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X-rays: beyond the Nobel Prize limit

Researchers at TU Wien and University of California San Diego have discovered a new quantum regime of coherent X-ray generation with higher energies, breaking the conventional energy cutoff limit. The effect is attributed to the interaction between two electrons in helium atoms, which release their energy simultaneously.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 11, 2026

Two attosecond flashes capture electrons in motion

Scientists have developed a table-top technique using all-attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to study the oscillatory motion of an electron vacancy in xenon ions. The results provide insights into the underlying dynamics of light-induced processes.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Magnon momentum microscopy: A new window into nanoscale spin-wave physics

Researchers developed a new method to observe nanoscale spin waves, directly detecting short-wavelength magnons using resonant soft X-rays. The technique, called magnon momentum microscopy (MMM), reveals strong nonlinear interactions and four-magnon scattering processes in magnetic materials.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

Turning ocean water into drinking water, without waste

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a solar-thermal desalination process that produces fresh water in an energy-efficient way, eliminating brine and requiring no chemical additives. The technology extracts nearly 100% of salts in solid form, producing table salt and precious minerals like lithium.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 27, 2026
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.

It takes two combs to tango

Dual-comb spectroscopy enables precise, rapid, and broadband measurements using two optical frequency combs with slightly different repetition frequencies. This technique has been implemented across the electromagnetic spectrum, from terahertz to visible range, with ongoing efforts towards ultraviolet range.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Reviews Methods Primers·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2026

Understanding extreme states of matter faster

Researchers have developed a new procedure to speed up elaborate computer simulations analyzing matter under extreme conditions. The method, which uses mathematical transformation into imaginary time, enables faster evaluation of X-ray scattering experiments, improving fields like fusion research and laboratory astrophysics.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2026

Atoms vibrate on circular paths – with an unexpected twist

A team of international researchers observes and controls how angular momentum is transferred and conserved within a crystal lattice using terahertz laser pulses. The experiment reveals a surprising effect: during the angular momentum transfer, the direction of rotation reverses due to the rotational symmetry of the material.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

New laser method gives insight into radioactive atomic nuclei

A new laser method allows researchers to study radioactive elements like neptunium and fermium, which have rugby ball-shaped atomic nuclei. The technique provides crucial information about the size and shape of atomic nuclei, essential for understanding actinide properties.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026
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.

Quantum entanglement on attosecond timescales

The study measures ultrafast electron dynamics in hydrogen molecules, observing oscillations in hole localization that depend on the delay between attosecond pulses. Entanglement occurs at the expense of electronic coherence in the remaining ion.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2026

Elegant solution for measuring ultrashort laser pulses discovered

Researchers at Lund University have developed a compact and elegant way to stretch ultrafast laser pulses using a diffraction grating, allowing for precise control over pulse duration. This enables full characterization in a single shot, without the need for pre-compensation optical elements.

SourceLund University·JournalOptica·DateDec 18, 2025
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.

Observing nanoscale dynamics with soft X-rays

Researchers at the Max Born Institute developed a laboratory-scale soft-X-ray instrument to study ultrafast processes of emergent textures in magnetic materials. They observed nanoscale magnetic maze domains and discovered complex reorganization patterns on picosecond to nanosecond timescales.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2025

Observing quantum footballs blown up by laser kicks

Researchers from two Max Planck Institutes directly observe the strong reshaping of C60 molecules by laser fields using x-ray camera. At low intensities, the molecule expands before fragmentation sets in, while at high intensities, fast expansion and removal of outer valence electrons occur.

SourceMax-Planck-Institut fur Kernphysik·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 21, 2025

Highly efficient and compact

Researchers have developed a new system that combines laser amplification and bandwidth, achieving 80% efficiency in a compact and versatile design. The system uses a multipass procedure to synchronize pulses and generate pulses shorter than 50 femtoseconds.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateNov 6, 2025

Characterization of few-cycle pulses tunable across the vacuum ultraviolet

Scientists at Max Born Institute develop technique to generate µJ-level tunable few-fs UV pulses in VUV range. They successfully characterized few-fs pulses tuned between 160 and 190 nm using electron FROG, revealing pulse duration of 2-3 fs.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2025

Attosecond plasma lens

Scientists at Max Born Institute and DESY develop a plasma lens that focuses attosecond pulses, improving the study of ultrafast electron dynamics. The technique offers high transmission rates and allows for focusing light across different colors.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2025
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.

Topologically tunable strong-field terahertz pulses from magnetized plasma

Researchers at Peking University and Hunan University have developed a method to generate powerful, structured terahertz pulses with programmable polarization textures. The team uses femtosecond laser pulses to drive magnetized plasma, creating Poincaré THz beams carrying spin and orbital angular momentum.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

High-frequency molecular vibrations initiate electron movement

A team of scientists observed the earliest steps of ultrafast charge transfer in a complex dye molecule, with high-frequency vibrations playing a central role. The experiments showed that these vibrations initiate charge transport, while processes in the surrounding solvent begin only at a later stage.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2025

Keeping the photon in the dark

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a versatile method to control dark excitons in semiconductor quantum dots using chirped laser pulses and magnetic fields. This allows for the storage and manipulation of excitons, enabling new opportunities for quantum memory control and entangled photon pair generation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2025

Ultrafast plasmon-enhanced magnetic bit switching at the nanoscale

Scientists demonstrate ultrafast plasmon-enhanced magnetic bit switching, enabling faster and more robust memory devices. The study uses plasmonic gold nanostructures to confine light and achieve magnetization switching with single femtosecond laser pulses.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025
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.

Farm robot autonomously navigates, harvests among raised beds

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Watching electron motion in solids

A German-Italian team has discovered a way to simplify the experimental implementation of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, allowing for real-time study of electron motion in solids. By adding an optical component to Cerullo's interferometer, researchers were able to control laser pulses more precisely, enabling the investigatio...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Optical control of phase and group velocities in everyday liquids

Scientists have discovered a way to turn ordinary liquids into epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials by interacting them with intense femtosecond laser pulses. This creates a new class of materials with tunable light propagation properties, opening up possibilities for advances in optical sensing and communication.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2025
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.

Nanosteps order relativistic electrons to fall in line.

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have developed a novel method to steer relativistic electron pulses produced by femtosecond lasers. By using solid targets with nanopillars, they achieved coherent control over the electrons' directionality and formed narrow beams.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2024

Research team demonstrated nonlinear compton scattering with a multi-petawatt laser, mimicking astrophysical phenomena and producing ultra-bright gamma rays

A team of researchers successfully demonstrated nonlinear Compton scattering using a multi-petawatt laser, producing ultra-bright gamma rays. The achievement offers new insights into high-energy electron-photon interactions without traditional particle accelerators.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Squeeze it!

Researchers at European XFEL and DESY develop self-chirping method to produce high-power attosecond hard X-ray pulses without reducing electron bunch charge. This enables non-destructive measurements at the atomic level and opens new avenues for studying matter at the atomic scale.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

How fast is quantum entanglement?

Researchers at TU Wien have developed computer simulations to investigate the temporal development of quantum entanglement. They found that the 'birth time' of an electron flying away from an atom is related to the state of the remaining electron, demonstrating a quantum-physical superposition.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 22, 2024

Record-breaking laser pulses

Researchers at ETH Zurich have set a new record for the strongest laser pulses, surpassing previous records by over 50%, using a special arrangement of mirrors and a semiconductor mirror. The pulses can be used to create high harmonic frequencies up to X-rays, enabling fast processes in the attosecond range.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptica·DateOct 11, 2024
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.

Discovering quasiparticles ejected from color centers in diamond crystals

Scientists have created extremely thin sheets of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond crystals, which exhibit exceptional sensitivity to environmental variations. The findings reveal the emergence of Fröhlich polarons, previously thought not to exist in diamonds, opening up new prospects for quantum sensing.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2024

New technology produces ultrashort ion pulses

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new method to generate extremely short, powerful ion pulses for controlled analysis of material surfaces. These pulses can be used to observe chemical processes in real-time, providing insights into surface physics and chemistry on a picosecond time scale.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 17, 2024

ZJU researchers address oxidation issue of copper by laser writing towards in-situ integrated sensing

Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a hybrid laser direct writing technique that enables the creation of functional copper interconnects and carbon-based sensors within a single integrated system. The process allows for real-time temperature monitoring over extended periods, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 5, 2024
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.

Nanoparticle array implantation for sensitive and reusable detection

A new SERS microfluidic system was developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University researchers, achieving a detection limit lower than 10 ppt of harmful substances. The system uses femtosecond laser-induced nanoparticle implantation into flexible substrate for sensitive and reusable microfluidics detection.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateAug 18, 2024

A ‘measure’ advance for ultrashort laser light!

The TIFR team developed a method to measure the temporal shape of ultrashort laser pulses using spectral interferometry, enabling precise measurement of pulse profiles at different points across the beam. This breakthrough is essential for handling increasingly powerful lasers that emit pulses and can distort optical components.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalOptica·DateAug 5, 2024

Fundamental spatial limits of all-optical magnetization switching

A team of researchers has determined a fundamental spatial limit for light-driven magnetization reversal in nanometer-scale materials. They found that the minimum size for all-optical switching is around 25 nm due to ultrafast lateral electron diffusion, which rapidly cools illuminated regions.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

Gold nanoparticles that selectively emit left-/right-handed light

Researchers found that chiral gold nanoparticles exhibit high selectivity for left- or right-handed circularly polarized light with a dissymmetry factor of approximately 0.7, outperforming previous materials. The findings suggest potential applications in anti-counterfeiting and quantum information using circularly polarized light.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024
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.

What is "time" for quantum particles?

Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Listening to muscles

Researchers have developed a non-invasive optical-acoustic imaging method using short laser pulses to create images of muscle tissue. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder causing muscle degeneration.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalMed·DateMay 16, 2024

The dance of electrons

Scientists have discovered a new way to transform an insulating material into a semimetal by exposing it to ultrafast laser pulses. This process alters the energy states and electron movement, temporarily creating a semimetallic state that can be used in devices with dynamic properties.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 10, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Attosecond core-level spectroscopy reveals real-time molecular dynamics

Scientists have developed a powerful tool to investigate molecular dynamics in real-time, tracing the evolution of gas-phase furan and uncovering its ring-opening dynamics. The technique, based on attosecond core-level spectroscopy, provides an extremely detailed picture of the relaxation process.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 6, 2024

Airborne single-photon lidar system achieves high-resolution 3D imaging

Researchers have developed a compact and lightweight single-photon airborne lidar system that can acquire high-resolution 3D images with a low-power laser. The system uses single-photon detection techniques to measure time-of-flight, enabling highly accurate 3D mapping of terrain and objects even in challenging environments.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateApr 25, 2024

Novel UV broadband spectrometer revolutionizes air pollutant analysis

The novel UV broadband spectrometer enables real-time analysis of air pollutants and their interaction with other gases and sunlight. It combines high spectral resolution, short measurement times, and large bandwidth, making it suitable for sensitive measurements and monitoring of gas concentrations.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A micro-accelerator for mega-electronvolt electrons: TIFR Hyderabad researchers generate super-fast electrons with table-top laser systems

Scientists from TIFRH successfully generate MeV temperature electrons at a fraction of the previously thought necessary laser intensity. The technique uses two laser pulses to create tiny explosions in microdroplets and accelerate electrons to megaelectronvolt energies.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMar 13, 2024

IMS developing Japan's first "Cold (neutral) atom" quantum computers: new collaboration with 10 industry partners toward commercialization

The Institute for Molecular Science (IMS) is accelerating the development of novel quantum computers based on 'cold (neutral) atom' technology, leveraging expertise from 10 industry partners. The partnership aims to launch a start-up company and develop practical applications of quantum computers by end FY2024.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateMar 12, 2024

A physical qubit with built-in error correction

A team of researchers from the universities of Mainz, Olomouc, and Tokyo has successfully generated a logical qubit from a single light pulse that can correct errors. This breakthrough uses a photon-based approach to overcome the limitations of current quantum computing technology.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2024

Short X-ray pulses reveal the source of light-induced ferroelectricity in SrTiO3

A team of researchers has identified the intrinsic interactions responsible for light-induced ferroelectricity in SrTiO3. By measuring fluctuations in atomic positions, they found that mid-infrared excitation suppresses certain lattice vibrations, leading to a more ordered dipolar structure.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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Optical aspects of quantitative photoacoustic tomography

The review discusses the optical aspects of QPAT, including mathematical models for light propagation and interaction with biological tissues. The authors outline two approaches to estimating chromophore concentrations from absorbed optical energy density data, highlighting the challenges associated with practical implementation, such ...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 11, 2024

Progress in the investigation of ultrafast electron dynamics using short light pulses

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding ultrafast electron dynamics by tracking the motion of electrons released from zinc oxide crystals using laser pulses. The research team combined photoemission electron microscopy and attosecond physics technology to achieve temporal accuracy, enabling them to study the interact...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalAdvanced Physics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Magnetization by laser pulse

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have identified a promising phenomenon where certain iron alloys can be magnetized using ultrashort laser pulses. The team has now expanded its findings to an iron-vanadium alloy, revealing a new class of materials with potential applications in spintronics and magnetic sensors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023
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.

Ultrafast quantum simulation of large-scale quantum entanglement

Researchers create an ultrafast quantum simulator that can simulate large-scale quantum entanglement on a timescale of several hundred picoseconds. By applying their novel ultrafast quantum computer scheme, they overcome the issue of external noise and achieve high speed and accurate controls.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2023

CityU researchers develop ultra-sensitive photoacoustic microscopy for wide biomedical application potential

The research team created a multi-spectral, super-low-dose photoacoustic microscopy system with improved sensitivity, enabling new applications and clinical translation. The system achieved up to capillary-level or sub-cellular resolution at greater depths than traditional optical microscopy methods.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023

SLAC researchers take important step toward developing cavity-based X-ray laser tech

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a key process for next-gen X-ray lasers, demonstrating the use of synthetic diamond crystal mirrors to steer X-ray pulses around a rectangular racetrack. The achievement marks an important step towards creating brighter and more stable X-ray laser pulses.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023

A novel laser slicing technique for diamond semiconductors

Researchers from Chiba University developed a novel laser-based technique to slice diamonds into thin wafers, paving the way for their adoption as next-generation semiconductor materials. The technique uses short laser pulses to transform diamond into amorphous carbon, reducing density and crack formation.

SourceChiba University·JournalDiamond and Related Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Frosty hydrogen as target

A new technique uses frozen hydrogen as a target for high-power laser pulses, improving proton acceleration efficiency and paving the way for advanced tumor therapy concepts. The method generates multiple proton bunches per second and optimizes the process through AI algorithms.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Freeze charges in flames

Researchers at KAUST studied the use of high voltages to control charged particles in flames, which could lead to improved flame stability and reduced soot formation. The team developed a simulation to understand this phenomenon and tested its predictions by studying a flame inside a cavity exposed to electric fields of up to 2,500 volts.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2023