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Controlling light with a material three atoms thick

Scientists have developed a new material, black phosphorous, only three atoms thick, which can control light with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize telecommunications and pave the way for Li-Fi, a light-based replacement for Wi-Fi.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2021
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Ultra-short or infinitely long: It all looks the same

A new study proves that ultra-short pulses of light can drive transitions to new phases of matter in tungsten disulfide (WS2) atoms, aiding the search for future low-energy electronics. The findings show that even ultrashort pulses are as effective in triggering state changes as continuous illumination.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Sandwich-style construction: Towards ultra-low-energy exciton electronics

Australian researchers have made a significant step towards ultra-low energy electronics by demonstrating the dissipationless flow of exciton polaritons at room temperature. The breakthrough involves placing a semiconductor material between two mirrors, allowing the excitons to propagate without losing energy.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2021

This rainbow-making tech could help autonomous vehicles read signs

Researchers have discovered a new material that can produce beautiful optical phenomena, including concentric rainbows. The technology has potential applications in aiding autonomous vehicles in recognizing traffic signs, particularly in real-world conditions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateAug 31, 2021

Russian physicists mix classical light with half a photon on a qubit

A Russian-U.K. research team has proposed a theoretical description for the new effect of quantum wave mixing involving classical and nonclassical states of microwave radiation. The study builds on earlier experiments on artificial atoms, which serve as qubits for quantum computers and probes fundamental laws of nature.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Nanoscale systems for generating various forms of light

Researchers at Louisiana State University have developed a nanoscale system that can create different forms of light by manipulating photon distribution. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum technologies and may lead to more efficient solar cells.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2021
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers discover new limit of trapping light at the nanoscale

Physicists have established a fundamental limitation of light confinement in nano-scale systems, with a critical dimension threshold of around 250nm. This discovery has implications for various fields such as material science and quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Exploring the limits of light–matter coupling at the nanoscale

Researchers have explored the limits of light-matter coupling at the nanoscale, discovering a fundamental physical limit to subwavelength confinement. The study reveals that as light is concentrated into smaller volumes, its interaction with matter changes in ways that cannot be predicted by classical theories.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Non-linear effects in coupled optical microcavities

Exciton-polaritons exhibit non-linear effects, including Bose-Einstein condensation and polariton lasing without occupation inversion. The study reveals energy-degenerate parametric scattering of polaritons and opens up new avenues for research on multi-level polariton systems.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021
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A crystal made of electrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have produced a crystal consisting exclusively of electrons, overcoming previous obstacles due to the low mass and high motional energy of electrons. The team used light to excite excitons in the semiconductor layer, allowing them to visualize the periodic arrangement of electrons.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2021

Nanoscale thermoplasmonic heating shows promise for studies of nanomaterials

Researchers propose a new method to control temperature through designing nanoantennas on engraved Si nanopillars, enabling local sensing of glass transitions in amorphous polymers with nanometer spatial resolution. This technology opens unique opportunities for studying the physicochemical properties of nanostructured polymers.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalACS Photonics·DateJun 29, 2021

Probing the dynamics of photoemission

Physicists used attosecond pulses to study tungsten crystals' photoelectron emission dynamics. The results show that electrons from neighboring energy states in the valence band differ by tens of attoseconds in their response times.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021

Quantum-optically integrated light cage on a chip

Researchers from several institutions have successfully integrated a novel on-chip hollow-core light cage into an alkali atom vapor cell, overcoming previous limitations. The device exhibits high-speed gas diffusion and long-term stability, enabling integration with other technology platforms.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 3, 2021
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Discovery of huge Raman scattering at atomic point contact

Researchers develop a new technique to investigate surface structures of semiconductors at the atomic scale. The technique, called atomic point contact Raman spectroscopy, reveals enhanced Raman scattering from silicon surfaces when a plasmonic silver tip is brought into contact with the surface.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 7, 2021

Magnetic material invented by Irish scientists breaks super-fast switching record

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin developed a magnetic material that demonstrates the fastest magnetic switching ever recorded, six times faster than the previous record. The discovery could lead to new energy-efficient ultra-fast computers and data storage systems, revolutionizing the field of information technology.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 5, 2021

'Twisting' atomic materials may convert light into electricity

Researchers at UC Riverside are developing a new approach to convert light falling on atomically thin semiconductor materials into electricity. By twisting these materials, they aim to create new sensing capabilities for layered and stacked monolayer semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateApr 30, 2021
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Modulation of photocarrier relaxation dynamics in two-dimensional semiconductors

The review article discusses modulation strategies for 2D semiconductors, including Coulomb interaction modification and influencing factors like initial photocarrier distribution and phonon-assisted relaxation. Researchers aim to provide guidance for developing robust methods tuning photocarrier relaxation behaviors.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 11, 2021

Optimal design for acoustic unobservability in water

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed an acoustic cloaking structure that can operate in both air and water. The design uses finite element analysis to optimize the material selection and acoustics properties, enabling functionality in a wide frequency band.

SourceShinshu University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 11, 2021

Arbitrary polarization conversion dichroism metasurfaces for full Poincaré sphere polarizers

Scientists have proposed an effective approach to achieve full Poincaré sphere polarizers in one step using monolayer metasurfaces with arbitrary polarization conversion dichroism. The system can generate an arbitrarily polarized beam at any position on the Poincaré sphere, making it a monolithic arbitrary polarization generator.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 11, 2021

Researchers detects chiral structures using vortex light

Scientists at USTC developed a new technique to detect chiral structures using vortex light, which interacts with the structure's microstructure to produce significant scattering. This technique allows for monochromatic light detection and provides a novel method for studying chiral light-matter interactions.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2021
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.

From microsaws to nanodrills: laser pulses act as subtle machining tools

Using spatially structured ultrashort laser pulses, materials can be modified with diverse effects, from marginal refractive index changes to destructive microscale explosions. This technology allows true micron-scale material processing due to extremely short exposure times and low thermal diffusion.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateFeb 26, 2021

Polariton interactions: Light matters

Polaritons interact more than expected due to strong light-matter coupling and huge exciton-photon mass ratio. This challenges common assumptions about these quasiparticles, shedding new light on their interactions and applications in ultra-low energy electronics.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateDec 16, 2020

The heavier, the better -- superior stability in isotope functionalized perovskites

Research team led by HPSTAR discovered that isotope effect can significantly suppress lattice distortion in hybrid perovskites, leading to enhanced photoluminescence and structural robustness. This breakthrough suggests a new path for designing more stable photovoltaic materials with superior performance.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

Tunable rainbow light trapping in ultrathin resonator arrays

Researchers develop novel design and fabrication techniques for rainbow light trapping, enabling extreme light confinement and versatile application in low concentration molecular sensing, enhanced photocatalysis, and super-resolution optics. The technique uses analytical modeling to optimize groove geometry for broadband electromagnet...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateDec 1, 2020

Shining a light on nanoscale dynamics

Researchers from University of Konstanz and LMU Munich demonstrate ultrafast electron diffraction to uncover nanomaterials' functionality. They observe quantum mechanical phase shift through interaction with light waves, providing a movie-like sequence of images revealing fundamental light-matter interactions.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 24, 2020

Attosecond boost for electron microscopy

Researchers at University of Konstanz and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München develop a prototypical attosecond electron microscope (A-TEM) that enables visualization of light-matter interactions at attosecond speeds. This breakthrough can facilitate the exploration of atomic origins of light-matter interactions in complex materials...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 11, 2020
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.

Record-breaking, floating laser resonator

Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed a floating laser resonator that breaks records in resonance enhancement. The device amplifies light power by an astonishing 10 million watts, equivalent to a large neighborhood's electricity consumption.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateOct 1, 2020

Nanophysics - Spectral classification of excitons

Researchers developed a theoretical model to predict spectral splitting of excitons in WSe2 under magnetic field. The results provide better understanding of opto-electronic properties and potential applications in quantum technologies.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2020

Light swirls provide insights into the quantum world

Physicists have created a new method to study previously invisible quantum states of electrons using optical vortices. By combining conventional laser beams with swirls of light, researchers can detect the properties of emitted photoelectrons and gain insights into material structure and interaction with light.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 10, 2020

New insights into van der Waals materials found

The study observed a rare phenomenon known as the dynamic breaking of Friedel's Law in layered van der Waals materials, where the pairs of Bragg peaks show opposite oscillating patterns. This unique behavior is attributed to the lattice structure of the material and its effect on electron diffraction.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 6, 2020

Cartwheeling light reveals new optical phenomenon

Researchers at Rice University have discovered trochoidal dichroism, a novel type of polarized light-matter interaction. The discovery reveals that different wavelengths of light interact differently with plasmonic nanoparticles, which could help study molecules and determine molecular orientation.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Measuring a tiny quasiparticle is a major step forward for semiconductor technology

Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to measure the mass of individual components in quasiparticles, which could play a crucial role in future applications of quantum computing and more efficient energy conversion. The study reveals significant differences in mass between electrons and holes in ...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020

Light from stretchable sheets of atoms for quantum technologies

The researchers have demonstrated a world record for the largest spectral, color-tuning range from an atomically thin quantum system. By stretching the material, they induced mechanical expansion of the quantum source, resulting in dramatic tuning range of colors emitted by quantum light.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 15, 2020

A multi-dimensional optical storage medium: Photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic

Scientists have developed a new photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic medium for three-dimensional volumetric optical data storage, enabling expanded storage capacity and improved information security. The material's high transparency and controlled crystallization lead to a highly ordered nanostructure with low bit error rates.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 6, 2020

Unique material could unlock new functionality in semiconductors

Researchers synthesized a unique organic-inorganic hybrid crystal with controllable ferroelectricity and chirality, enabling new electrical, magnetic, or optical properties. This discovery could lead to advancements in communication and computing technologies.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2020

SMU develops efficient methods to simulate how electromagnetic waves interact with devices

Researchers at Southern Methodist University have developed a more efficient algorithm to simulate the interaction of electromagnetic waves with devices, reducing simulation time from days to hours. This breakthrough has significant implications for various scientific fields, including biology, astronomy, and military applications.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateDec 18, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

A momentous view on the birth of photoelectrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a breakthrough in understanding the interaction between light and matter, revealing how linear momentum is transferred to electrons during ionisation. The study found that the timing of electron 'birth' affects momentum transfer, with additional delays induced by interactions with residual ions.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2019

Molecular vibrations lead to high performance laser

Professor Andrea Armani's team has developed a new laser technology that uses surface Raman lasers with monolayer coatings of siloxane molecules, resulting in improved power consumption and reduced toxicity. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications in communications, diagnostics, and defense.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 2, 2019

Retrieving physical properties from two-colour laser experiments

Physicists have discovered that useful information about ultrafast light-matter interactions is buried deep within signals produced by two-colour pump-probe experiments. Advanced techniques are required to extract this information, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as vision and photosynthesis.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 25, 2019

Solving the mystery of quantum light in thin layers

Scientists at TU Wien discover that atomic defects and mechanical strain interact to produce single photons, enabling experiments in quantum information and cryptography. This phenomenon was previously unknown and has opened up new possibilities for materials science.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 15, 2019

Optical neural network could lead to intelligent cameras

The UCLA researchers have significantly increased the system's accuracy by adding a second set of detectors to the system, representing each object type with two detectors rather than one. The new design takes advantage of parallelization and scalability of optical-based computational systems.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 26, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Researchers turn off backscattering, aim to improve optical data transmission

Engineers at the University of Illinois have found a way to redirect misfit light waves to reduce energy loss during optical data transmission. By exploiting an interaction between light and sound waves, they were able to suppress backscattering in silica glass, a common material used in fiber optic cables.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOptica·DateAug 12, 2019

Microrobots to change the way we work with cellular material

The new microrobots can load, transport and deliver cellular material with greater speed and less damage than traditional methods, opening up a wide range of applications in life sciences and beyond. They also enable precise control over cell behavior, which is crucial for regenerative medicine and neural repair.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateJul 8, 2019

Manipulating electron spin using artificial molecular motors

Researchers created a novel solid-state spin filtering device with artificial molecular motors that switch spin polarization direction by light irradiation and thermal treatments. The device demonstrates 4 times chirality inversion, allowing for precise control of spin-polarization direction in spin-polarized currents.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2019

Accurate probing of magnetism with light

A team of researchers has developed a new experimental and theoretical framework to interpret spectroscopic signals from magnetic materials when probed with extreme ultraviolet radiation. This allows for the disentanglement of signals from different elements in the material, enabling the study of complex dynamic processes.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 3, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Heading towards a tsunami of light

A team at Chalmers University of Technology has proposed creating ultra-intense light pulses to study interactions between matter and light. These pulses can be used to probe and control matter in unique ways, offering new insights into material science and quantum states.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 19, 2019

Questions in quantum computing: How to move electrons with light

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have demonstrated how microwaves interact with matter, enabling the movement of electrons. This breakthrough may help improve quantum computing by controlling electrons with precision, leading to faster and more powerful technologies.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 11, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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Rice U. lab finds evidence of matter-matter coupling

Researchers at Rice University have discovered the first example of Dicke cooperativity in a matter-matter system, which could lead to faster information processing and lower power consumption. The discovery uses a magnetic field to prompt cooperativity among spins within a crystalline compound made primarily of iron and erbium.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2018

Researchers shine a light on 150-year-old mystery

A team of researchers has discovered a way to measure the effect of light momentum on materials, shedding new light on a 150-year-old mystery. The study reveals that light momentum is converted into force through elastic waves on mirrors.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2018

How smart technology gadgets can avoid speed limits

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered a speed limit for smart technology gadgets that control light and internet traffic. By manipulating individual particles or allowing speciality materials to remain in motion, they can bypass this limit.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 28, 2018

Physicists devise method to reveal how light affects materials

Researchers have devised a method to study how light affects materials, shedding light on the fundamental laws governing electron-light interactions. The new approach enables better understanding of material behavior, which can be applied to improve devices such as optical sensors and photovoltaic cells.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2018

MIT researchers devise new way to make light interact with matter

Researchers at MIT have devised a new method for enhancing the interaction between light and matter, which could lead to more efficient solar cells that collect a wider range of light wavelengths. By slowing down light and controlling its frequency, they can also create tunable color LEDs with fully tunable emissions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 4, 2018
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.

Quantum shift shows itself in coupled light and matter

Researchers detect Bloch-Siegert shift in strongly coupled light and matter, a phenomenon previously speculated but never observed. The discovery could lead to a greater understanding of theoretical predictions in quantum phase transitions and the development of robust quantum bits for advanced computing.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 16, 2018