Light Matter Interactions
Articles tagged with Light Matter Interactions
Scientists discover surprising new way to control light
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered that light can be programmed using its natural geometry, allowing for the creation of structured light with unique properties. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields such as medicine, data transmission, and quantum technologies.
Ultrafast computers controlled by light: a new frontier opened by Politecnico di Milano and CNR
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano and CNR have developed a new ultrafast computer technology controlled by light, potentially hundreds of times faster than traditional electronics. The technology manipulates the state of electrons in matter using oscillating light, enabling operations at rates above 10 terahertz.
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.
University of Houston chemist awarded nearly $2M to decode light-activated chemistry
A University of Houston chemist has received a nearly $2M grant to develop molecular blueprints for controlling how molecules change shape and reactivity upon absorbing light. This research could lead to breakthroughs in storing and using chemical energy, as well as designing materials that change when exposed to light.
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.
Study shows light can reshape atom-thin semiconductors for next-generation optical devices
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that light can trigger a physical shift in atomic lattice, creating tunable behavior and properties in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials. This effect could advance technologies using light instead of electricity, such as faster computer chips and ultrasensitive sensors.
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.
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.
Shedding new light on invisible forces: hidden magnetic clues in everyday metals unlocked
Researchers develop new method to detect subtle magnetic signals in common metals like copper, gold, and aluminum, using a laser and large-amplitude modulation of the external magnetic field. This breakthrough could lead to advances in semiconductor industry, spintronic devices, and quantum systems.
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, ...
KAIST develops glare-free, heat-blocking 'smart window'... applicable to buildings and vehicles
Researchers at KAIST develop a 'pedestrian-friendly smart window' technology that reduces heating and cooling energy consumption in urban buildings while resolving light pollution issues. The RECM system operates in three modes, allowing for real-time adjustment of light and heat transmission.
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.
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.
Chinese scientists propose building next-generation η meson factory to unveil new physics and cosmic mysteries
Researchers plan to build a high-energy η meson factory in China to study rare decay channels and explore portal particles bridging the Standard Model and hidden sector. The facility aims to probe new mechanisms of CP violation and precision test strong interaction theory.
New Horizons observations lead to first Lyman-alpha map from the galaxy V
The study provides a new look at the galactic region surrounding our solar system, revealing a roughly uniform background Lyman alpha sky brightness. The findings suggest hot interstellar gas bubbles may be regions of enhanced hydrogen gas emissions at a wavelength called Lyman alpha.
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.
Cerium glows yellow: chemists discover how to control luminescence of rare earth elements
Researchers at HSE University discovered a way to control the color and brightness of glow emitted by rare earth elements. By adjusting the chemical environment, they altered the energy gap between electron levels, changing the luminescence spectrum.
Rice scientists uncover quantum surprise: Matter mediates ultrastrong coupling between light particles
Researchers create 3D photonic-crystal cavity to study ultrastrong coupling between light and matter, enabling faster and more energy-efficient quantum computing and communication technologies. The study paves the way for hyperefficient quantum processors, high-speed data transmission and next-generation sensors.
‘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.
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.
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.
Howard University physicist revisits the computational limits of life and Schrödinger’s essential question in the era of quantum computing
A study by Philip Kurian and colleagues reveals a revised upper bound on carbon-based life's computational capacity, connecting it to the universe's information-processing limit. The discovery of quantum superradiance in cytoskeletal filaments enables eukaryotic organisms to process information through tryptophan networks.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Quantum properties in atom-thick semiconductors offer new way to detect electrical signals in cells
Researchers have discovered that quantum materials can be used to sense the biological electrical activity of living cells with high speed and resolution. The technology uses light to track changes in the material's photoluminescence, mapping the electrical activity of heart muscle cells in real time.
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.
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.
‘Living’ electrodes breathe new life into traditional silicon electronics
A team at Osaka University discovered that temperature-controlled conductive networks in vanadium dioxide enhance the sensitivity of silicon devices to terahertz light. The researchers created 'living' microelectrodes from VO2, which selectively enhanced the response of silicon photodetectors.
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.
Harnessing electromagnetic waves and quantum materials to improve wireless communication technologies
A team of researchers from the University of Ottawa has developed innovative methods to enhance frequency conversion of terahertz (THz) waves in graphene-based structures, unlocking new potential for faster, more efficient technologies in wireless communication and signal processing. These advancements hold great promise for wireless c...
Revealing the “true colors” of a single-atom layer of metal alloys
Researchers demonstrate that light can interact with a single-atom layer of thallium-lead alloys, restricting spin-polarized current flow to one direction. This phenomenon enables functionality beyond ordinary diodes and paves the way for ultra-fine two-dimensional spintronic devices.
NTU Singapore-led discovery poised to help detect dark matter and pave the way to unravel the universe’s secrets
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new crystal structure that shows naturally existing particles can behave like axions, promising to detect dark matter. The findings could lay the groundwork for understanding cosmic phenomena and uncovering the universe's greatest mysteries.
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.
New technique to detect brain metastases in mice using an ultra-thin light probe
A new experimental technique has developed a molecular flashlight to monitor molecular changes in the brain caused by cancer and other neurological pathologies. The technique uses vibrational spectroscopy to illuminate nerve tissue, allowing for the analysis of molecular changes caused by tumours or injuries.
Overcoming one of the challenges of quantum mechanics: towards the control of chemical reactions
A team of international researchers successfully controlled the quantum states of matter at ultrafast time scales and its chemical properties with extreme precision using light in the extreme ultraviolet. The technique was demonstrated on helium atoms, enabling the enhancement of selected quantum processes while suppressing others.
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.
'Strong’ filters – Innovative technology for better displays and optical sensors
The study creates ultra-stable thin-film polariton filters with exceptional angular stability, transmitting up to 98% of light, even at extreme viewing angles. This technology has enormous scientific and economic potential for applications in display technology, sensor technologies, biophotonics, and more.
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.
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.
Breakthrough in photonic time crystals could change how we use and control light
Researchers at Aalto University have designed realistic photonic time crystals that exponentially amplify light, paving the way for faster and more compact optical devices. The discovery has potential applications in nanosensing, imaging, and communication.
Rice discovery taps ‘hot carriers’ for on-demand, emissions-free hydrogen and catalyst regeneration
Rice researchers have created a catalyst that leverages plasmonic photocatalysis to break down methane and water vapor into hydrogen and carbon monoxide without external heating. The new catalyst system enables on-demand, emissions-free hydrogen production, which could transform the energy industry.
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.
Dynamic gas sensing with blue μLED-activated SnO2 nanoparticles: A real-time tunable detection platform
The study introduces a novel dynamic gas sensing platform using blue μLED-activated SnO2 nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent sensitivity, tunable selectivity, and rapid detection. The system can distinguish various gases under light illumination, contributing to healthier living environments.
Earthquake on a chip: Scientists harness sound waves on the surface of a microchip
Researchers successfully generate guided sound waves on a microchip using lasers, enabling interactions with the environment and paving the way for new sensing technologies. The innovative approach uses special glass to contain sound waves, making it ideal for applications in signal processing and communication technologies.
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.