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Sapphire fiber could enable cleaner energy and air-travel

Researchers have developed a sensor made of sapphire fibre that can withstand temperatures over 2000°C, enabling significant improvements in efficiency and emission reduction in aerospace and power generation. The technology has potential applications in space and fusion power industries.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microdrones with light-driven nanomotors

Würzburg physicists have developed microdrones that can be precisely controlled on a surface using light-driven nanomotors. The drones consist of polymer discs with up to four independently addressable nanomotors, enabling efficient propulsion and control in aqueous environments.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Stanford engineers develop new kind of 3D printing

Researchers have developed a way to print 3D objects within a stationary volume of resin, removing the need for support structures. This technique uses triplet fusion upconversion nanocapsules to create blue light, enabling the printing of complex designs with improved efficiency and reduced material usage.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Optical vortex crystals for photonic simulations of complex systems

Scientists at IIT realized coupled light vortices forming an ordered structure, a light crystal. They developed metasurfaces to control laser beams and created 100 light vortices with tunable topology, enabling new properties for optical communications and simulations of complex systems.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

UCF-developed real-time blood monitor saves doctors critical time during surgery

The UCF-developed real-time blood monitor uses an optical fiber to assess blood status and can be inserted directly into heart-lung machines or catheters without withdrawing blood from patients. This device has been shown to save doctors critical time during life-or-death operations, particularly in surgeries on infants.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalSoft Matter·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Astronomers detect galactic space laser

A team of astronomers led by Dr Marcin Glowacki have detected the most distant megamaser ever observed, with light traveling 58 trillion kilometers from its location at five billion light years from Earth. The megamaser is thought to be created when two galaxies collide, triggering a beam of concentrated light.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022
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.

Laser light, a dye and a nonsurgical implant could help overcome obesity

Researchers have developed a new implant that reduces ghrelin levels and body weight gain by half when exposed to laser light, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for obese patients. The implant uses a laser-activated dye to kill cells producing the 'hunger hormone'.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 6, 2022

Engineers pave way for next-gen deep ultraviolet lasers

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a high-quality crystal of aluminum nitride and created an optical cavity to trap emitted light, enabling the production of a deep-ultraviolet laser with exceptional precision. The breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including sterilization, sensing, and ph...

SourceCornell University·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 4, 2022
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.

Solar hydrogen: Better photoelectrodes through flash heating

Scientists have created new photoelectrode materials with improved performance by rapidly heating metal-oxide thin films to high temperatures without damaging the underlying glass substrate. This breakthrough increases the efficiency of solar water splitting and has potential applications for producing 'green' hydrogen and quantum dots.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Genetically modified proteins convert carbon nanotube to programmable optoelectronic device

Researchers developed a full-function bioelectronic photocell using genetically modified proteins attached to a carbon nanotube. The system can change its electronic properties in response to light, operating as a spotlight or memory cell. This discovery opens the door to environmentally friendly electronic elements, memory devices, an...

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 30, 2022

Control of MEMS lidar mirrors enables steady pictures in shaky environments

A team of researchers has developed a MEMS scanning lidar that can detect objects reliably even in shaky environments. The long-range MEMS lidar prototype uses a digital controller to suppress errors caused by vibrations, allowing for stable 3D imaging and object detection.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateMar 29, 2022
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.

Vectorial metrics reveal complex optical information

Researchers developed a new framework to extract meaningful vectorial metrics from Mueller matrix elements, providing insights into exotic material characterization and precise cancer boundary detection. The framework establishes a universal metric for calculating different physical properties of target objects.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 29, 2022

Stanford engineers enable simple cameras to see in 3D

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new approach to enable standard image sensors to capture light in three dimensions. The system uses acoustic resonance and piezoelectric properties of lithium niobate to modulate light, allowing for high-performance lidar capabilities in compact devices.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2022

Can Bessel beams be realized in the ultrabroad terahertz frequency range?

A team of scientists has successfully generated Bessel terahertz pulses from superluminal laser plasma filaments, showcasing a promising approach for various applications. The method, which manipulates the spatial-temporal structure with tailored femtosecond lasers, produces ultrabroad bandwidth and high-order Bessel beam profiles.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Direct generation of complex structured light

Researchers have developed a direct method for generating complex structured light through intracavity nonlinear frequency conversion. This technique uses transverse mode locking to produce vortex beams, which are then converted into second-harmonic generation beams with distinct structural characteristics. The study demonstrates the p...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 18, 2022
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.

Complex pathways influence time delay in ionization of molecules

A team led by Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Sansone used attosecond pulses to investigate the motion of electrons after photon absorption, finding they experience a complex landscape with potential peaks and valleys. This approach can be extended to more complex molecular systems, providing unprecedented temporal resolution.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2022

Treating cancer with light-sensitive nanoscale biomaterials

Researchers review current status of nanoparticle-enhanced photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy, combining the two techniques to achieve highest treatment efficiency. Nanoparticles can deliver drugs or antibiotics to inaccessible sites, creating a more powerful treatment method.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateMar 15, 2022
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.

Controlling how fast graphene cools down

Researchers have demonstrated control of graphene's relaxation time, allowing for novel functionalities in devices such as light detectors and modulators. This work paves the way for the development of ultrafast optical devices with potential applications in photonics and telecommunications.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalACS Nano·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022

Paving the way for a new type of material the properties of which can be controlled and modified at will

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have discovered a new type of phase transition in a quasi-crystal made of laser light, allowing for the simultaneous control and modification of its properties. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel materials with unprecedented flexibility and controllability.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022
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.

Tiny probes could sail to outer planets with the help of low-power lasers

Researchers calculate that low-power lasers on Earth could launch and maneuver small probes equipped with silicon or boron nitride sails, propelling them to much faster speeds than rocket engines. The lasers could propel tiny sailed probes on interplanetary or interstellar missions without requiring large amounts of fuel.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 23, 2022

Physicists harness electrons to make ‘synthetic dimensions’

Rice University physicists have developed a technique to engineer Rydberg states of ultracold strontium atoms, creating 'synthetic dimensions' that simulate real materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of interacting particles in a controlled environment, paving the way for new physics and material properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Molecule snapshot by explosion

Researchers at the European XFEL facility have taken pictures of gas-phase iodopyridine molecules at atomic resolution using ultra-bright X-ray pulses. The images were reconstructed from the fragments caused by a Coulomb explosion, providing unprecedented clarity for this method and molecule size.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Ultraprecise atomic clock poised for new physics discoveries

Researchers develop multiplexed optical lattice atomic clock, achieving unprecedented precision and enabling new physics discoveries, including testing gravitational waves and detecting dark matter. The clock's performance surpasses expectations, allowing for longer experiments and potential applications in real-world settings.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Reducing animal testing with 3D bioprinting

The BRIGHTER project develops a new 3D bioprinting technology that creates complex and accurate human tissues, reducing the need for animal models. The technology uses light-sheet lithography to fabricate human skin and other tissues with high resolution and accuracy.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·DateFeb 14, 2022

A new way to shape a material’s atomic structure with ultrafast laser light

Researchers have developed a way to change the atomic structure of tin selenide using intense pulses of near-infrared laser light, creating materials with dramatic new properties. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for improving thermoelectrics and other materials by controlling their structure.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How to get chloride ions into the cell

A study led by Przemyslaw Nogly at PSI has detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump in bacteria, revealing how light energy converts to kinetic energy and transports chloride ions inside cells. The pump uses two molecular gates to ensure one-way transport, with the process taking around 100 milliseconds.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

A new amplifying technique for weak and noisy signals

Researchers at INRS developed a method to amplify weak optical signals while reducing noise content using the Talbot self-imaging effect. This technique has potential applications in various fields like telecommunications, bioimaging, and remote sensing.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalOptica·DateFeb 2, 2022

New approach transports trapped ions to create entangling gates

Scientists at Georgia Tech Research Institute have demonstrated a new approach for transporting trapped ion pairs through a single laser beam to create entangled qubits. This method reduces the need for multiple optical switches and complex controls, potentially simplifying quantum systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022
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.

Physical systems perform machine-learning computations

Cornell researchers have successfully trained various physical systems, including mechanical, optical, and electrical systems, to perform machine learning tasks. The developed training algorithm enables diverse systems to be chained together for efficient processing.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 2022

The novel flight style that helps the smallest beetles to excel

A team of researchers describes a novel flight style in the smallest free-living insects, beetles of the featherwing family. They found that these insects use a bristled wing style and rowing movements to excel at flight, defying conventional wisdom about insect aerodynamics.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022
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.

Terahertz radiation source: Compact and simple

A novel, simple, and extremely compact terahertz radiation source has been developed at TU Wien, enabling high intensities and small size. The technology uses resonant-tunnelling diodes and can be used in various applications such as material testing, airport security control, radio astronomy, and chemical sensors.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Suppressing the Auger recombination process in quantum dots

The study reveals that manipulating the transition dipole moment of excitons in quantum dots can suppress Auger recombination. By combining with external structures, researchers achieved a new way to control the nonradiative process, potentially leading to improved efficiency of QD-based devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Integrated photonics meets electron microscopy

Scientists successfully demonstrated efficient electron beam modulation using integrated photonic microresonators, paving the way for atomic-scale imaging and coherent spectroscopy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2021
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.

Atom laser creates reflective patterns similar to light

Researchers at Washington State University have created a technique to observe matter wave caustics in atom lasers, resulting in curving cusps or folds. These findings have potential applications for highly precise measurement and timing devices, including interferometers and atomic clocks.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Towards quantum states of sound

A team of researchers at Imperial College London has generated and observed non-Gaussian states of high-frequency sound waves comprising over a trillion atoms. This breakthrough makes important strides towards generating macroscopic quantum states that will enable future quantum internet components to be developed.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 9, 2021
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.

Polariton parametric oscillator in perovskite microcavity

Researchers have developed a room-temperature perovskite polariton parametric oscillator, enabling scalable and low-threshold nonlinear devices. This breakthrough offers possibilities for the development of cost-effective and integrated polaritonic devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Transforming materials with light

Scientists create a process called 'coherent optical engineering' that can dramatically change the properties of materials without generating heat. The breakthrough uses lasers to alter electron energy levels in a way that is reversible and free from unwanted heating.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

To capture single photons, researchers create an interference ‘wall’

Theorists at the University of Chicago have developed a new scheme for trapping single photons in a cavity, creating a 'wall' that prevents further photons from entering. This mechanism allows two sources to emit selected photons into a cavity before destructive interference cancels them out.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2021

Molecular device turns infrared into visible light

Researchers developed a molecular device that converts infrared light to visible light, expanding detection capabilities. The device uses tiny vibrating molecules and metallic nanostructures to enhance conversion efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateDec 2, 2021
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.

Artificial material protects light states on smallest length scales

Scientists at Paderborn University have demonstrated the spatial confinement of a light wave to a point smaller than the wavelength in a topological photonic crystal. This finding enables novel unidirectional waveguides that transmit light without back reflection, even with arbitrarily large disorder.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2021

Molding, patterning and driving liquids with light

A new fluid has been created that can be molded and patterned using light, with potential applications in adaptive optics, mass transport, and microfluidics manufacturing. The fluid's surface tension is dependent on temperature, making it susceptible to laser manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalMaterials Today·DateNov 29, 2021

What will affect the properties of high-order harmonic?

A team led by Prof. Dr. Maria Hoflund developed a method to focus broadband XUV radiation with a high demagnification factor, enabling the creation of high-intensity XUV pulses with attosecond pulse duration.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2021
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.

Getting quantum dots to stop blinking

A team of chemists at MIT has developed a method to control the blinking phenomenon in quantum dots using mid-infrared laser light, eliminating intermittency for precise applications. This technique may also be applicable to other materials, enabling new uses in biological research and quantum information science.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 22, 2021

Moving closer to a simple and efficient method of quantum encryption

A team of researchers has developed a simple and efficient method of quantum encryption using single photons, which can detect any attempt to hack the message. The breakthrough brings us closer to securing our data against quantum computers' potential attacks.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Ultra-precise magnetic field detection using squeezed light

Scientists use squeezed light to improve the sensitivity of a magnetometer, overcoming shot noise limitations. By evading measurement back-action, they enhance the magnetometer's performance and detect smaller changes in magnetic fields.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2021

Ultra-thin crystals as light sources in lasers

Researchers have successfully demonstrated laser emission from ultra-thin crystals consisting of three atomic layers, a breakthrough that could lead to miniaturized circuits and future quantum applications. The discovery showcases the potential of these materials as a platform for new nanolasers capable of operating at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021
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 novel way to generate visible light

A research team led by Professor Luca Razzari at INRS has successfully generated coherent, intense visible light pulses with femtosecond duration using a simplified setup. This innovation opens up new possibilities for studying various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 29, 2021

Adult stem cells transform faster with two lasers

Scientists from the University of Johannesburg found that shining two lasers on adult stem cells accelerates their transformation into different types of cells. The consecutive irradiation increases proliferation and differentiation under laboratory conditions, paving the way for potential therapies to repair damaged tissues.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalBiochimie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021