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Quantum uncertainty tamed at the University of Arizona

The team developed a new method to produce ultrafast squeezed light, which can fluctuate between intensity and phase-squeezing by adjusting the position of fused silica relative to the split beam. This breakthrough could lead to more secure communication and advance fields like quantum sensing, chemistry, and biology.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

Solving computationally hard problems with 3D integrated photonics

Researchers have developed a reconfigurable three-dimensional integrated photonic processor specifically designed to tackle the subset sum problem, a classic NP-complete challenge. The processor operates by allowing photons in a light beam to explore all possible paths simultaneously, providing answers in parallel and demonstrating hig...

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

New approach to developing efficient, high-precision 3D light shapers

Scientists create a simple approach to fabricating highly precise 3D aperiodic photonic volume elements (APVEs) for various applications. The method uses direct laser writing to arrange voxels of specific refractive indices in glass, enabling the precise control of light flow and achieving record-high diffraction efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateApr 21, 2023

Scientists push the boundaries of manipulating light at the submicroscopic level

Researchers at the University of Southampton have demonstrated that a beam of light can be confined to an area 50 times smaller than its own wavelength and even move it at the point of confinement. This breakthrough could lead to advanced manipulation techniques for nanoparticles, biological particles, and microscopic sensors.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023

A fairy-like robot flies by the power of wind and light

Researchers at Tampere University have developed a polymer-assembly robot that can fly by the power of wind and be controlled by light. The fairy-like robot has several biomimetic features, including high porosity and lightweight structure, allowing it to float in the air and travel long distances with stability.

SourceTampere University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 30, 2023

Researchers succeeded in developing a light source that produced two entangled light beams

Scientists successfully created a light source that produced two entangled light beams using rubidium atoms. The entanglement was achieved by adding new detection steps to measure the quantum correlations in the amplitudes and phases of the fields generated, enabling applications in quantum computing, encryption, and metrology.

Photon-efficient volumetric imaging with light-sheet scanning fluorescence microscopy

Researchers developed a photon-efficient volumetric imaging method, laterally swept light-sheet microscopy (iLSLM), which improves axial resolution and optical sectioning while reducing photobleaching. iLSLM outperforms conventional methods like swept focus light-sheet microscopy in terms of resolution and photon efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateDec 5, 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

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

Chung-Ang university researchers pioneer new way to manipulate microdroplets

Scientists at Chung-Ang University have pioneered a novel method for controlling microdroplet motion on solid surfaces using near-infrared light. This approach allows for more precise control than traditional thermal techniques and opens up new possibilities for applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, and self-cleaning surfaces.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

A novel all-optical switching method makes optical computing and communication systems more power-efficient

A novel all-optical switching method has been developed to make optical computing and communication systems more power-efficient. The method utilizes the quantum optical phenomenon of Enhancement of Index of Refraction (EIR) to achieve ultrafast switching times, ultralow threshold control power, and high switching efficiency.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

A fast and accurate innovative imaging technique to monitor modern semiconductor devices

Researchers at Samsung have developed a novel approach to inspect critical dimensions of semiconductor devices, improving speed and resolution. The new 'line-scan hyperspectral imaging' (LHSI) technique offers faster measurements with high spatial resolution, outperforming existing methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateApr 21, 2022

Can Bessel beams be realized in the ultrabroad terahertz frequency range?

A team of scientists has successfully generated Bessel terahertz pulses from superluminal laser plasma filaments, showcasing a promising approach for various applications. The method, which manipulates the spatial-temporal structure with tailored femtosecond lasers, produces ultrabroad bandwidth and high-order Bessel beam profiles.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

The optical Stern-Gerlach Deflection and Young’s experiment in the reciprocal space

Researchers demonstrated Young's experiment for photons in reciprocal space, creating an interference pattern of light polarization with circular polarized stripes. The observation coincided with the 100th anniversary of spin discovery and showed a classic entanglement of two degrees of freedom - direction and polarization of light.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021

Robotic scanner automates diagnostic imaging in the eye

Researchers at Duke University developed a robotic imaging tool that can automatically detect and scan patients' eyes for eye diseases, producing clear images in under 50 seconds. The system uses optical coherence tomography and is designed to be safe and accessible for optometrist offices, primary-care clinics, and emergency departments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

The indestructible light beam

Researchers at Utrecht University and TU Wien have developed special light waves that can bypass scattering in complex media, enabling precise imaging of objects. This breakthrough could revolutionize biological experiments, such as studying cells, by controlling light distribution inside tissues.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 12, 2021

Researchers set new resolution record for imaging the human eye

A new imaging method has been developed that can capture high-resolution images of photoreceptors in the human eye, overcoming resolution limitations imposed by light diffraction. The technique uses annular pupil illumination and sub-Airy detection to enhance microscopy techniques for earlier detection and treatment of eye diseases.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMar 11, 2021