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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

Matter at the crossroads

Researchers at Weizmann Institute create innovative method to track rapid material changes using two laser beams, enabling precise reconstruction of optical delay changes. This advance could lead to the development of fastest processors possible, increasing data transmission speed.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 13, 2025

SNU-KAIST researchers jointly develop a new visible light communication encryption technology using chiral nanoparticles

The SNU-KAIST joint research team developed a novel visible light communication encryption technology with high security using chiral nanoparticles. This technology uses unclonable nanoparticles like fingerprints to encrypt information, making it impossible to intercept without detailed information about the nanoparticles.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Researchers observe hidden deformations in complex light fields

Researchers at Tampere University have observed hidden deformations in complex light fields for the first time. These deformations carry significant information about the object, such as its material properties. The study has implications for measuring material properties with structured waves and will inspire new optical technologies.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2024

Highly efficient GaN-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

GaN-based VCSELs have potential applications in adaptive headlights, retinal scanning displays, and high-speed visible light communication systems due to their high efficiency and low fabrication cost. The new method for precise cavity length control enables highly controlled fabrication of VCSELs with aperture sizes ranging from 5 to ...

SourceMeijo University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

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

The correlation between the structures of bimetallic tartrate complexes in solutions for laser-induced synthesis and sensor characteristics of microbiosensors materials

Researchers discovered bimetallic tartrate complexes with unique structures, formed by insufficient ligand, leading to improved sensor characteristics for microbiosensors. The study showcases the potential of laser-induced chemical liquid phase deposition for creating nanostructures with various applications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organocatalysis·DateJul 11, 2023

Powering neutron science

Researchers at Osaka University developed a laser-driven neutron source, enabling extremely rapid elemental analysis. The study found that increasing laser intensity yields neutrons proportional to the fourth power, allowing for faster identification of elements in samples.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

A quantum of an angle

Researchers at TU Wien have directly measured the fine structure constant using a thin film that rotates light polarisation, revealing an astonishing quantum jump related to this fundamental constant. This measurement provides new insights into the strength of electromagnetic interactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Through thick and thin: X-rays track the behavior of soft materials

Scientists explore the dynamics of soft materials like toothpaste and hair gel using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The technique reveals microscopic dynamics and helps understand properties like viscosity and elasticity. Insights gained can aid in designing consumer products, nanotechnologies, and drug delivery systems.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2022

Arrayed chirality

A team of researchers from Osaka University used computer simulations to model the optical radiation force distribution induced by an interference pattern, enabling the fabrication of nano-sized structures with chiral properties. This technology has the potential to create new optical devices, such as chirality sensors.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2022

Donuts and laser beams

Topologists have successfully applied their tools to lasers, enabling the creation of a laser beam whose energies follow a topologically non-trivial loop. This property leads to unique amplification patterns in the light emitted by the laser.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

Fundamental particles modelled in beam of light

Researchers have successfully created an experimental model of a skyrmion particle in a beam of light, providing a real system to demonstrate the behavior of this elusive type of fundamental particle. The study reveals the intricate structure and topological properties of skyrmions, which can be distorted but not broken.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021