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Chemists at St Petersburg University discover a compound with a laser-induced ‘switching’ of biological activity

Scientists at St Petersburg University have developed a new organic compound that can 'switch' its biological activity on demand under exposure to light, increasing precision and safety in affecting human body cells. The phosphonate can be used in various medical spheres, including ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2021

A traffic light for light-on-a-chip

A team of researchers at EPFL and Purdue University has developed a magnetic-free optical isolator using integrated photonics and micro-electromechanical systems. This device can couple to and deflect light propagating in a waveguide, mimicking the effects of magnet-driven isolators without requiring magnetic fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2021

New photonic chip for isolating light may be key to miniaturizing quantum devices

Scientists have designed a compact photonic circuit that uses sound waves to control light, outperforming previous alternatives and optimizing compatibility with atom-based sensors. The new device is simple in design, uses common optical materials, and can be adapted for different wavelengths of light.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2021
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New technique paves the way for perfect perovskites

A new instrument at the Advanced Light Source enables simultaneous measurement of crystal structure and optical properties during perovskite synthesis. This allows for real-time monitoring of material quality and performance, leading to potentially more efficient solar cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Ultrafast optical switching can save overwhelmed datacenters

Researchers have demonstrated ultrafast optical circuit switching for datacenters using integrated soliton microcombs, which can handle increasing bursty datacenter applications while reducing overheads. The proposed architecture employs a central comb system to improve power efficiency and reduce complexity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Ultrafast control of quantum materials

Scientists harness light to alter solid properties and create new applications for high-speed information processing, lossless energy transfer, and quantum technologies. The team reviews the latest developments in ultrafast materials science and explores unifying themes for controlling materials with light.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 14, 2021

Metamaterial eENZ can control correlations of light

A team at Tampere University has created a metamaterial eENZ mirror that can control the correlation properties of light, switching between high and low correlation states. By manipulating polarization, they achieve near-perfect coherence switching.

SourceTampere University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2021
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UArizona engineer awarded $5M to build quantum-powered navigation tools

The Quantum Sensors project aims to create ultrasensitive gyroscopes and accelerometers using quantum states, enabling precise measurements for self-driving cars and spacecraft. This technology could capture information not provided by GPS, improving navigation and stability in various environments.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateOct 6, 2021

Smuggling light through opaque materials

Electrical engineers at Duke University have discovered a way to extend the use of chalcogenide glasses into the visible and ultraviolet parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. By nanostructuring these materials, they can create high-order harmonic frequencies that enable transmission of light at previously inaccessible wavelengths.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

An X-ray view of carbon

A team of scientists has developed a new X-ray measurement method that can analyze the chemical properties of warm dense matter, a state found in planetary interiors. The method uses the strongest X-ray laser to probe carbon's bonding states, providing new insights into planetary formation and potential applications in materials science.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateOct 5, 2021

JILA’s comb breathalyzer is now a thousandfold more sensitive to disease biomarkers

Researchers at JILA have enhanced the sensitivity of their decade-old frequency comb breathalyzer to detect four biomarkers of disease in human breath. The upgraded system can also identify six additional chemicals, with potential implications for COVID-19 testing and real-time health monitoring.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Beam diagnostics for future laser wakefield accelerators

A team at HZB and PTB developed a method to measure the lateral expansion of the electron beam in laser plasma accelerators, achieving resolutions in the micrometre range. This technique uses coherent radiation of electron pulses via interference patterns to determine the beam cross-section.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021
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Light in, sound out: photoacoustic probe helps find and fight Wilson's disease and other maladies

Researchers developed a non-toxic, small-molecule probe that provides real-time visualization of disease progression, overcoming limitations of MRI and PET imaging. The probe binds copper ions and detects dysregulated levels, accurately identifying Wilson's disease and other maladies.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021

Optically generated quantum fluids of light reveal exotic matter-wave states in condensed matter physics

Scientists from Skoltech and the University of Southampton created an all-optical lattice that houses polaritons, quasiparticles with half-light and half-matter properties. They demonstrated breakthrough results for condensed matter physics and flatband engineering.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Quantum dots enable infrared lasing at room temperature for silicon photonics

Colloidal quantum dot technology enables infrared lasing at room temperature, paving the way for low-cost solution-processed and CMOS integrated lasing sources. The breakthrough discovery may facilitate fully integrated silicon photonics, enabling lower power consumption, higher data rates, and multi-spectral 3D imaging capabilities.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

Tiny lasers acting together as one: Topological vertical cavity laser arrays

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a way to force an array of vertical cavity lasers to act together as a single laser, overcoming previous power limit constraints. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly efficient and compact laser networks with numerous potential applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

RIT researchers develop new method for detecting superfluid motion

Researchers at RIT have developed a new method for detecting superfluid motion that is minimally destructive, in situ, and in real-time. The technique uses laser light to detect the frequency of superfluid rotation, enabling scientists to study superfluids without disrupting their motion.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 24, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Compact amplifier could revolutionize optical communication

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a unique optical amplifier that offers high performance, is compact enough to integrate into a chip just millimeters in size, and does not generate excess noise. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize both space and fiber communication.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Modern activities follow the contours of ancient Teotihuacan

A lidar mapping study of ancient Teotihuacan shows that the city's engineers reshaped the landscape for construction, rerouted rivers to align with astronomical significance, and identified hundreds of previously unknown architectural features. The study confirms how these modifications continue to influence modern activities in the area.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 20, 2021
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Spintronics: Physicists develop miniature terahertz sources

Researchers have developed a new approach to generating terahertz radiation, which can be directly generated on an electronic chip. This breakthrough enables the use of terahertz radiation in various applications, including materials science and communications technology.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Light-induced shape shifting of MXenes

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered that MXenes can be switched repeatedly between a flat and a rippled shape by applying femtosecond laser pulses. This discovery could lead to improved energy storage capacity, enhanced catalytic or antibiotic activity, and new applications in sensing and active plasmonic devices.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 1, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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Small structures on a large scale

Researchers from Paderborn University create a simple integrated quantum network using thin layers of lithium niobate to demonstrate large-scale functionalities. The project aims to develop scalable quantum components with industrial application potential.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·DateAug 30, 2021

On the road to faster and more efficient data storage

Researchers have discovered a way to induce magnetic waves in antiferromagnets using ultrafast laser pulses, potentially leading to faster and more efficient data storage. This technology could endow materials with new functionalities for energy-efficient and ultrafast data storage applications.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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Free electron laser insight: laser-beam interaction in a dipole magnet

Researchers have directly measured the interaction between an ultraviolet laser and a relativistic electron beam in a dipole magnet. The study shows that energy modulation of the electron beam can be effectively tailored, leading to precise bends in the pathway and improved FEL pulse properties.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Impenetrable optical OTP security platform

A POSTECH research team has developed an encrypted hologram printing platform that works in both natural light and laser light using the metasurface technology. The device can produce a holographic color image retaining specific polarization, setting it apart from previously reported holograms.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2021

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology study examines thin film surface symmetries

Researchers at GIST develop a non-contact, nondestructive approach to characterize crystal structures in thin films, shedding light on surface symmetries in SrRuO3. The technique offers a platform for structural characterization of surfaces and interfaces using optical techniques.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Non-linear effects in coupled optical microcavities

Exciton-polaritons exhibit non-linear effects, including Bose-Einstein condensation and polariton lasing without occupation inversion. The study reveals energy-degenerate parametric scattering of polaritons and opens up new avenues for research on multi-level polariton systems.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021
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.

Dancing with the light: A new way to make crystals bend by shining light

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a novel mechanism for inducing high-speed bending in thick crystals using the photothermal effect, enabling rapid actuation and simulation. This breakthrough has significant implications for flexible robotics, actuators, and soft robotics.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

UVA Engineering researchers join quest to demonstrate photonic systems-on-chip

Researchers at UVA's Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are working on a project called PATRONUS, which aims to integrate photonic integrated circuits into a single chip. This could lead to faster data centers and next-generation wireless communication systems.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJul 27, 2021

Antimatter from laser pincers

A research team has developed a new concept to study astrophysical processes in the laboratory using laser pincers. By creating an antimatter jet and accelerating it efficiently, scientists can simulate extreme conditions found near neutron stars.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalCommunications Physics·DateJul 22, 2021

UCI scientists make X-ray vision-like camera to rapidly retrieve 3D images

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have created a new type of camera technology that can visualize various materials and structures with detailed chemical information. The technology uses nonlinear optical effects in silicon to capture depth-resolved images on a camera in one shot, allowing for faster inspection of obj...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalOptica·DateJul 21, 2021

Capturing electrons in space

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have discovered a mechanism for creating negative ions in interstellar environments. The team used an ion trap to study the formation of chemical compounds, finding that weakly bound states enhance the attachment of free electrons to linear molecules.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 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.

The paradox of a free-electron laser without the laser

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new method to produce coherent radiation using a short undulator and attosecond duration electron bunches. This approach could revolutionize light sources by making them compact, table-top size and capable of producing ultra-short duration pulses of light.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2021

Heisenberg under the microscope

Researchers from the University of Vienna and TU Wien have successfully controlled a large glass sphere's motion at the quantum level using control engineering methods. The experiment, published in Nature, demonstrates the potential for combining quantum physics and control engineering to enable more precise experiments.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2021

Quantum laser turns energy loss into gain?

Scientists at KAIST developed a laser system generating highly interactive quantum particles at room temperature, which can recycle lost energy to achieve lower threshold energy levels. The system exploits parity-time reversal symmetry, allowing energy loss to be used as gain for high-efficiency and low-threshold lasers.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 7, 2021
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.

The first commercially scalable integrated laser and microcomb on a single chip

The Bowers lab and EPFL team developed an integrated semiconductor laser and resonator capable of producing soliton microcombs, expanding data transmission capabilities. The technology enables seamless integration with low-loss nonlinear optical micro-resonators, lending itself to commercial-scale production.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateJul 1, 2021

Large measurement campaign in the Atlantic starts

A large measurement campaign has started in the Atlantic, using a TROPOS lidar on Cabo Verde to study atmospheric conditions and support the ESA wind satellite Aeolus. The campaign aims to improve weather forecasts and understand cloud and aerosol behavior in the tropics.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·DateJun 30, 2021

NIST laser 'comb' systems now measure all primary greenhouse gases in the air

Researchers at NIST have upgraded their laser frequency-comb instrument to measure three airborne greenhouse gases: nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, plus major air pollutants ozone and carbon monoxide. The new system can identify gas signatures by precisely measuring the amounts of light absorbed at each color in the bro...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 30, 2021

Nanoscale thermoplasmonic heating shows promise for studies of nanomaterials

Researchers propose a new method to control temperature through designing nanoantennas on engraved Si nanopillars, enabling local sensing of glass transitions in amorphous polymers with nanometer spatial resolution. This technology opens unique opportunities for studying the physicochemical properties of nanostructured polymers.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalACS Photonics·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Honey, we shrunk the intense XUV laser

Scientists have developed a new scheme to generate intense XUV pulses using near-infrared lasers, shrinking the need for large laboratory facilities. The setup produces high-intensity XUV pulses with potential applications in attosecond-pump attosecond-probe spectroscopy and nanoscale imaging.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalOptica·DateJun 28, 2021

New type of metasurface allows unprecedented laser control

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a single metasurface that can tune different properties of laser light, including wavelength, without additional optical components. This opens the door for lightweight and efficient optical systems for various applications.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2021

Optical tweezer technology tweaked to overcome dangers of heat

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new version of optical tweezer technology that fixes the problem of overheating, making it easier to study biomolecules and diseases. The breakthrough uses cooled materials and thermophoresis to attract particles, protecting them from damage.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 25, 2021
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.

Scientists explain the behaviour of the optical emission of blazars

Researchers have found that the polarisation plane of visible light in blazars sometimes rotates, coinciding with repeated gamma ray bursts. The study also described the structure of the inner part of the jets, revealing a fast spine surrounded by a slower sheath with ring condensations.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 24, 2021

Magneto-thermal imaging brings synchrotron capabilities to the lab

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method of magneto-thermal imaging that provides nanoscale and picosecond resolution, previously available only in synchrotron facilities. This innovation enables the study of magnetic properties of materials at unprecedented scales.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 23, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New high-speed method for spectroscopic measurements

The new method uses polarization analysis to track changes in the spectrum of light on a nanosecond time scale over the entire color spectrum. By correlating polarization with laser color, researchers can measure spectral changes at high speeds, opening up new possibilities for material studies and astronomical observations.

SourceTampere University·JournalOptica·DateJun 21, 2021

New invention keeps qubits of light stable at room temperature

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new technique to store qubits of light at room temperature, a major breakthrough in quantum research. This innovation enables the storage of qubits for milliseconds instead of microseconds, saving power and resources.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021

Novel chirped pulses defy 'conventional wisdom'

University of Rochester researchers produce highly chirped pulses with relatively low-quality equipment, increasing possibilities for high-capacity telecommunication systems and astrophysical calibrations. The new method uses normal dispersion cavities, which are more common and can generate stable pulses despite high energy loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·DateJun 17, 2021

Tailored laser fields reveal properties of transparent crystals

A research team from the University of Göttingen uses powerful laser irradiation to study electrical and magnetic properties on surfaces of transparent crystals. They successfully demonstrate control over high harmonic radiation, enabling the investigation of magnetisation at the surface of magnesium oxide.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021
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.

Accomplished University of Ottawa professors earn Canada Research Chairs

The University of Ottawa has been awarded four new Canada Research Chairs in artificial intelligence, health, and law. Carole Yauk's research addresses toxicological risk assessment of environmental chemicals, while Emmanuelle Bernheim focuses on improving access to justice for those with mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·DateJun 15, 2021

Trions exhibit novel characteristics in moiré superlattices

The study reveals the existence of moiré trions, confined electronic excited states that exhibit novel characteristics and differ from conventional trions. Moiré trions can emit single photons, making them a feasible optical source for quantum information technology.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2021

Researchers use transoceanic fiber link for geophysical sensing

Scientists demonstrate a new technique to sense geophysical events using transoceanic fiber optic cables, offering potential for early warnings of tsunamis and earthquakes. The method measures tiny changes in polarization of transmitted light, enabling monitoring of previously inaccessible ocean depths.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 10, 2021