

A new nanotube-coated power measurement device has been developed at NIST, enabling faster and more accurate calibration of high-power laser systems. The device uses a sprayed-on coating of carbon nanotubes to conduct heat hundreds of times better than conventional materials.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 8, 2009
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.

Catching the lightwave: Nano-mechanical sensors 'wired' by photonics

Yale researchers have demonstrated silicon-based nanocantilevers that operate on photonic principles, enabling ultra-sensitive measurements at the atomic level. The system can detect as little deflection as 0.0001 Angstroms, and a sensor multiplex format allows for complex measurements of patterns simultaneously.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 26, 2009

MIT: Making waves in the brain

Researchers at MIT have discovered a way to induce gamma brain waves by shining laser light onto the brains of mice, using optogenetics to manipulate individual nerve cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into the role of gamma oscillations in regulating brain functions and may lead to new treatments for brain-related disorders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2009
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.

At the limits of the photoelectric effect

Researchers at PTB found that with xenon, a whole light-wave packet seems to knock out a huge number of internal electrons, dependent on material properties. This discovery challenges current models of the photoelectric effect and has significance for future experiments in materials research.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 24, 2009

World's brightest X-ray machine comes online at SLAC

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) produces the world's brightest X-ray laser, allowing researchers to capture molecular details with unprecedented resolution. This technology has far-reaching implications for medicine, energy research, and other fields.

SourceStanford University·DateApr 21, 2009

Scientists demonstrate laser with controlled polarization

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a laser technology that allows control over the polarization direction of emitted radiation. This innovation has vast implications for various applications, including satellite communications, biomolecule detection, and quantum cryptography.

SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 13, 2009
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.

McGill researchers squeeze light out of quantum dots

Researchers discovered a parasitic effect when powering quantum dot amplifiers and were able to overcome it, leading to the most efficient amplifier ever measured. This breakthrough has enormous potential significance for laser technology, telecommunications, and optical computing applications.

SourceMcGill University·DateApr 2, 2009

Making a point: Picoscale stability in a room-temperature AFM

Researchers at NIST and CU have developed a method to detect and monitor light reflected off the probe needle point, improving AFM stability under ambient conditions. This enables sensitive atomic-scale measurements at room temperature in liquids, with improved image quality and reduced drift.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 25, 2009

Hollow gold nanospheres show promise for biomedical and other applications

Researchers at UCSC developed hollow gold nanospheres with strong, narrow, and tunable light absorption. These particles can target tumors for photothermal cancer therapy, killing cancer cells with near-infrared light irradiation. The ability to tune optical properties makes them highly versatile for various applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateMar 22, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Atomic fountain clocks are becoming still more stable

A new method developed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) improves the stability of caesium fountain clocks by reducing measurement times and increasing accuracy. This is achieved through the use of a microwave oscillator stabilized with lasers, allowing for more precise frequency measurements.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMar 18, 2009

Shifting sound to light may lead to better computer chips

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new technique that converts high-frequency sound waves into light, allowing for more accurate characterization of semiconductor devices. This method has the potential to improve the manufacturing process for computer chips, LEDs, and transistors.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 16, 2009

Polarizers may enhance remote chemical detection

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a method to filter out interfering signals in LIBS, allowing for more accurate analysis of suspected bombs and other hazardous materials. By using polarizing filters, they improved sensitivity while reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 11, 2009
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.

Engineers ride 'rogue' laser waves to build better light sources

Engineers at UCLA have successfully harnessed 'rogue' laser waves to produce brighter, more stable white light sources. The new technology reduces fluctuations by at least 90% and decreases energy needed by 25%. This breakthrough could pave the way for better clocks, faster cameras, and more powerful radar and communications technologies.

SourceOptica·DateMar 5, 2009

Cross-dressing rubidium may reveal clues for exotic computing

Scientists at NIST's JQI have successfully created ultracold rubidium atoms that exhibit cyclotron motions identical to charged particles in a magnetic field. This breakthrough has the potential to reveal clues for exotic computing and understanding of the fractional quantum Hall effect.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 25, 2009

Laser-sculpted optical devices for future giant telescopes

New research demonstrates how laser-based techniques can create micron-sized light pathways in three dimensions, enabling the detection of faint light from extrasolar planets and galaxies. This technology has the potential to improve the sensitivity and precision of future telescopes, such as the planned European ELT.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 5, 2009
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.

Inner workings of photosynthesis revealed by powerful new laser technique

A new laser-based technique has unraveled some of the inner workings of photosynthesis by capturing instantaneous images of energy transport between electrons in molecules. This allows scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms involved, which is crucial for harnessing this process as an alternative energy source.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 5, 2009

Beaming new light on life

Physicists and chemists at the University of Utah developed a new method using silver nanoparticles to visualize internal structures in nearly opaque biological materials. The technique allows for the detection of fatigue in materials like carbon-fiber plastics used in aircraft, enabling regular inspections of fuselage integrity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 4, 2009

Targeted nanospheres find, penetrate, then fuel burning of melanoma

Researchers developed peptide-guided hollow gold spheres that target and penetrate melanoma cells, then kill them when exposed to near-infrared light. The nanospheres achieve an 8-fold increase in tumor destruction compared to untargeted nanoparticles, demonstrating potential for minimally invasive cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 2, 2009
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.

Super-resolution microscopy takes on a third dimension

Scientists have developed a new imaging technology that produces the best three-dimensional resolution ever seen with an optical microscope, allowing them to pinpoint fluorescent labels in all three dimensions. This breakthrough will help reveal how biomolecules organize themselves into cellular structures and signaling complexes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2009

Blue light destroys antibiotic-resistant staph infection

Researchers have discovered that blue light can effectively destroy two common strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a laboratory setting. The study found that high-dose photo-irradiation using 470-nm blue light was able to kill up to 90.4% of the bacteria, making it a promising potential treatment for MRSA i...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateJan 29, 2009