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Improved omnidirectional small moving object detection with an enhanced YOLO model

A new framework combines a custom-built training dataset with transfer learning to improve the detection accuracy of small and distant objects in omnidirectional videos. The proposed model achieved an overall accuracy of 90%, significantly higher than conventional models for small moving objects.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 22, 2026

Ultra-thin optical film sharpens 3D printing precision

A new ultra-thin optical film improves the quality of light used in LCD resin-based 3D printers, ensuring precise details and reducing printing errors. The film's design enhances collimation and uniformity, paving the way for affordable industrial or medical-grade products.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 23, 2026

Major step for flat and adjustable optics

Scientists at Linköping University have made a significant breakthrough in creating controllable flat optics using nanostructures on a flat surface. By precisely controlling the distance between antennas, they achieved up to tenfold improvement in performance, opening up new avenues for applications such as video holograms and biomedic...

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 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

Thin lenses have a bright future

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully fabricated flat lenses called Fresnel zone plates using industry-standard equipment. These lenses have the potential to revolutionize optics in various fields by reducing space requirements while increasing efficiency, but they currently lack the efficiency of traditional lenses.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

SNU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's Optical Engineering and Quantum Electronics Laboratory develops ultra-compact camera technology optimized for VR/AR devices

Researchers at Seoul National University's Optical Engineering and Quantum Electronics Laboratory developed an optical design technology that dramatically reduces the volume of cameras with a folded lens system utilizing metasurfaces. The new lens system achieves a thickness of 0.7mm, making it suitable for ultra-compact devices such a...

Reimagining electron microscopy: Bringing high-end resolution to lower-cost microscopes

Scientists have developed a new technique called electron ptychography that boosts the resolution of electron microscopes using computation, allowing for record-breaking resolution without expensive aberration correctors. This breakthrough enables state-of-the-art resolution at a fraction of the cost, making microscopy more accessible.

From PIC to probe

A team of researchers at Ghent University and imec developed a silicon photonic temperature sensor that measures up to 180°C. The sensor was realized in the framework of the European SEER project, where partners focus on integrating optical sensors in manufacturing routines for composite parts.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateDec 15, 2023

New imaging technique measures elasticity of multiple eye components simultaneously

A new imaging technique, multifocal acoustic radiation force-based reverberant optical coherence elastography (RevOCE), has been developed to measure the elasticity of multiple eye components simultaneously. This approach offers high resolution measurements of the stiffness of eye structures and could revolutionize how we study ocular ...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateSep 12, 2023

Multifunctional interface enables manipulation of light waves in free space

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a multifunctional interface between photonic integrated circuits and free space, allowing for simultaneous manipulation of multiple light beams. The device operates with high accuracy and reliability, enabling applications in quantum computing, sensing, imaging, energy, and more.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 24, 2023

KAIST researchers find the key to overcome the limits in X-ray microscopy​

Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed a new X-ray microscope technology that can overcome the resolution limitations of existing microscopes. This breakthrough enables high-resolution imaging of nanoscale structures, with a resolution of 14 nm, which is comparable to that of electron microscopes. The technology uses random d...

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2023

Scallop eyes as inspiration for new microscope objectives

Researchers have developed a new type of microscope objective inspired by the eyes of scallops, which can capture images in various immersion media, including liquids. This innovative approach uses a mirror instead of lenses and has been shown to provide excellent image quality in homogeneous fluids as well as in air.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023

Color images from the shadow of a sample

Scientists at Göttingen University have created a novel approach to produce X-ray images in color from a single exposure, eliminating the need for focusing and scanning. This breakthrough method uses an X-ray color camera and a specially structured plate to capture the intensity pattern of fluorescing atoms in a sample.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

New endoscope uses bendable GRIN lens for 3D microscopy

Researchers have developed a flexible endoscopic imaging probe using a bendable graded index (GRIN) lens, enabling 3D microscopic imaging of tissue. The new technology could shorten biopsy waiting times to minutes and enable real-time monitoring of tissue changes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 21, 2022

WPI researchers receive new funding for sustainable concrete substitute

Researchers aim to improve and expand Enzymatic Construction Material (ECM), a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that can repair cracks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant will also support programs to inspire girls' interests in engineering and construction, addressing the industry's gender gap.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2022

A perfect trap for light

Researchers from TU Wien and Hebrew University develop 'light trap' that allows complete absorption of light in thin layers using mirrors and lenses. The system works by steering the light beam into a circle and then superimposing it on itself, blocking any escape.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2022

Dielectric metalens speed up the development of miniaturized imaging systems

Dielectric metalenses have made significant progress in compact imaging systems, offering aberration-correction and dispersion-engineering capabilities. However, challenges such as phase discretization, diffraction constraints, and crosstalk among sub-units need to be addressed for practical development.

A perfect trap for light

A team of researchers from TU Wien and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed a 'light trap' that absorbs light perfectly in thin layers. This method uses mirrors and lenses to steer the light beam into a circle and then superimpose it on itself, preventing the light from escaping.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Sharp X-ray images despite imperfect lenses

A team from the Institute for X-ray Physics at the University of Göttingen has developed a new method for X-ray microscopy that uses imperfect lenses to achieve higher image quality and sharpness. The researchers used a lens consisting of finely structured layers deposited on a thin wire and adjusted it between the object to be imaged ...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2022

Drug treatment for cataracts moves a step closer

A team of scientists led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek has made significant progress in developing an anti-cataract drug. Lab trials showed improvement in refractive index profiles and lens opacity in 61% and 46% of cases, respectively.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2022