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NSF selects Rochester, New York, as national laser innovation hub

The University of Rochester-led NSF STELLAR Engine launches to strengthen US competitiveness in global markets by advancing lasers and laser application research. The project aims to bring New York laser research, development, and manufacturing to a scale that can compete globally.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateJul 14, 2026

Professor Robert Thomson to receive The Princess Royal Silver Medal

Professor Robert Thomson will receive the prestigious Princess Royal Silver Medal for his groundbreaking work in photonics, particularly in developing an integrated photonic lantern that can be mass-produced. This technology has numerous applications, including astronomy, advanced medical sensing, and telecommunications.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·DateJul 1, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

WVU physicists unlock plasma’s mysteries with lasers

Researchers at WVU are developing new laser-based techniques to observe plasma behavior in unprecedented detail, allowing them to examine how charged particles and energy move between plasmas and material surfaces. This study could lead to improved understanding of plasma sheaths and their role in surface wear and material lifetime.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJun 23, 2026

Imprinted high-Q polymer micro-ring resonator array

Researchers have developed a polymer-based microring resonator array with over 40 elements, demonstrating broadband acoustic detection and fine spatial resolution. The system achieved strong correspondence with biological structures, including blood vessel regions, in imaging mouse prostate tissue.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2026

Shaping luminescence in 3D: Advanced fabrication of YAG:Ce³⁺ microstructures

Scientists create microscopic 3D light-emitting ceramic structures using chemical synthesis and advanced laser-based 3D printing, enabling the fabrication of single-phase crystalline YAG:Ce³⁺ with high precision. This technology has the potential to transform the design and manufacturing of optical devices, leading to more energy-effic...

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Customizable sub-nanometer vertical-step grayscale lithography

A new grayscale lithography technique called PG-LDW is introduced, achieving sub-nanometer resolution in 3D structures. This process enables precise control over the depth profile of photoresists, opening opportunities for next-generation micro/nano-integrated devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

BMFTR awards millions in funding for fusion research – Dr. Yannik Zobus of GSI/FAIR secures a young investigators group

Dr. Yannik Zobus's LASE-FUSE project aims to develop a comprehensive, modular simulation framework for fusion laser systems, enabling holistic modeling and virtual optimization of complex systems. The project will receive three million euros in funding over five years through the 'Fusionstalente' program.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·DateMay 7, 2026

MIT researchers find self-organizing “pencil beam” laser could help scientists design brain-targeted therapies

Researchers leveraged a surprise discovery to devise a new bioimaging method that captures 3D images of the human blood-brain barrier 25 times faster than existing technology. This technique enables scientists to test whether new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases reach their targets in the brain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2026

Scientists unlock new route to extreme light intensities

A team of physicists has discovered a way to boost the intensity of high-power laser light, opening up new possibilities for experiments in quantum electrodynamics. The breakthrough uses an unusual process to create extremely bright ultraviolet light, which can be focused into a tiny point creating immense energy concentration.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 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.

How an algorithm is curing 3D printing’s cracking problem

A team of researchers developed a machine learning framework to optimize laser settings for printing crack-susceptible superalloys. The algorithm reduced internal crack density by 99% and increased the metal's high-temperature strength, surpassing traditional cast components.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 13, 2026
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.

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

Building desktop particle accelerators to unlock new realms of research

The University of Osaka's researchers have achieved a key milestone in creating tabletop x-ray lasers by demonstrating free-electron laser amplification at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths. They used laser wakefield acceleration to generate high-quality, monoenergetic electron beams, enabling precise control of the plasma source.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2026

A new way to deliver faster, greener wireless connections indoors

Researchers developed a compact optical wireless transmitter that combines high data rates with improved energy efficiency. The system uses a 5x5 array of lasers to transmit data in parallel, achieving aggregate data rates of up to 362.7 gigabits per second.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMar 30, 2026

UMass Amherst research demonstrates new technology for shrinking quantum computers

Researchers at UMass Amherst have made a breakthrough in shrinking the size of quantum computers by integrating laser systems onto photonic chips. This technology has the potential to enable large-scale quantum computing and make optical clocks portable, with applications in fields such as deep space navigation and GPS.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026
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.

Researchers demonstrate integrated stabilized laser chips performing clock and quantum operations on a room temperature trapped ion qubit

Researchers from UCSB and UMass Amherst successfully integrated stabilized laser chips with a room temperature trapped ion qubit, enabling compact and portable quantum systems. This breakthrough paves the way for applications in quantum sensing, computing, and fundamental science.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2026

Massive-scale spatial multiplexing with 3D-printed photonic lanterns achieved by researchers

The Hebrew University team designed an adiabatic transition to convert multiple few-mode sources into a single multimode fiber, enabling efficient combining of dozens of small semiconductor lasers. The technology simplifies high-power laser systems and optical communications, preserving brightness and easing alignment constraints.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Ultrafast computers controlled by light: a new frontier opened by Politecnico di Milano and CNR

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano and CNR have developed a new ultrafast computer technology controlled by light, potentially hundreds of times faster than traditional electronics. The technology manipulates the state of electrons in matter using oscillating light, enabling operations at rates above 10 terahertz.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

Researchers build ultra-efficient optical sensors shrinking light to a chip

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed high-performing optical microresonators that can trap light and build up its intensity. By guiding light smoothly through the resonator, they dramatically reduced light loss, allowing photons to circulate longer and interact more strongly inside the device.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 23, 2026

How can you rescue a “kidnapped” robot? A new AI system helps the robot regain its sense of location in dynamic, ever-changing environments

A hierarchical 3D LiDAR localization method improves robot positioning in large outdoor spaces even after seasonal changes. The method integrates deep learning techniques to extract discriminative local features from 3D point clouds, making it robust to environmental variability.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Transformative advancement in terahertz spectroscopy

A new terahertz spectroscopy system combines high spectral resolution with micrometer-level spatial resolution, enabling the study of complex light-matter interactions. The system achieved a spatial resolution of 20 µm and a spectral resolution of up to 100 MHz.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026
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.

Thin-film lithium niobate-based detector: recent advances and perspectives

Researchers reviewed recent advances and perspectives of TFLN-based detectors, outlining physical mechanisms for photodetection and implementation schemes. Direct material modification techniques expand the photodetection mechanism and application scope of lithium niobate materials.

SourceOpto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateDec 22, 2025

Engineers develop real-time membrane imaging for sustainable water filtration

Researchers at CU Boulder have introduced a solution to improving desalination plant performance by observing in real-time membrane fouling using SRS. The technique helps maximize filtration efficiency and reduce energy use, making it crucial for ensuring global access to clean water.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 16, 2025

Tiny new device could enable giant future quantum computers

Researchers have developed a nearly 100 times smaller device that can efficiently control lasers required for thousands of qubits, unlocking potential for larger quantum computers. The device uses microwave-frequency vibrations to manipulate laser light with extraordinary precision.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 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.

Shaping quantum light unlocks new possibilities for future technologies

Researchers have demonstrated how controlling the structure of photons in space and time enables tailored quantum states for next-generation communication, sensing, and imaging. This breakthrough offers new pathways for high-capacity quantum communication and advanced technologies.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 5, 2025

New design tackles heat challenges in high-power fiber lasers

Researchers at Fraunhofer IOF have developed a single-material cladding light stripper with self-adapting behavior, overcoming nonlinear effects and heat buildup in thulium fiber lasers. The design enables over 20 W of stripped signal light at 2 µm and up to 675 W at 793 nm, setting a new record for single-material CLS designs.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Laser trial run kickstarts new era of interferometry

Astronomers have successfully installed lasers on the eight-metre telescopes at Paranal, enabling the creation of an artificial star to correct atmospheric blur. This upgrade unlocks a greater observing power and wider sky coverage for the VLTI, allowing for deeper observations of faint targets.

SourceESO·DateNov 10, 2025
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.

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

New adaptive optics to support gravitational-wave discoveries

UC Riverside-developed FROSTI system allows precise control of laser wavefronts at extreme power levels, opening a new pathway for gravitational-wave astronomy. This technology expands the universe's view by a factor of 10, potentially detecting millions of black hole and neutron star mergers with unmatched fidelity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

Sweden’s most powerful laser delivers record-short light pulses

Researchers at Umea University have demonstrated a custom-built laser facility generating ultrashort laser pulses with extreme peak power and precisely controlled waveforms. The Light Wave Synthesizer 100 (LWS100) spans 11 meters in length, capable of producing 100 terawatts for a few millionth of a billionth of a second.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2025
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.

Black metal could give a heavy boost to solar power generation

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new type of solar thermoelectric generator that can harness thermal energy in addition to sunlight. The device is 15 times more efficient than current state-of-the-art devices, making it a promising source of renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 12, 2025

Laser-generated nanoparticles promise cleaner, smarter artificial sensory systems

Laser-generated nanoparticles offer a cleaner, scalable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods for electronics applications. The method, called laser ablation in liquids, produces surfactant-free, highly pure metal-based nanoparticles with tailored surface properties.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 21, 2025

IEEE study reveal the physics of laser emission from Mamyshev oscillator

Researchers from Hunan University uncover buildup dynamics of harmonic mode-locking in fiber-based Mamyshev oscillators, achieving high stability and signal-to-noise ratio. The study identifies five distinct phases in the generation of stable harmonic mode-locking, challenging conventional understanding of laser emission.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalJournal of Lightwave Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

Powering your phone with a laser

The University of Ottawa's SUNLAB has developed a simulation model for multi-junction photonic power converters, which enable the conversion of laser light into electrical power with higher efficiencies and voltages. This technology could lead to more reliable telecommunication networks, reduce costs by enhancing systems performance, a...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 25, 2025
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.

Cheaper and better lasers can open for new technology

A new type of laser developed by Norwegian University of Science and Technology and partners has solved several problems associated with current-day lasers. The laser can be used in self-driving cars and detects hydrogen cyanide gas in the air with high precision.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

New laser smaller than a penny can measure objects at ultrafast rates

Researchers have developed a new laser device smaller than a penny that can conduct extremely fast and accurate measurements by precisely changing its color across a broad spectrum of light. The laser has applications ranging from guiding autonomous vehicles to detecting gravitational waves, a delicate experiment to observe our universe.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 2, 2025

Machine learning simplifies industrial laser processes

Researchers from Empa developed machine learning algorithms to optimize laser-based manufacturing techniques, reducing preliminary experiments by two-thirds. They also implemented real-time optimization using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for improved welding processes.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Femtosecond-level precision achieved in chip-scale soliton microcombs

Researchers have developed a new platform using dispersion-managed silicon nitride microresonators to suppress timing jitter, achieving femtosecond-level precision. This breakthrough enables the deployment of chip-scale solitons in space navigation, ultrafast data networks, and quantum measurement systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 21, 2025

A one-pixel camera for recording holographic movies

Researchers at Kobe University have created a single-pixel camera that can record three-dimensional holographic movies, even through tissues. The camera uses a high-speed digital micromirror device to project patterns required for recording the hologram, enabling the capture of moving objects and images outside the visible spectrum.

SourceKobe University·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025
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.

The US has a new most powerful laser

The US National Science Foundation-funded ZEUS facility at the University of Michigan has roughly doubled the peak power of any other laser in the country with its first official experiment reaching 2 petawatts. Research at ZEUS will have applications in medicine, national security, materials science and astrophysics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMay 19, 2025

Tiny microlaser sensors offer supercharged biosensing

Researchers have developed a 3D micro-printed sensor that uses whispering-gallery-mode microlasers to detect biomarkers with attogram per milliliter sensitivity. The sensors' unique Limacon-shaped design improves efficiency and enables on-chip integration, making them suitable for high-performance lab-on-a-chip devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 19, 2025

Researchers discover a more eco-friendly approach to study light and matter interaction – could revolutionize development of emerging technologies

Researchers at the University of Turku developed a simple, eco-friendly approach to fabricate optical microcavities, allowing for precise study of polaritons and potential applications in ultra-efficient lasers and quantum optics. This innovation makes quantum and photonics research more accessible and energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 13, 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.

From beam to battery: HKUST’s single-step laser printing supercharges high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers developed a novel single-step laser printing technique to manufacture integrated sulfur cathodes, resulting in high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries. The process reduces time and complexity compared to traditional methods, enabling faster and more efficient production.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2025

Tying light from lasers into stable “optical knots”

Engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a method to create stable optical knots using laser beams, which could be used to transmit encoded information or measure turbulence in pockets of air. The team found that by adding more squiggles to the knot's features, they could make it stable for longer and resist degradation.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Amplifier with tenfold bandwidth opens up for super lasers

A new amplifier developed by Chalmers University of Technology can transmit ten times more data per second than current systems, holding significant potential for various critical laser systems, including medical diagnostics and treatment. The amplifier's large bandwidth enables precise analyses and imaging of tissues and organs.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

Infrared heavy-metal-free quantum dots deliver sensitive and fast sensors for eye-safe LIDAR applications

Scientists have created a new method to create silver telluride colloidal quantum dots that overcome challenges of high dark current, limited linear dynamic range, and response speed. The team developed the first proof-of-concept SWIR LIDAR using these non-toxic materials, measuring distances over 10 meters with decimetre resolution.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 3, 2025
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.