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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Matching vibrations is all it takes to modify materials

Scientists at Columbia University have experimentally confirmed that quantum fluctuations in a 2D material can alter the properties of a nearby crystal. The team placed a nanometer-sized flake of hexagonal Boron nitride on top of a superconducting material, where the vibrations matched and interacted, suppressing superconductivity.

‘Giant superatoms’ unlock a new toolbox for quantum computers

Giant superatoms combine two quantum-mechanical constructs to suppress decoherence and create entanglement, opening opportunities for scalable and reliable quantum systems. This breakthrough enables quantum information to be protected, controlled, and distributed in new ways.

Light changes a magnet’s polarity

Scientists at University of Basel and ETH in Zurich successfully changed the polarity of a ferromagnet using a laser beam. The breakthrough method could be used to create adaptive electronic circuits that can be controlled by light.

Light switches made of ultra-thin semiconductor layers

A nanostructure composed of silver and an atomically thin semiconductor layer can be turned into an ultrafast switching mirror device, displaying properties of both light and matter. This discovery could lead to dramatically increased information transmission rates in optical data processing.

Quantum ‘alchemy’ made feasible with excitons

A team of researchers from OIST and Stanford University has demonstrated a powerful new alternative approach to Floquet engineering by showing that excitons can produce Floquet effects more efficiently than light. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel quantum devices and materials with significantly lower intensities.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Kono awarded American Physical Society’s Isakson Prize

Kono recognized for his contributions to optical physics, light-condensed matter interactions and photonic applications of nanosystems. His research explores how light interacts with materials at the nanoscale, potentially leading to new technologies in electronics and quantum communication.

Amplifying collective light emission with atomic interactions

By studying how atoms interact with each other and with light, researchers have found that direct atom–atom interactions can strengthen collective bursts of light known as superradiance. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in quantum technologies such as quantum batteries and precision sensors.

The playbook for perfect polaritons

Researchers at Columbia University have identified the rules for creating perfect polaritons, which are hybrid quasiparticles combining light and matter. The guiding rules include large optical absorption, low disorder, and inherent exciton delocalization, enabling polaritons to preserve coherence despite strong interactions and disorder.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Novel technique shines light on next-gen nanomaterials: how MXenes truly work

Researchers discovered how individual MXene flakes behave at the single-flake level, revealing changes in conductivity and optical response. The new spectroscopic micro-ellipsometry technique allowed for non-destructive measurements of individual MXene flakes, providing fundamental knowledge needed to design smarter technologies.

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.

Discovery could boost communications with simple twist of light

A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne and Hanyang University has discovered a new method for creating spiral whirlpools of light through Van der Waals materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and secure optical communication systems, including Australia's NBN.

Optica Quantum June 2025 issue press tip sheet

The latest issue of Optica Quantum features research on cryogenic photonic links for superconducting qubits, spatio-spectral quantum state estimation of photon pairs from optical fiber, and quantum optical reservoir computing powered by boson sampling. These studies demonstrate breakthroughs in measuring and optimizing quantum states, ...

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Oxford physicists recreate extreme quantum vacuum effects

Researchers from Oxford University and the Instituto Superior Técnico recreated the quantum vacuum effect, a state previously thought to be empty but predicted to contain virtual electron-positron pairs. The simulation reveals new insights into how intense laser beams alter the quantum vacuum, enabling future high-energy experiments.

Stabilizing fleeting quantum states with light

Scientists from Harvard University and PSI have developed a method to stabilize transient quantum states in materials using tailored optical excitation. This breakthrough enables the study of emergent properties of quantum materials, paving the way for transformative technologies such as lossless electronics and high-capacity batteries.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Light-based data made clearer with new machine learning method

Researchers at Rice University developed a new machine learning algorithm that excels in interpreting light signatures of molecules, materials and disease biomarkers. The tool can detect subtle signals in optical spectroscopy, enabling faster medical diagnoses and sample analysis.

‘Cosmic radio’ could find dark matter in 15 years

Researchers at King's College London and Harvard University develop a detector that can identify axions, leading potential candidates for dark matter. The Axion Quasiparticle (AQ) technology has the potential to discover dark matter in five years with further development.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Scientists create optical device that mimics black holes

Researchers have designed an optical device that functions as an optical black hole or white hole, behaving like a cosmic object that either swallows or repels light. This device relies on coherent perfect absorption of light waves and offers new possibilities for manipulating light-matter interactions.

Microscopy method breaks barriers in nanoscale chemical imaging

A new microscopy technique, SIMIP, combines structured illumination with mid-infrared photothermal detection to achieve high-speed chemical imaging with superior resolution. The method outperforms conventional methods in terms of spatial resolution and chemical contrast.

A new wave in ultrafast magnetic control

The team designed a superconducting device capable of producing ultrafast, unipolar magnetic field steps, which can switch magnetic samples between stable states. The breakthrough could drive advances in both fundamental science and technology, enabling applications in next-generation magnetic memory.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Making quantum light tuning at room temperature possible

A new study achieves substantial wavelength tuning at ambient conditions, surpassing previous reports by an order-of-magnitude. The breakthrough enables the development of programmable light sources with potential applications in secure quantum communication and photonic-based computing.

Tiny component for record-breaking bandwidth

Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed a tiny plasmonic modulator that can transmit data with frequencies over a trillion oscillations per second, breaking previous records. The new modulator can be used for various applications, including high-performance computing and measurement technology.

Detecting glucose through painless photoacoustics

Researchers at Indian Institute of Science use polarized light to measure glucose concentration with near clinical accuracy in water, serum solutions and tissue samples. The technique exploits the interaction between glucose molecules and polarized light to create unique sound wave patterns.

Reading magnetic states faster – in far infrared

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a new method to determine the magnetic orientation of a material using terahertz light pulses. This technique enables reading out magnetic structures within picoseconds, opening up possibilities for ultrafast data storage and processing.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Ultra-broadband photonic chip boosts optical signals

Researchers have developed a photonic-chip-based amplifier that achieves ultra-broadband signal amplification in an unprecedentedly compact form. The new amplifier uses optical nonlinearity to boost weak signals while keeping noise low, making it highly adaptable to various applications beyond telecommunications.

Watching electron motion in solids

A German-Italian team has discovered a way to simplify the experimental implementation of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, allowing for real-time study of electron motion in solids. By adding an optical component to Cerullo's interferometer, researchers were able to control laser pulses more precisely, enabling the investigatio...

Time interfaces: The gateway to four-dimensional quantum optics

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland investigates the behavior of photons at boundaries where material properties change rapidly over time. This research uncovers remarkable quantum optical phenomena that may enhance quantum technology and pave the way for an exciting emerging field: four-dimensional quantum optics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Pushing the limits of ‘custom-made’ microscopy

Researchers have made a significant leap forward in Brillouin microscopy, providing a 1,000-fold improvement in speed and throughput. The new technology enables full-field imaging with minimal light intensity, opening up new possibilities for life scientists.

Quantum state of photoelectrons measured for the first time

For the first time, scientists have measured the quantum state of electrons ejected from atoms after absorbing high-energy light pulses. This technique provides a new way to study the interaction between light and matter, with potential applications in various fields of research.

Negative refraction of light using atoms instead of metamaterials

Researchers at Lancaster University have successfully demonstrated negative refraction using atomic arrays, eliminating the need for metamaterials. This achievement paves the way for novel technologies based on negative refraction, including perfect lenses and cloaking devices.

Terahertz pulses induce chirality in a non-chiral crystal

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute induced chirality in a non-chiral crystal using terahertz pulses. This discovery opens up new avenues for controlling matter on an atomic level, potentially leading to unique functionalities in ultrafast memory devices and optoelectronic platforms.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Focal volume optics for composite structuring in transparent solids

Researchers propose a novel strategy for highly controllable micro-nano fabrication using focal volume optics in transparent solids. The approach enables the creation of composite structures with finer structures and tunable properties, opening up new avenues for photonics and nanophotonics applications.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Reshaping tradition: good old ways are not always good

A commonly used mathematical approach to describe fluorescence evolution in solids cannot be applied to liquids, where molecules are free to move. This can lead to erroneous interpretations of experimental data and wrong conclusions.

Quantum-inspired design boosts efficiency of heat-to-electricity conversion

Rice engineers create a new thermal emitter that achieves efficiencies of over 60% despite practical design constraints, opening possibilities for more sustainable industrial processes and renewable energy growth. The technology could inform the development of grid-scale alternative storage solutions and power space applications.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New theory reveals the shape of a single photon

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new theory that explains how light and matter interact at the quantum level. The theory enables scientists to precisely define the shape of a single photon for the first time.

Optica Quantum October 2024 Issue Press Tip Sheet

The new issue of Optica Quantum features 10 research articles on quantum information science and technology. New methods for compensating scattering and aberrations in entangled photon systems have been proposed, and ultrafast nonlinear wave mixing spectroscopy schemes employing coherent light pulses and vacuum modes are being explored.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Logic with light

Researchers at the University of Tokyo introduce a new optical computing scheme called diffraction casting, which improves upon existing methods. The system uses light waves to perform logic operations and has shown promise in running complex calculations, including those used in machine learning.

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.