A team at the Naval Research Laboratory has successfully demonstrated room-temperature operation of an interband III-V laser diode emitting at a wavelength beyond three microns. This achievement brings gallium-antimony-based technology closer to practical and portable mid-infrared systems needed for military and commercial applications.
Scientists are creating tiny 'motes' of 'smart dust' that can communicate with each other and sense their environment, paving the way for a range of applications including weather monitoring and espionage. The devices use optical transceivers to minimize power consumption and have already demonstrated monitoring capabilities over 21 ki...
Researchers at the University of Illinois have improved the chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL), enhancing its performance and reducing operating costs. The device can now be scaled to high power levels and has a wavelength suitable for remote fiber-optic delivery.
A team of researchers at Ohio State University has created a single, reliable system that combines three sensing techniques to inspect the quality of high-power laser welds. The system can detect faults with significantly better accuracy than individual sensors alone, and is estimated to cost around $7,500 for manufacturing partners.
A laser pointer has been found to help some Parkinson's patients overcome freezing episodes, where their legs temporarily lock in place. The device provides a visual cue that helps patients take the next step towards regaining mobility, offering hope for those struggling with this debilitating symptom.
University of Rochester scientists develop new materials that emit nearly perfect circularly polarized light, hundreds of times more pure than current materials. This breakthrough enables brighter and more efficient displays, with potential applications in 3D displays, laser goggles, and optical communication.
Researchers have visualized chaotic flows in three dimensions, revealing regular islands formed by unmixed liquid streams. The study's findings could lead to improved mixing conditions in various industries, including chemical companies and geophysics.
Researchers develop a new trap to confine Bose-Einstein condensates using light, enabling the manipulation of ultracold atoms. The team observes a Feshbach resonance for the first time in ultracold atoms, opening up new possibilities for studying and controlling this form of matter.
IntraLase Corporation will develop ultrafast ophthalmic lasers for refractive and other surgical procedures, enhancing eye care with precise technology. The company combines U-M intellectual property with Escalon Medical's patents to bring innovative laser solutions to the medical field.