Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A sharper look at the interior of semiconductors

A new method, Coherence Tomography with Extreme Ultraviolet Light (XCT), enables non-invasive observation and analysis of tiny structures in semiconductors. The technique uses broadband XUV radiation to generate coherent light with nanometer precision.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalOptica·DateFeb 16, 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.

Capturing free-space optical light for high-speed wifi

A Duke University research team has made a major advance toward ditching fiber in fiber optics by capturing visible and infrared light for high-speed wireless internet. The researchers replicated plasmonic speed enhancements on macroscopic devices, achieving speeds of two gigabits per second.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptica·DateFeb 11, 2021

Vibrating 2D materials

Scientists have successfully determined the strength of exciton-phonon coupling in 2D materials at room temperature, a crucial step towards optimizing their applications. This breakthrough was achieved using a novel method called coherent 2D microscopy, which combines high spatial resolution with femtosecond time resolution.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2021

Origami powered by light

Pitt and CMU researchers create a high-torque light-powered actuator that can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems. By forming a polymer sheet into a curved shape, the bending action happens quickly and generates more torque.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalSoft Matter·DateFeb 10, 2021
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.

Switching nanolight on and off

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a platform to control layered crystals using light, producing imaging capabilities beyond common limits. The discovery provides insights for optical quantum information processing and aims to solve difficult problems in computing and communications.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2021
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.

Extreme UV laser shows generation of atmospheric pollutant

Researchers from Hokkaido University have found that ultraviolet light reacts with nitrophenol to produce atmospheric nitrous acid, a key component of photochemical smog. This decomposition process occurs in real-time and involves the distortion of the nitrophenol molecule's shape under extreme UV light.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tracking cells with omnidirectional visible laser particles

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Peking University introduce a novel technique for tracking individual cells using omnidirectional visible laser particles. The innovative method reduces orientation-dependent intensity fluctuations, allowing for blinking-free tracking of single cells under complex biological conditions.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 2, 2021

Optical scanner design for adaptive driving beam systems can lead to safer night driving

Researchers developed a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) optical scanner that enables better road safety by adjusting the driver's visibility based on speed and traffic environment. The system provides improved visibility, especially for pedestrians, and reduces glare from oncoming vehicles.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateJan 27, 2021

A vacuum-ultraviolet laser with submicrometer spot for spatially resolved photoemission spectroscopy

Researchers have developed a VUV laser system with a focal spot of <1 μm, enabling high-energy resolution (~0.3 meV) and sub-micron spatial resolution for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). This improvement allows for better visualization of electronic structures in novel quantum materials.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 27, 2021

Scientists developed energy saving ceramic phosphors for high power LED systems

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University and international partners developed ceramic phosphors that can be applied in-ground and aerospace technologies. The new materials produce compact energy-efficient white light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) and high-power systems, with reduced operating temperatures.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMaterials Characterization·DateJan 26, 2021

White turns into (extreme-)ultraviolet

Scientists at Max Born Institute create new method for generating narrowband XUV laser pulses by employing four-wave mixing scheme. This enables applications in electron spectroscopy, resonant transitions, and coherent diffractive imaging.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 25, 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.

Adding or subtracting single quanta of sound

Researchers perform an experiment that adds or subtracts a single phonon to a high-frequency sound field using laser light interactions. The team's findings show that subtracting a single phonon increases the average number of quanta, defying intuition. This result opens a new path for quantum science and technology with sound waves.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 25, 2021

Optimal information about the invisible

Researchers from Utrecht University and TU Wien develop a method to calculate optimal light waves for precise measurement of invisible objects in complicated environments. This technology has potential applications in microbiology, computer chip production, and nanometer-scale imaging.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 25, 2021

Bringing atoms to a standstill: NIST miniaturizes laser cooling

Researchers at NIST have developed a compact optical platform to cool atoms, enabling the creation of super-accurate atomic clocks and quantum devices. The miniaturized system uses flat optics and a metasurface to efficiently interact with and cool large collections of atoms.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 21, 2021
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.

Lasers create miniature robots from bubbles (video)

Researchers have used lasers to create bubble microrobots that can form inseparable shapes and control their movement. The robots can manipulate small pieces into interconnected structures with unbreakable connections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 20, 2021

Optical data transmission speed increased by a factor of at least 10,000

Researchers at KIST achieved a pulsed-laser repetition rate of 57.8 GHz by inserting a graphene resonator into a fiber-optic oscillator. This breakthrough overcomes the MHz-level limit and paves the way for significant increases in data transmission and processing speeds.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 19, 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.

Shine on: Avalanching nanoparticles break barriers to imaging cells in real time

A new class of crystalline material called avalanching nanoparticles (ANPs) overcomes the diffraction limit without heavy computation or a super-resolution microscope. ANPs enable real-time high-resolution bioimaging of cells' organelles and proteins, as well as ultrasensitive optical sensors and neuromorphic computing.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2021

Laser harmony

Researchers have developed a femtosecond laser with unprecedented precision and stability, allowing for the observation of chemical transformations inside cells and the creation of ultra-thin layers on microchips. The laser's harmonic mode locking system enables precise control over pulse frequencies, opening up new avenues for applica...

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Lightwave Technology·DateJan 11, 2021

Viewing upper gastrointestinal cancers in a new light

Researchers developed a novel endoscopic technique, Linked Color Imaging (LCI), to improve detection of cancer in the upper digestive tract. LCI technology enhances contrast of mucosal changes by combining specific wavelengths of light, detecting neoplastic changes 1.67 times more frequently than conventional White Light Imaging.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 5, 2021
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.

First glimpse of polarons forming in a promising next-gen energy material

Researchers used X-ray laser to directly measure formation of polarons, fleeting distortions that affect material's behavior. The study reveals that polarons form large, expanding bubbles that travel along with electrons, potentially explaining why lead hybrid perovskites achieve high efficiencies in solar cells.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 4, 2021
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.

Researchers develop new way to break reciprocity law

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new way to break the reciprocity law by changing material properties periodically. This breakthrough could lead to efficient nonreciprocal devices, such as compact isolators and circulators, for next-generation communication systems.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 23, 2020

High-brightness source of coherent light spanning from the UV to THz

An international team of scientists has developed a novel technique for a high-brightness coherent and few-cycle duration source spanning 7 optical octaves from the UV to the THz. This breakthrough enables future research on time-domain analysis of substances, opening new opportunities for multimodal measurement approaches.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 23, 2020

New phase for synthetic aperture microscopy

Researchers have developed a novel synthetic aperture microscopy method using digital micromirror devices, achieving high spatial resolution and fast imaging speeds. The technique enables the observation of subcellular dynamics and nanometric structures without harming living cells.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateDec 21, 2020
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.

When light and atoms share a common vibe

Scientists at EPFL demonstrate a state of vibration that exists simultaneously at two different times, showing entanglement between light and vibration. This finding creates a bridge between daily experience and the realm of quantum mechanics, paving the way for ultrafast quantum technologies.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2020

Stevens creates entangled photons 100 times more efficiently than previously possible

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a chip-based photon source that's 100 times more efficient than any previous device, allowing the creation of tens of millions of entangled photon pairs per second. The new source uses nanoscale microcavities to create entangled photons with virtually no waste energy.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 17, 2020

Physics breakthrough of the year

Researchers at the University of Jena have developed a light-emitting silicon alloy, paving the way for silicon lasers that could revolutionize optical data processing. The alloy's unique crystal structure enhances the probability of efficient photon emission.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateDec 17, 2020

2D material controls light twice stronger

A research team at POSTECH has successfully measured and controlled the phase of second-harmonic generation (SHG) in 2D materials, opening new possibilities for nonlinear spectroscopic control methods. The study uses heterobilayer materials to create light with twice the frequency of vibration and controlled phase.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 17, 2020
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.

High-brightness source of coherent light spanning from the UV to THz

Researchers have created a compact, high-brightness mid-IR-driven source combining a gas-filled anti-resonant-ring photonic crystal fiber with a novel nonlinear-crystal. The table top source provides a seven-octave coherent spectrum from 340 nm to 40,000 nm, outshining brightest Synchrotron facilities in spectral brightness.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 14, 2020

Trapping nanoparticles with optical tweezers

Optical tweezers have been extended to trap nanoscale particles by exploiting a particular property of light diffraction at the interface between a glass and a liquid. The device uses 'Arago spots' and 'total internal reflection' to confine particles in a donut-shaped wave, enabling precise manipulation without physical contact.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 11, 2020
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.

Better benzene sensing at laser point

Researchers developed a compact laser-based sensor that accurately senses extremely low concentrations of benzene in real time, outperforming existing devices. The device detects trace benzene levels, including in parking garages and service stations, with higher sensitivity than conventional sensors.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateDec 8, 2020

Observing the ultrafast motion of atoms and electrons

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the ultrafast motion of atoms and electrons, with implications for controlling materials through light. By observing the distortion of molecular structures and electron transfer, researchers can now distinguish between atomic motion and electronic dynamics.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 7, 2020

Researchers confront optics and data-transfer challenges with 3D-printed lens

The study enables the creation of highly specialized light-focusing abilities, increasing data-routing capability in computer chips and optical systems. The researchers' method will impact the manufacturing of complex optical components and advance personal computing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateDec 3, 2020
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.

Mapping quantum structures with light to unlock their capabilities

A new laser-based method allows researchers to map the electronic structures of crystals at room temperature, revealing potential capabilities for solar cells, LED lights, and artificial photosynthesis. The technique also enables the design of novel semiconductor-based quantum devices.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2020

Pumping a nanoparticle to lase at low power

Researchers have demonstrated a way to control nanoparticles to lase at low power, producing sharp signals for biosensing and bio-imaging. This breakthrough reduces tissue damage and improves the accuracy of sensing indicators, holding promise for early-stage disease detection.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2020

Nonlinear beam cleaning in spatiotemporally mode-locked lasers

EPFL researchers demonstrate nonlinear beam cleaning, enabling generation of high-energy, ultrashort pulses with single-mode beam quality. They achieve sub-100 femtosecond pulses with high pulse energy and low M2 value without external amplification in a compact setup.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateNov 30, 2020
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.

Laser technology: New trick for infrared laser pulses

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new method to produce short, intense infrared laser pulses using tailor-made quantum cascade lasers. The technology can be easily miniaturized, enabling compact measuring instruments for detecting specific molecules in gas samples.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020

An INRS research team pushes back the boundaries of high-energy laser pulses

Researchers at INRS used the Advanced Laser Light Source facility to generate extremely short and intense laser pulses that are highly-stable in time and space. The discovery has significant technological impact, enabling compact high-power laser systems for industrial applications and advanced biomedical imaging.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 19, 2020

Breaking the power and speed limit of lasers

A novel vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser design has been developed, combining multiple transverse coupled cavities to enhance optical feedback. This innovation extends the temporal bandwidth of VCSELs, enabling a modulation bandwidth of up to 100 GHz, beyond the known limit of relaxation oscillation frequency.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNanophotonics·DateNov 19, 2020
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.

New technology allows more precise view of the smallest nanoparticles

A new optical imaging technology called PANORAMA has been developed to detect and study nanoscale objects as small as 25 nanometers in diameter. This technology uses unscattered light to monitor changes in transmission and determine the target's characteristics, making it possible to view nanoparticles directly without labeling.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2020

Order from chaos

Researchers from Kyoto University have created a beam-scanning device using photonic crystals, eliminating the need for moving parts. The technology enables high-power, high-beam-quality two-dimensional beam scanning lasers with improved resolution and accuracy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2020

Research produces intense light beams with quantum correlations

Scientists at the University of São Paulo have developed a method to generate intense beams of light with quantum correlations, which can be used for high-precision metrology and information encoding. The new technology has potential applications in fields such as gravity wave detection and secure communication.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 12, 2020

Advanced atomic clock makes a better dark matter detector

Researchers used a state-of-the-art atomic clock to narrow the search for elusive dark matter, setting new limits on ultralight dark matter's coupling strength. The study established constraints on the floor of normal fluctuations, providing sensitivity to cosmological models of dark matter and accepted physics theories.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 12, 2020

Attosecond boost for electron microscopy

Researchers at University of Konstanz and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München develop a prototypical attosecond electron microscope (A-TEM) that enables visualization of light-matter interactions at attosecond speeds. This breakthrough can facilitate the exploration of atomic origins of light-matter interactions in complex materials...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 11, 2020
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.

Higher-resolution imaging of living, moving cells using plasmonic metasurfaces

Researchers from Kyushu University developed a technique that improves the resolution of fluorescence images of living cells using plasmonic metasurfaces. The metasurface, composed of self-assembled gold nanoparticles, enhances the focus of light-emitting molecules, resulting in high-resolution imaging capabilities.

SourceKyushu University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateNov 6, 2020

Using light to reprogramme the brain's GPS

Researchers at UCL have used laser beams to 'switch on' neurons in mice, showing how memories drive the brain's inner GPS system. The study uses an 'all-optical' approach to read and write activity in specific neurons, reactivating memories of a location where rewards were obtained.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell·DateNov 6, 2020

Luminescent wood could light up homes of the future

Researchers have created a bio-based, water-resistant wood film that can emit and scatter light, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lighting materials. The luminescent panel demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and can be used as cover panels for lamps, displays, and laser devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 4, 2020
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.