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Fully epitaxial microcavities

Researchers introduced quantum dots into fully epitaxial nitride laser structures, eliminating the need for hybrid systems. This advancement paves the way to further optimization of lasers and single photon emitters in the visible spectrum region.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 16, 2010

Quantum leap for phonon lasers

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in developing practical phonon lasers, which could enable new medical imaging devices and precision measurement tools. Two separate teams, one in the US and the UK, have reported advancements in phonon laser development, using different approaches to overcome technical challenges.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 21, 2010

New unifying theory of lasers advanced by physicists

Researchers developed a new set of non-linear equations that fit both conventional and non-conventional lasers, predicting important properties from simple inputs. This unifying theory solves the long-standing problem in laser physics, providing a substantially broader perspective on laser structures.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2008

Bats in flight reveal unexpected aerodynamics

Researchers have made the first measurements of bat wake fields, revealing a novel lift-generating mechanism. Bat wings are highly articulated and flexible, allowing for greater maneuverability than birds and insects. The findings could lead to the development of more efficient tiny flying machines.

SourceBrown University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateJan 18, 2007

Purdue miniature cooling device will have military, computer uses

Mechanical engineers at Purdue University have created micro-channel heat sinks that can cool electronic components, enabling faster performance and better functionality. The devices are being developed to address the growing need for efficient cooling in advanced laser systems, microwave radar, and future computers.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateApr 14, 2005

Remote control flies?: Fly behavior controlled by laser light

Researchers use genetically engineered flies to demonstrate controlled neural manipulation, offering a promising approach for studying behavior and potentially treating neurological disorders. The system involves triggering molecular lock-and-key interactions with laser light, enabling precise activation of specific nerve cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 7, 2005

Frigid South Pole atmosphere reveals flaw in global circulation models

Scientists have made groundbreaking measurements of upper atmosphere temperatures over the South Pole, revealing a significant discrepancy with global circulation model predictions. The findings suggest that wintertime warming due to sinking air masses is weaker than assumed, leading to extreme cooling in the lower stratosphere.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 28, 2002

Studying the strength of protein bonds one molecule at a time

Penn researchers used laser tweezers to study the strength of ligand-receptor binding in platelets, refining the paradigm of how blood clots form. They found that changes in integrin's ability to bind to fibrinogen are regulated by the cell as an all-or-none phenomenon with only one functional state compatible with binding.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2002

Beyond the everlasting lightbulb

Gallium nitride is used to produce very bright light emitting diodes and lasers, and very high power transistors that can operate at high temperatures. The technology has potential applications in mobile phone base stations, surgery, and dentistry, promising huge energy savings and CO2 reductions.

Atom amplifier

A team of MIT researchers has successfully created an atom amplifier, increasing the intensity of a beam of atoms while maintaining their precise quantum mechanical wave formation. This achievement completes the laser analogy and has significant implications for precision sensors in navigation, geological exploration, and atomic clocks.