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Turning graphene into light nanosensors

Researchers embedded graphene in a photonic crystal to enhance its light-absorbing capabilities. By varying the external temperature, they can tune the material's optical characteristics, leading to potential applications in light sensors and ultra-fast lasers.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 25, 2018

Attosecond physics: Molecules brilliantly illuminated

Researchers develop powerful femtosecond light source for mid-infrared spectroscopy, enabling detection of organic molecules at low concentrations. The system uses coherent light to reveal molecular fingerprints and diagnose diseases like cancer at early stages.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Using a laser to wirelessly charge a smartphone safely across a room

Engineers have created a laser-based wireless charging system that can safely charge smartphones sitting across a room. The system uses power from the laser to charge the smartphone via a thin power cell mounted on the back of the phone, with safety features such as a heatsink and guard beams to prevent overheating and accidental contact.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 20, 2018

Mind your speed: A magnetic brake on proton acceleration

Proton acceleration is hindered by magnetism, as electrons create a sheath field that accelerates protons at right-angles to the target. This effect, known as magnetic inhibition, progressively worsens at higher laser powers, reducing proton energies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2018
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.

Advances in lasers get to the long and short of it

A new technique allows researchers to switch emission between long- and short-wavelength edges of photonic bandgap by applying a voltage of 20 V. This is achieved through modifying the dipole moment of cholesteric liquid crystals.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 24, 2018

Ural scientists synthesized a new phosphor

Researchers at Ural Federal University and Institute of Chemistry of Solids created a new compound that converts UV radiation into visible light. The compound has potential uses in medical and optical devices, as well as air pollution analysis.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Luminescence·DateDec 21, 2017

New laser technology could reduce accidents on icy roads

Researchers have developed a method to detect hydrohalite, a substance that forms on treated icy roads and cannot be removed by conventional salting. Using Raman instruments fitted with lasers, trucks can identify the presence of hydrohalite and switch to alternative de-icers, making roads safer for users.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalApplied Spectroscopy Reviews·DateNov 30, 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.

Seeing the forest through the trees with a new LiDAR system

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory have created a new LiDAR system that can survey obscured ground using gated digital holography methods. This technology allows for 3D topography surveys through foliage or other obstacles, with potential applications in disaster relief and self-driving cars.

SourceOptica·DateJun 27, 2017

X-ray microscope optics resolve 50-nm features while eliminating chromatic aberrations

Researchers from Osaka University developed an optical system for full-field X-ray microscopes that eliminates chromatic aberrations, allowing for the resolution of 50-nm features with high stability. The system, featuring two monolithic imaging mirrors, has been applied in spectromicroscopy experiments and shows promise for various ap...

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 2, 2017

No, complex is not complicated, it is rather simple

Researchers at Bilkent University have designed the simplest experimental system to date, revealing that particles can form autocatalytic aggregates with rich complex behaviors. The study employs only two parameters: laser power and beam position, allowing for controlled emergence of complexity.

SourceBilkent University Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2017

Glowing bacteria detect buried landmines

Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem develop novel system combining lasers and bacteria to remotely map location of buried landmines. The system detects explosive vapors emitted by mines, which are then recorded and quantified from a remote location.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 11, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New quantum gadget could make contactless payment more secure

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a system to transmit quantum keys, ensuring data security and detecting eavesdropping. The prototype uses movable mirrors and ultrafast LEDs to send secret pin-codes over short distances, improving the security of contactless transactions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 28, 2017

NASA taking first steps toward high-speed space 'internet'

NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aims to establish a high-speed internet in space, enabling faster data rates and smaller communication systems. The technology has the potential to revolutionize space communications for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 22, 2017

Researchers create 'time crystals' envisioned by Princeton scientists

Two groups of researchers successfully created time crystals using theories developed at Princeton University, discovering the essential physics of their function. The creation builds on previous developments that challenged conventional understanding of complex systems in equilibrium.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017
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.

Researcher's discovery of new crystal structure holds promise for optoelectronic devices

A new crystal structure of organic-inorganic hybrid materials has been discovered, offering promise for the development of optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes and lasers. The material displays interesting optical properties, including high photo luminescence, making it a potential candidate for efficient light emission.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

NIST debuts dual atomic clock -- and a new stability record

Physicists at NIST have combined two experimental atomic clocks based on ytterbium atoms to set a new world record for clock stability. The dual-clock design eliminates dead time and noise, resulting in a more powerful tool for precision tests and applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 28, 2016

We gather here today to join lasers and anti-lasers

Scientists at Berkeley Lab created a single device that can act as both a laser and an anti-laser, enabling flexible operation in optical communication. The device uses parity-time symmetry to balance amplification and absorption, allowing for control over light behavior.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 7, 2016
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.

New approach to microlasers

Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Laboratories describe a new way to build terahertz lasers that reduce power consumption and enable tighter beams. The device is an array of microfabricated lasers on a single chip, with phase-locking technology that recaptures lateral radiation, resulting in a tighter beam.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 13, 2016

Two types of RGB laser light sources successfully demonstrated

Two new RGB laser light source modules developed by Osaka University and Shimadzu Corporation show superior performance in miniaturization, energy-saving, and color gamut compared to LEDs. The modules have potential applications in small electronic devices, large video systems, and projection mapping.

SourceOsaka University·DateMay 12, 2016
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.

Scientists discover how to control heart cells using a laser

Researchers have found a way to control heart muscle cells using laser radiation, which could lead to new treatments for arrhythmia. The study used azoTAB molecules and found that controlling the ion channels in cardiomyocytes can reduce abnormal heart rhythms.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 13, 2016
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.

Modified laser cutter prints 3-D objects from powder

Rice researchers develop an open-source laser sintering platform that can print intricate 3D objects from powdered plastics and biomaterials. The system costs significantly less than commercial counterparts and allows researchers to work with their own specialized materials.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 2016

Titan targets tumors

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf are exploring the use of high-powered lasers to accelerate ions for cancer treatment. By accelerating ions to therapeutic energies in a short time, they can deposit most of their energy inside tumors while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJan 26, 2016

Shiny fish skin inspires nanoscale light reflectors

Researchers from Penn State have developed a model that uses fractal geometry to describe the layering in silvery fish skin, which can guide the design of devices such as broadband mirrors. The technique has potential applications in advanced optical coatings, laser protection, infrared imaging systems, and photovoltaics.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 13, 2016

Vessel speed biggest factor in noise affecting killer whales

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that vessel speed is the most influential factor in how much noise from boats reaches endangered killer whales. The research used digital acoustic recording tags and laser positioning system to track boat noise levels and found that speed was the main contributor.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2015

UW team refrigerates liquids with a laser for the first time

The University of Washington team has made history by cooling water by about 36 degrees Fahrenheit using an infrared laser. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including manufacturing, telecommunications, and defense.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2015
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.

NASA takes lasercom a step forward

A NASA-developed laser communication system has demonstrated record-breaking data download and upload speeds to the moon, as well as highly precise distance and speed measurements. The Space Optical Communication and Navigation System can provide micrometer-level accuracy over a 622 megabits-per-second laser communication link.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 2015

MIT Deshpande Center announces fall 2015 research grants

The MIT Deshpande Center has awarded grants to 15 research teams working on emerging technologies with potential impact in disease monitoring, cancer treatment, and more. The center provides support and guidance to innovators as they develop viable technologies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 6, 2015

How to spawn an 'exceptional ring'

Physicists at MIT have found a phenomenon described as a 'ring of exceptional points' produced by the Dirac cone, potentially leading to applications in powerful lasers and precise optical sensors. The discovery represents the first experimental demonstration of this phenomenon.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2015
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.

New era of astronomy as gravitational wave hunt begins

Australian scientists are part of the Advanced LIGO project aiming to find gravitational waves, ripples in space-time caused by violent cosmic events. The technology requires high sensitivity and precision, pushing the limits of components like low-noise detectors and high-power lasers.

SourceAustralian National University·DateMay 20, 2015

Attosecond physics: A new gateway to the microcosmos

Physicists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a new Ytterbium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Yb:YAG) disk laser, which produces pulses lasting 7.7 femtoseconds and enables the study of ultrafast physical processes on attosecond timescales.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 2015

The trillion-frame-per-second camera

Scientists have developed a new high-speed camera, STAMP, that can record events at over 1-trillion-frames-per-second, capturing complex physical and biological processes. The camera operates by splitting a single light pulse into multiple colors, allowing for the creation of moving pictures of ultrafast phenomena.

SourceOptica·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 29, 2015
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.

A blueprint for clearing the skies of space debris

A new space-based system combines a super-wide field-of-view telescope with a high-efficiency laser to track and deorbit centimeter-sized space debris. The system, proposed by RIKEN scientists, could remove most of the debris within five years of operation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 17, 2015

Advanced Laser Light Source at INRS receives major funding from CFI

The Advanced Laser Light Source at INRS has received significant funding to advance its mission as an international center of excellence in ultrafast science. With this new investment, the facility will continue to explore fundamental questions in physics and chemistry through high-quality light sources.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMar 3, 2015

INRS receives $1.5 million from NSERC for strategic projects

INRS has received significant funding to develop new fibre laser systems, electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction, and terahertz technologies. These collaborations aim to enhance broadband communication and energy efficiency, while addressing greenhouse gas conversion and chemical detection needs.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateFeb 19, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New technology enables ultra-fast steering and shaping of light beams

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new acousto-optic device that can shape and steer light beams at speeds never before achieved. The device, which consists of 64 tiny piezo-electric elements, can create complex sound fields that deflect and sculpt light passing through it.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 6, 2015

Breakthrough in flexible electronics enabled by inorganic-based laser lift-off

A breakthrough in flexible electronics has been achieved using Inorganic-based Laser Lift-off (ILLO), which overcomes material and processing limitations. ILLO allows for the fabrication of ultrathin inorganic electronic devices on flexible substrates, enabling high temperature processes previously restricted by polymer materials.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 25, 2014

Laser from a plane discovers Roman goldmines in Spain

A recent study using LiDAR technology has uncovered the ancient Roman goldmines in Spain, including channels, reservoirs, and a double river diversion. The findings provide new insights into the labour-intensive extraction process and highlight the importance of geo-archaeology in understanding Roman mining techniques.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 20, 2014

State-of-the-art integrated imaging system allows mapping of brain cells responsible for memory

Researchers developed an advanced imaging system to identify cells storing memory in a tiny worm, offering a new way to investigate molecular substrates of memory. The study may lead to understanding how memory loss occurs in humans and potentially develop therapies for memory disorders.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Atomic timekeeping, on the go

Researchers at MIT and Draper Laboratory have developed a new atomic timekeeping approach that could enable more stable and accurate portable atomic clocks. The system suppresses the AC Stark shift effect, allowing for smaller, less expensive devices with improved accuracy compared to current fountain clocks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review A·DateNov 12, 2014
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.

Safest cosmetic surgery procedures

A new Northwestern University study analyzed over 20,000 minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and found no risk of serious adverse events. The study suggests that these procedures are exceedingly safe, with fewer than 1% minor complications, offering a significant cosmetic boost through mixed procedures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 5, 2014

Turning loss to gain: Cutting power could dramatically boost laser output

Princeton engineers found that carefully restricting power delivery to certain areas within a laser can boost its output significantly. By targeting specific modes, they showed improvements in efficiency ranging from 100-fold to 10,000-fold, allowing for more control over frequency and spatial pattern of light emission.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 26, 2014

Winning by losing

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology and Washington University in St. Louis have confirmed a paradoxical laser effect, where energy loss can turn lasers on. By carefully tuning the amount of light lost through a chromium needle, they were able to switch the laser system on.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2014

Engineers find a way to win in laser performance by losing

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to reverse optical loss and increase laser intensity by modulating loss in the system. By adding loss to a laser system, they achieved energy gains and demonstrated new nonlinear phenomena.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 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.