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Getting sharp images from dull detectors

Scientists at the Joint Quantum Institute use thermal light and cheap detectors to achieve sub-wavelength imaging, overcoming classical optical limitations. They observe an interference pattern with fringes as narrow as 30 nm, pushing the boundaries of extreme quantum coherence.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 10, 2014

Rush a light wave and you'll break its data, say NIST scientists

Researchers from NIST and University of Maryland's Joint Quantum Institute found that speeding up part of a light beam past the speed of light results in lost quantum data. The team explored what this means for quantum information transfer in quantum computers, suggesting that quantum noise and distortion set an information speed limit.

Advanced light

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute investigate entangled beams in fast-light materials, where anomalous dispersion causes faster-than-light-like behavior. The findings reveal potential applications in ultrafast data processing and secure communication.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 25, 2014

TU Vienna develops light transistor

The TU Vienna has successfully developed a light transistor that can be controlled by an electrical potential, enabling efficient miniaturization and use in optical computers. This breakthrough utilizes terahertz radiation and the Faraday effect to rotate the polarization direction of light.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2013

Good vibrations

Scientists at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have made the first direct observations of distinctly quantum optical effects - amplification and squeezing - in an optomechanical system. The findings point toward low-power quantum optical devices and enhanced detection of gravitational waves.

Fast, low-power, all-optical switch

The JQI switch can steer a beam of light from one direction to another in 120 picoseconds using only 140 photons, requiring minimal power. This achievement marks a significant step toward creating ultrafast and low-energy on-chip signal routers.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2012

All-optical transistor

Researchers at EPFL have discovered an all-optical transistor that controls the flow of light using a novel optical microresonator. The device enables a strong 'control' laser to turn on or off a weaker 'probe' laser, opening up new possibilities for telecommunications and photonics.

15,000 beams of light

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method called beam-pen lithography, which uses tiny beams of light to draw patterns on surfaces. This technology offers a means to rapidly and inexpensively make and prototype circuits, optoelectronics, and medical diagnostics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 1, 2010

How to see through opaque materials

Scientists at ESCPI conducted an experiment to focus light through opaque materials and detect objects hidden behind them. They used a numerical model called a transmission matrix to tailor a beam of light specifically to pass through the material and focus on the other side.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 8, 2010

Small optical force can budge nanoscale objects

Researchers at Cornell University used a tiny beam of light to move a silicon structure up to 12 nanometers, switching its optical properties. This technology could have applications in MEMS and MOMS, where it might be useful for creating tunable filters or preventing silicon parts from sticking together.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2009

Scientists discover repulsive side to light force

A Yale team has discovered a repulsive light force that can be used to control components on silicon microchips, paving the way for faster and more efficient nanodevices. The researchers found that by manipulating out-of-phase light beams, they could create a controlled repulsive force with tunable intensity.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 13, 2009

Tiny lasers get a notch up

Researchers discovered that adding a small notch to the disk edge provides a single outlet for laser light to stream out, increasing the speed of computers and telecommunication networks. The optimal geometry and boundary pumping parameters can aid in designing better-collimated microlasers.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 22, 2009

Timing nature's fastest optical shutter

Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed an ultra-fast optical shutter with a record-breaking speed of 40 picoseconds, enabling high-speed imaging applications. The new technology uses femtosecond laser pulses to freeze light at the molecular level, opening doors for breakthroughs in fields like biology and materials science.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 6, 2005

Scientists find flaw in quantum dot construction

Researchers found a defect in quantum dot creation that hinders scientific experimentation and propose tweaking light beam or pulse duration to overcome the issue. The study also sheds light on controlling electron spin, potentially leading to faster electronic devices.

SourceOhio University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 10, 2005

One light beam switches another for photonic circuits

A team of researchers at Cornell University has developed a compact, all-optical switch on silicon that can control light signals in real-time. This innovation paves the way for high-speed optical routing in fiber-optic communications, eliminating the need for conversion between electrical and optical signals.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2004

Seeing the light

The Office of Naval Research has funded the development of a Tactical Vectoring Equipment (TVE) display, a simple array of six lights with Fresnel lenses that projects red or green light based on viewing angle. This system aims to improve navigation and communication for surface ships behind carriers in low visibility conditions.