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The world's shortest laser pulse

Researchers at ETH Zurich generate the world's shortest controlled laser pulse with a duration of 43 attoseconds, allowing for unprecedented time resolution in studying molecular dynamics. This breakthrough enables faster charge transfer and potentially more efficient solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 31, 2017

Liquids take a shine to terahertz radiation

Researchers at TIFR devise compact terahertz radiation source using laboratory liquids, achieving energies thousands of times larger than existing sources. The discovery opens doors to applications in terahertz imaging, material analysis, and explosives detection.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2017
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.

Laser beams for superconductivity

A team of scientists has found that applying a brief laser pulse to the C60 bucky-ball material creates superconducting properties up to 100 degrees above the critical temperature. The discovery sheds light on the unusual physical phenomena and offers potential for manufacturing electronic devices with adjustable properties.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 25, 2017

Physicists achieve rapid magnetic switching with lasers

Researchers used advanced synchrotron measurement setup to study spin dynamics of ferrimagnetic thin films containing different proportions of gadolinium. They found that varying composition dramatically changed response to laser pulse, leading to improved switching speeds and precision.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateSep 26, 2017
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.

The wave nature of light in super-slow motion

Researchers in Erlangen and Jena have achieved high-precision measurement of the wave characteristics of focused, ultra-short light pulses. This will enable targeted influence on electrons and chemical reactions.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 12, 2017

The world's most powerful X-ray laser beam creates 'molecular black hole'

Scientists used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to create a 'molecular black hole' that pulled in surrounding electrons, stripping away more than 50 electrons from a single atom. The results provide fundamental insights into how to better plan and interpret experiments using intense X-rays.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 2017

Laser pulses reveal the superconductors of the future

Researchers discovered a class of materials that can exhibit superconductivity at room temperature due to innovative laser techniques. This breakthrough opens up new perspectives for the development of high-temperature superconductors with applications in electronics, diagnostics, and transport.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 9, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Where does laser energy go after being fired into plasma?

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that laser energy deposited into plasma produces two low-energy but high-charge electron beams and a single high-energy beam. The beams can have thousands of times more charge than the high-energy beam, offering a novel source of charged particle beams.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2017

Controlling fast X-ray pulses with laser light

Researchers at Louisiana State University and Lund University have developed a new method to direct short bursts of x-ray light using strong laser pulses. This breakthrough allows for precise control over the properties of the light, including direction and pulse duration.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 21, 2017
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.

Recreating conditions inside stars with compact lasers

Researchers at Colorado State University have successfully recreated the extreme conditions found in stars using compact lasers and ultra-short pulses irradiating nanowires. The experiment achieved pressures surpassing those in the center of our sun, opening a path to studying high-energy density physics.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2017

Controlled electron pulses

Researchers at FAU successfully control electron pulses using laser delays, exhibiting quantum path interference and opening doors for time-resolved electron microscopy. The discovery could lead to complex electron pulses in the future, revolutionizing surface coherence research.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 30, 2016

UMD physicists discover 'smoke rings' made of laser light

Researchers have discovered 'spatiotemporal optical vortices,' or STOVs, which are 3-D ring structures generated by high-intensity lasers. These structures have the potential to manipulate particles moving at the speed of light and may be useful for designing powerful microscopes and more efficient telecommunication lines.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 9, 2016

DNA damage by ultrashort pulses of intense laser light

High-intensity femtosecond laser pulses can cause DNA breaks and damage, with OH radicals being more likely to produce double strand breaks. The extent of damage can be controlled by varying the focal length of the focusing lens.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2016

Attosecond physics: Using laser pulses to direct protons

A team of physicists at LMU Munich has used laser pulses to selectively remove and reattach hydrogen atoms from a hydrocarbon molecule, opening up new possibilities for chemical synthesis. This technique could lead to the creation of new substances by controlling individual steps in chemical reactions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 13, 2016
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.

UMD discovery could enable portable particle accelerators

Physicists at the University of Maryland have accelerated electron beams to nearly the speed of light using millijoules of laser pulse energy, a significant improvement over previous methods. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-compact machines useful for materials science and medical imaging, overcoming barriers in cost, complexity,...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2015

Toward clearer, cheaper imaging of ultrafast phenomena

A new technique can help record better images of ultrafast phenomena by compressing narrow electron pulses to a billionth of a billionth of a second. This allows scientists to observe real-time molecular interactions and material structure changes in chemical reactions.

SourceOptica·DateOct 13, 2015

Attosecond physics: Attosecond electron catapult

Researchers create a technique to emit electrons in a controlled direction using near-fields induced by strong laser pulses on glass nanoparticles. This method has potential applications in cancer therapy and imaging methods.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2015
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.

Better memory with faster lasers

Caltech researchers used ultrafast electron crystallography to visualize changing atomic configurations of phase-change materials. They discovered a previously unknown intermediate atomic state that represents a physical limit to data recording speeds.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 13, 2015

A 'movie' of ultrafast rotating molecules at a hundred billion per second

Scientists have successfully imaged ultrafast unidirectionally rotating molecules at 100 billion per second, revealing a quantum wave-like nature. The high-resolution imaging reveals rotational wave packets with distinct angular velocities, showcasing the transition from quantum to classical behavior.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 2015

Building a better semiconductor

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method to change the electronic properties of materials, enabling more efficient solid-state electronics. By using ultrafast laser pulses, they can create new electronic phases with desired properties.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2015

The laser pulse that gets shorter all by itself

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have developed a way to compress intense laser pulses by a factor of 20 using a cleverly designed hollow fibre. This tabletop technology makes creating short infrared pulses much simpler and cheaper than previously used setups.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New laser-patterning technique turns metals into supermaterials

Researchers from the University of Rochester created extraordinary new surfaces that efficiently absorb light, repel water, and clean themselves using femtosecond laser pulses. The multifunctional materials have potential applications in durable, low-maintenance solar collectors and sensors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 20, 2015

UNL study details laser pulse effects on electron behavior

Researchers at UNL pinpoint characteristics of laser pulses that can control electron behavior, enabling predictive and controlled electron motion. The study's findings offer a new signature for classifying experimentally produced laser pulses.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 26, 2014

A 'Star Wars' laser bullet -- this is what it really looks like

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a new compact high-power laser that can create ultrashort pulses. The laser generates powerful femtosecond pulses that can penetrate long distances, allowing for real-time atmospheric pollution detection using LIDAR technology.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2014
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.

Laser pulse turns glass into a metal

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have managed to explain how a laser pulse can change the electronic properties of glass, making it conduct electricity. The effect happens so quickly that it can be used for ultra-fast light-based electronics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 26, 2014

Water window imaging opportunity

Researchers develop theoretical framework to generate coherent radiations in the water window range, enabling high-contrast imaging of biological samples. The study extends previous work on hydrogen and applies it to argon atoms, paving the way for improved spectroscopy techniques.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 21, 2014

A path toward more powerful tabletop accelerators

Researchers at Berkeley Lab discovered that certain requirements for laser pulses in emerging small-area particle accelerators can be significantly relaxed. This finding has the potential to bring about a new era of accelerators that would need just a few meters to accelerate particles to great speeds, rather than traditional accelerat...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMay 28, 2014

Laser light needs more bass

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology create an 'optical synthesizer' that combines different frequencies to form a characteristic laser waveform, similar to music. This enables the creation of attosecond pulse radiation hundreds of times more intense than previous methods.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 21, 2014
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.

Steering chemical reactions with laser pulses

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully controlled the splitting of hydrocarbons into smaller fragments using femtosecond laser pulses. By manipulating the distribution of electrons, scientists can induce chemical reactions and select specific reaction paths.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 23, 2014

Scientists capture ultrafast snapshots of light-driven superconductivity

Researchers used x-ray pulses to trigger superconductivity and reveal the rapid disappearance of 'charge stripes' that hindered it. The findings provide new insights into room-temperature superconductivity and its potential applications in electronics and computation.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2014

Towards perfect control of light waves

A team at TUM has developed a glass-based detector that accurately determines the form of light waves in individual femtosecond pulses. The new detector simplifies measurements of ultrafast physical processes and enables the generation of stable attosecond light flashes with controlled shape.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 13, 2014
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.

Researchers probe the optical properties of a novel kind of magnetism

A team of researchers has carried out the first detailed measurements of a unique kind of magnetism found in herbertsmithite. The study reveals a signature in the material's optical conductivity that supports theoretical predictions about the influence of magnetism on electrons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 23, 2013
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.

Quantum tricks drive magnetic switching into the fast lane

Researchers have discovered a new way to switch magnetism using short laser pulses, achieving speeds of quadrillionths of a second. This breakthrough potentially opens the door to faster memory and logic device speeds, exceeding current gigahertz limits.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2013

Demagnetization by rapid spin transport

Researchers find that hot electrons generated by laser pulses cause ultrafast demagnetization in nickel, not the light itself. The study suggests a new possibility for spintronics research.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 27, 2013

Ultra-short laser pulses control chemical processes

Researchers at TU Vienna have successfully controlled the splitting of large molecules with up to ten atoms using ultra-short laser pulses. The technique involves influencing the movement of electrons, which in turn affects the atomic nuclei, allowing for targeted control over specific elemental chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 12, 2012
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.

Undisturbed excitation with pulsed light

Scientists have developed a method to prevent 'light shifts' in atomic energy levels using pulsed radiation. The 'hyper' Ramsey excitation scheme suppresses the effect, allowing for more accurate measurements and potentially greater accuracy in optical clocks.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 22, 2012

UCF researchers record world record laser pulse

A University of Central Florida research team has created a 67-attosecond laser pulse, allowing scientists to watch electrons move in atoms and molecules. The technique, called Double Optical Grating, enables extreme ultraviolet light to be concentrated into the shortest possible pulse.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalOptics Letters·DateSep 4, 2012

World's most powerful X-ray laser beam refined to scalpel precision

Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have improved the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) by using a diamond filter to create narrower X-ray wavelength bands, enabling sharper images of materials and molecules. This advancement promises to speed discoveries and add new scientific capabilities.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 12, 2012

Bright X-ray flashes created in laser lab

An international team of scientists has successfully created bright coherent x-ray radiation using a new method developed at the Vienna University of Technology. This breakthrough enables the production of high-energy x-rays with short wavelengths, making it suitable for various applications such as materials science and medicine.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2012
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.

Scientists create first atomic X-ray laser

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created the shortest, purest X-ray laser pulses ever achieved, enabling ultrafast reactions to be seen in detail. This achievement fulfills a 1967 prediction and opens doors for new scientific discoveries.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2012

Research could improve laser-manufacturing technique

Ultrafast laser pulses create precise patterns in metals and ceramics, but new research reveals an early plasma forms immediately before the mushroom cloud, hindering performance. Eliminating this interference could unlock new applications in manufacturing, materials science, and more.

SourcePurdue University·JournalApplied Physics B·DateDec 19, 2011

Using lasers to vaporize tissue at multiple points simultaneously

Using a single UV laser pulse, researchers can now zap away biological tissue at multiple points simultaneously. This technique allows scientists to isolate specific cells and observe their shape dictated solely by internal forces. The method has potential applications in developmental biology and bioengineering.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateSep 13, 2011
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.

Beams to order from table-top accelerators

Researchers achieve stable, high-energy electron beams by controlling wave velocity and intensity using a two-stage process. This innovation enables compact, cost-effective colliders for fundamental physics and new ultrafast light sources.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 22, 2011

Simulating tomorrow's accelerators at near the speed of light

Researchers successfully simulated the operation of a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator in three-dimensional detail using the 'boosted-frame' method. This breakthrough enables calculations that were previously beyond the state of the art, reducing computational time by tens of thousands of times.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 22, 2011

Plasma as a fast optical switch

Scientists have observed relativistic transparency in plasma, allowing it to act as a fast optical switch. This phenomenon enables the flow of light through previously opaque material in less than a tenth of a picosecond.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2010

Electrons are late starters

Scientists measure delay of tens of attoseconds between light pulse and electron emission, challenging existing models. The findings have important implications for simulating electronic properties of materials.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2010

'Microrings' could nix wires for communications in homes, offices

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a miniature device capable of converting ultrafast laser pulses into bursts of radio-frequency signals. This technology has the potential to enable all communications to be transmitted from a single base station, making wires obsolete. The approach uses microring resonators to filter out ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 3, 2010
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.

Electron self-injection into an evolving plasma bubble

Researchers shed light on electron beam formation by attributing it to the evolution of the plasma bubble shape and nonlinear laser pulse evolution. The discovery is attributed to fine details in 3D simulations, offering a robust mechanism for self-injection and monoenergetic bunch formation.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 2, 2009

Laser pulses control single electrons in complex molecules

Physicists and chemists have successfully controlled individual, negatively charged particles within a group of electrons in complex molecules. They used femtosecond laser pulses to manipulate the motion of outer electrons in carbon monoxide molecules.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 1, 2009

Killer pulses help characterize special surfaces

Scientists at the University of Illinois have devised a method to characterize special surfaces by using a series of killer laser pulses. The technique measures the distribution of site enhancements on the substrate surface, allowing researchers to design better scattering surfaces for sensor applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 2008
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.