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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Northern lights glimmer with unexpected trait

Scientists have detected polarized glow in Northern Lights, revealing clues to the composition of Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetic field configuration. The phenomenon also offers a way to determine magnetic field configurations on other planets.

Mantis shrimp vision reveals new way that animals can see

Researchers have discovered that mantis shrimp can perceive circular polarized light, a previously unknown visual system. This ability is thought to be used for sex-specific communication and may provide a private channel of communication unavailable to predators and competitors.

Student develops new LED, wins $30,000 Lemelson-Rensselaer Prize

A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student has developed a new type of LED that could allow for its widespread use in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), improving screen clarity and conserving energy. The polarized LED, invented by Martin Schubert, is expected to revolutionize the field of lighting technology.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MIT 'optics on a chip' may revolutionize telecom, computing

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel way to integrate photonic circuitry on a silicon chip, enabling mass-manufactured devices with unprecedented system performance. The new technology will enable supercomputers on a chip with unique high-speed capabilities for signal processing and spectroscopy.

Light guides flight of migratory birds

Researchers have solved a 30-year puzzle on how migratory birds integrate multiple directional cues. They found that polarized light patterns play a key role in calibrating the birds' magnetic compass, providing an independent reference system. This discovery sheds light on the complex navigation systems used by migratory birds.

NASA scientist looks at Olympic ice in a frozen light

Using polarized light, NASA scientist Peter Wasilewski analyzes the colors and patterns in ice crystals to determine their type and consistency for various Olympic sports. He also examines snowflake shapes and forms to understand how they affect performance.

How monarch butterflies are wired for navigation

Researchers found that monarch butterflies rely on ultraviolet light for navigation and that this process is linked to their circadian clock. The study revealed the importance of polarized light in guiding butterfly migration.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Light scattering method reveals details under skin

Scientists at NIST and Johns Hopkins University have developed a new optical method that can image subsurface structures under skin using polarized light. The method minimizes unwanted light scattering and may eventually be used to produce more detailed images of deeper layers of skin for diagnosing various types of skin cancers.

Quantum memory for light

Researchers successfully transfer the quantum state of a light pulse onto a set of atoms, demonstrating quantum memory. The experiment achieved a 70% coincidence rate, which is higher than what can be obtained by measuring the polarization of the photons directly.

Fingerprints in the sky explained

Researchers used elliptic integrals to predict polarisation patterns in skylight, finding that singularities play a vital role in shaping the overall pattern. The study provides a simple and beautiful explanation for this natural phenomenon.

Expedition reveals new deep-sea wonders

A Harbor Branch-led team of scientists discovered the world's first known fluorescent shark and collected strong proof-of-concept for a new unobtrusive deep-sea camera system. The team also found fluorescence from methane hydrates, which could lead to a new detection technique for this potential future energy source.

A new twist on fiber optics

Researchers have developed spiraling glass fibers that impart a chiral character to light by polarizing photons. These fibers can be used as sensors for pressure, temperature, torque, and chemical composition, while also enabling the manipulation of polarized light in various applications.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Measuring the shape of an exploding white dwarf star

Researchers measured the polarization of light emitted by supernova 2001el, detecting slight flattening at peak brightness, and later spherical symmetry. This discovery helps validate Type Ia supernovae as standard candles for cosmology.

Butterflies use polarized light to attract mates

Researchers found that males of iridescent butterfly species approach females producing polarized signals more often when not depolarized. Non-iridescent species show no preference regardless of filter presence. Light bending by genetic scales may influence sexual selection and speciation in tropical forests.

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.

Butterflies are flashers to attract mates

Research found that male butterflies of iridescent genus Heliconius are attracted to female wings displaying polarized light, suggesting a new role for polarization in mate attraction. The study also highlights the importance of polarization in maintaining species diversity among tropical butterflies.

Hiding in the noise and chaos

Scientists at ONR have created a novel technique to hide information within the naturally occurring fluctuations of light polarization in optical fibers. The signal is modulated onto these variations, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized parties to intercept and decode the message.