Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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

Atom swapping could lead to ultra-bright, flexible next generation LEDs

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new technique that enables the creation of ultra-bright, flexible LEDs with improved efficiency and low cost. By swapping one out of every thousand atoms, they tripled the luminescence of halide perovskites, which could be useful for low-cost printable and flexible LED lighting.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 7, 2021

Adding antibodies to enhance photodynamic therapy for viral and bacterial disease

Photodynamic therapy has shown promising results in treating respiratory tract infections and some types of cancer. Adding antibodies to the treatment can increase its efficacy, making it an attractive option for rapid responses to pandemics. The new approach uses viral antibodies attached to light-absorbing molecules to target viruses...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateMay 18, 2021

Diamonds engage both optical microscopy and MRI for better imaging

Researchers have developed microdiamond tracers that can provide information via both MRI and optical fluorescence simultaneously, allowing high-quality images up to a centimeter below the surface of tissue. This technique enables faster imaging and overcomes the limitation of light microscopy in probing deeper tissues.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

The shape of light changes our vision

Researchers from UNIGE used mice to study the complex processing of light by the retina, revealing that both light intensity and its temporal shape influence the signal sent to the brain. The findings, published in Science Advances, may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for eye weaknesses.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2021

Uniquely sharp X-ray view

For the first time, scientists have successfully used transient grating spectroscopy with ultrafast X-rays to explore material properties at the atomic level. This method allows for the observation of individual atoms and selective measurement of specific chemical elements in a mixture of substances.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 22, 2021

A new state of light

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered a new phase transition in an optical Bose-Einstein condensate of light particles. The overdamped phase exhibits unique properties that could be used to transmit quantum-encrypted messages between multiple participants.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2021

Teamwork makes light shine ever brighter

Researchers found that combining energy sources increases light emission from nanoscale devices, potentially enabling faster computer chips and advanced photocatalysts. The effect is attributed to the enhancement of hot electron generation through anti-Stokes electronic Raman scattering.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 18, 2021

New imaging technology could help predict heart attacks

Researchers developed a new intravascular imaging technique, ILSI, which can detect unstable coronary plaques. The technique provides a direct assessment of mechanical stability, allowing for early detection and treatment of high-risk vulnerable plaques.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMar 16, 2021

Use of perovskite will be a key feature of the next generation of electronic appliances

A new class of nanomaterials made from perovskite have improved the efficiency of quantum dots, allowing for brighter displays and more efficient electronics. By analyzing the interactions between bright and dark states, researchers were able to verify energy alignment and make discoveries regarding electron behavior.

Lights on for silicon photonics

Researchers successfully demonstrated electroluminescence from a silicon-germanium device, marking a key step towards the development of a silicon-based laser. The achievement could have significant implications for the large-scale use of terahertz radiation in fields such as medical imaging and wireless communication.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 8, 2021

An ultra-degree-of-freedom structured vector beam

Scientists have successfully created a vector beam with an unprecedented 5 degrees of freedom, exceeding the previously reported 2 DoFs. This breakthrough exploits ray-wave duality in a frequency-degenerate laser to generate a non-separable output that combines periodic number, transverse index, oscillating phase, and astigmatic degree.

Intriguing particles emerge when two photons couple

Scientists at University of Bath found a way to bind two photons together, creating photon-photon polaritons with predicted masses 1,000+ times lighter than electrons. This discovery has potential applications in terabit and quantum optical communication schemes and precision measurements.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMar 2, 2021