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Researchers extend photon counting beyond single photons

Researchers have developed a new approach to precisely count photons from 0 to over 9,000 individual photons, bridging the gap between single-photon measurements and high-sensitivity optical power meters. The new multiplexed detector system uses superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors with multiplexing to create 1,024 detectio...

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2026

Ultrafast all‑optical biomimetic encoder unlocks neuromorphic computing over fiber networks

Researchers developed an ultrafast all-optical biomimetic encoder for spiking neural networks, achieving high-throughput computation and precise fiber-compatible encoding. The system reaches 94.1% classification accuracy for handwritten digit recognition and demonstrates scalability for diverse real-life signals.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2026

Laser slicing of large-area diamond substrates

Scientists investigate how ultrashort laser pulses can be used to slice diamond, with potential applications in optics, semiconductors, and power electronics. The study reveals that diamonds produced via different methods respond differently to laser treatment, and a new slicing method can create large-area diamond substrates.

SourceChiba University·JournalDiamond and Related Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2026

Laser technology enables magnetic liquid metal to form a multifunctional skin on 3D-printed soft robots

A new manufacturing method enables the creation of flexible devices that can crawl, move, and shield electromagnetic interference. The technique uses laser-induced selective metallization and magnetic liquid metal to form precise metallic patterns on complex 3D-printed polymer surfaces.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 20, 2026

Voltage-controlled photonic chip could make smart-glasses displays more efficient

A new photonic chip developed by TDK Corporation has improved the efficiency of smart-glasses displays by switching laser colors faster and using less power. The chip's voltage-controlled design achieved a modulation bandwidth of 10 GHz, sufficient for 4K resolution, and reduced power consumption by over 75 percent.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 19, 2026

New device design could miniaturize photonics, quantum technologies

Researchers create powerful optical device with layered semiconductor and metasurface, enhancing nonlinear frequency conversion and enabling efficient light mixing and transformation. The device has potential applications in telecommunications, quantum communication, and photonic quantum computing.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

New technique enables LIGO to peer farther into the distant universe

Scientists at UC Riverside developed a new method to help LIGO detect weaker gravitational-wave events by measuring heat-induced distortions in mirrors. The technique combines thermal imaging with existing wavefront measurements and computer models, enabling the observatory to improve its sensitivity and detect more distant events.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalClassical and Quantum Gravity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026

KAUST researchers develop new way for devices to prove their identity online

Researchers at KAUST have developed a system that uses tiny laser devices to generate unique digital fingerprints, verifying device identity without traditional passwords or security keys. The technology combines with AI to authenticate fingerprints instantly, offering a faster and more secure alternative for large-scale digital networks.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Electronics·TypeNews article·DateJul 8, 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.

Tiny flexible lasers enable force sensing inside living cells

Researchers developed tiny flexible lasers that can measure forces inside living cells, enabling insights into biological processes such as early development and tumor progression. The micro-lasers exhibit mechanical stiffness similar to living cells and can measure forces up to 50 nanonewtons.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 29, 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

Ultra-sensitive multi-band infrared polarization photodetector based on 1T'-MoTe2/2H-MoTe2 van der Waals heterostructure

The device exhibits outstanding performance across a broad optical spectrum, with high responsivity and specific detectivity. Its polarization-sensitive detection capability enables the direct deciphering of light's polarization state without external filters.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Perovskite nanocrystals in glass for high-efficiency and ultra-high resolution dynamic displays

Researchers develop fluoride-engineered perovskite nanocrystal glass for high-efficiency, full-color emission and ultra-high-resolution holographic displays. The glass matrix enables stable and efficient photoluminescence of PNCs, driving the creation of high-quality dynamic displays.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

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

IEEE researchers achieve low-power ultrashort mid-IR pulse compression

A team of researchers from SASTRA Deemed University demonstrates a fiber-based method for compressing mid-infrared laser pulses into ultrashort, low-noise bursts efficiently. The system reduces input power from kilowatts to 80 watts, improving energy efficiency and thermal stability.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2026

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

Scientists engineer unsinkable metal tubes

Researchers at the University of Rochester create a new process to turn ordinary metal tubes unsinkable by etching micro- and nano-pits on their surface, making them superhydrophobic. The tubes stay afloat in water, even when damaged or submerged for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 27, 2026