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A motion freezer for many particles

A team from TU Wien has developed a method to cool several particles simultaneously by adapting the spatial structure of a laser beam to particle motion. The technique uses far-field wavefront shaping to optimize cooling and can be achieved without knowing the exact location or movement of the particles.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2023

Enhanced arsenic detection in water, food, soil

Scientists developed a sensitive nanostructured silver surface to detect arsenic in water, food and soil using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The new technique is more sensitive and easier to produce than existing methods, making it ideal for on-site field assays.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 21, 2023

Plasma-Structural Coloring: A new colorful approach to an inkless future

Scientists at Shinshu University have created a new method for achieving structural coloring through plasma irradiation of graphite, eliminating the need for harmful color dyes. The technique produces erasable and stable colors that can be manipulated using various factors, offering a sustainable solution for the art world.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

An illuminated water droplet creates an ‘optical atom’

A water droplet acts as a model of an atom when illuminated by laser light, allowing researchers to study resonance phenomena and energy levels. The droplet's size changes due to evaporation, creating a visible 'optical atom' that can be used to analyze water quality and detect pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023
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.

Simple means to a clear view

Researchers developed a novel, calibration-free, and reconstruction-free imaging technique that directly obtains a clear image from a single shot of speckle images. The method uses real-time video imaging to build a three-dimensional image, taking slices through the speckles.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPhotoniX·DateJan 22, 2023

VIMS research helps clarify role of water clarity in coastal management

Research by Dr. Jessie Turner and colleagues highlights the impact of water-clarity metrics on seagrass and light-loving organism restoration goals. The study suggests that different measurement methods can misrepresent underwater light climates, emphasizing the need for clear communication of methods used.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Nanoantennas directing a bright future

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed nanoantennas that significantly increase the efficiency and photoluminescence of white LEDs by replacing aluminum with titanium dioxide. This breakthrough enables the creation of intensely bright yet energy-saving solid-state lighting solutions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough in optical information transmission

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have developed a unidirectional device that significantly increases the quality of optical vortex signals. By transmitting selective optical vortex modes exclusively unidirectionally, they largely reduce detrimental backscattering to a minimum.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

New study finds ways to improve light absorption in perovskite/si tandem solar cells

A research team at UNIST has developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with a special textured anti-reflective coating, increasing its power conversion efficiency to 23.50%. The device maintains its initial efficiency for 120 hours, outperforming existing devices which drop to 50% after 20 hours.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 22, 2022

SwRI scientists compile Cassini’s unique observations of Saturn’s rings

Researchers compiled 41 solar occultation observations of Saturn's rings from the Cassini mission to inform future investigations into their formation and evolution. The study reveals new information on ring particles' sizes and compositions, shedding light on the origins of the ring system.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalIcarus·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Mystery of this champion metallic glass uncovered

A team of researchers led by Prof. Shinya Hosokawa analyzed the atomic configurations of Pd42.5Ni7.5Cu30P20, a champion bulk metallic glass, and found its characteristic configurations that lead to its excellent glass-forming ability.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2022

Quantum light clarifies bioimaging

Researchers at Texas A&M University created a device that harnesses quantum fluctuations to enhance spectroscopy results in Brillouin microscopy, increasing image clarity and accuracy. The new source significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for better visualization of biological structures and properties.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalOptica·DateAug 20, 2022

Overcoming a major manufacturing constraint

Researchers characterize material properties of IP-Q using Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation, revealing elastic parameters and their effects on acoustic behavior. The study optimizes elastic parameters for TPP-fabricated structures, benefiting applications in life science, mobility, and industry.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateAug 12, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Huddersfield researchers secure funding to illuminate chemistry

Huddersfield researchers are working on a new project to develop novel and sustainable molecular materials that harness light to drive useful chemical reactions. The project aims to address the limitation of using rare and expensive elements like ruthenium and iridium in current applications. By exploring the intrinsic properties of li...

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateAug 3, 2022

Chiral sources for metamaterial interface waveguides

A new broadband near-field chiral source enables comparison of different edge states to advance applications in integrated photonics and wireless devices. The research advances the field of chiral photonics science, promoting applications of chiral-sorting technology for microwave metadevices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 19, 2022

Waves in the maze of no return

Researchers at TU Wien and the University of Rennes have created a method to calculate tailor-made anti-reflective structures that can be used to reduce wave reflections in various mediums. This technology has potential applications in improving wireless reception, imaging techniques, and even future mobile communications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2022
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.

Following ultrafast magnetization dynamics in depth

Scientists at Max Born Institute create novel method to probe magnetic thin film systems, identifying heat injection from platinum layer as cause of magnetization changes. The approach allows femtosecond temporal and nanometer spatial resolution, paving way for studying ultrafast magnetism and device-relevant geometries.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022
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.

Diffuse optics for medical diagnostics: progress toward standardization

A collaborative initiative aims to establish common protocols for assessing and comparing diffuse optics systems used in medical diagnosis. The study presents the results of a multi-laboratory comparison of 12 institutions and 28 systems, proposing simple numeric values for easy comparison across instruments.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJun 15, 2022

Elusive particle discovered in a material through tabletop experiment

Researchers at Boston College have discovered a new particle known as the axial Higgs mode, a magnetic relative of the mass-defining Higgs Boson particle. The detection was made possible by using light scattering and quantum simulator techniques in a tabletop experiment at room temperature.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

A sharper image for proteins

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique called evanescent scattering microscopy (ESM), which allows for the visualization of proteins and other vital biomolecules with unparalleled clarity. This label-free imaging method reduces light-induced heating and requires no fluorescent dye or gold coating, making...

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022
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.

Researchers demonstrate label-free super-resolution microscopy

A new measurement and imaging approach resolves nanostructures smaller than the diffraction limit without dyes or labels, using polarization and angle-resolved images of transmitted light. The method measures particle size and position with high accuracy, closing the gap between conventional microscopes and super-resolution techniques.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateApr 21, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

A new microscope allows for high-throughput 3D adaptive optical imaging

A new microscope allows for real-time aberration-free dynamic speckle microscopy using compressed time-reversal matrix technology. This enables almost real-time volumetric adaptive optical imaging with reduced data acquisition time and improved lateral resolution.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New label-free detection technique digitally counts intact SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in saliva or exhaled breath

Researchers have developed a label-free detection technique that digitally counts intact SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in saliva or exhaled breath. The approach uses an aptamer attached to a biosensor to selectively recognize and capture viruses, providing lower cost and reduced time to diagnose infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 18, 2022

Pusan National University scientists develop simpler way to create common chemical detection platform

Researchers have created a new, simpler way to fabricate SERS nanostructures with superior stability and performance at low cost. By using a heat-resistant polymer called polyimide (PI), they can produce nanosurfaces with nanopillars that enhance signal intensity for efficient chemical detection. The new fabrication method has the pote...

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022
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.

“Magic wand” reveals a colorful nano-world

Researchers from UC Riverside developed a revolutionary imaging technology that compresses light into a nanometer-sized spot, allowing for unprecedented 6-nanometer color imaging of nanomaterials. This advance improves the study of unique properties and potential applications in electronics and other fields.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

Energizer atoms: JILA researchers find new way to keep atoms excited

Researchers at JILA have developed a technique to extend the excited-state lifetime of atoms in a Fermi sea, allowing for improved quantum communication networks and atomic clocks. By manipulating the Pauli exclusion principle, they achieved a significant delay in spontaneous decay.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

How ultracold, superdense atoms become invisible

MIT physicists have observed the Pauli exclusion principle suppressing how a cloud of ultracold, superdense atoms scatter light. The effect, known as Pauli blocking, makes the atoms effectively transparent and invisible to photons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 18, 2021

The nanophotonics orchestra presents: Twisting to the light of nanoparticles

Physicists at the University of Bath have found a way to reveal the forbidden colours of light in twisted nanoparticles, opening up new possibilities for emerging nanotechnologies. This discovery has implications for communications, nanorobotics and ultra-thin optical components.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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

Overcoming false optical activity

Researchers discovered false optical activity in Raman spectroscopic analysis of vitamin B12 and its derivatives, leading to misinterpretations of data. The phenomenon was attributed to circular dichroism and can be computationally modeled or adapted to measurement methods.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New scanning technology could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease using light

Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Microscopy technique makes finer images of deeper tissue, more quickly

A team of MIT and Harvard University researchers has developed a modified version of two-photon imaging that can image deeper within tissue and perform the imaging much more quickly than what was previously possible. This technique allows for high-resolution images of structures such as blood vessels and individual neurons within the b...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 7, 2021
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.

Researchers create switchable mirrors from liquid metal

Scientists developed a method to dynamically switch liquid metal surfaces between reflective and scattering states using electricity. This technology could be used to create electrically controllable mirrors or illumination devices, enabling new applications in art and advanced devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJun 14, 2021

New microscopy method reaches deeper into the living brain

Researchers have developed a new technique called diffuse optical localization imaging (DOLI) that enables noninvasive imaging of the brain's microvasculature and neural activity at depths of up to 4 millimeters. This method uses the NIR-II window and is poised to bring new insight into how the brain works in health and disease.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMay 27, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Measuring the Moon's nano dust is no small matter

Researchers at NIST measured moon dust particles as small as 400 nanometers, revealing a strong link between particle shape and light scattering. The study uses X-ray nano computed tomography to analyze particle shapes and improve satellite tracking of weather patterns.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters·DateApr 28, 2021

Dynamical machine learning accurately reconstructs volume interiors with limited-angle data

Researchers at MIT have developed a dynamical machine learning approach to tackle the challenge of reconstructing object interiors from limited-angle data. The method exploits sequential information to improve reconstructions, achieving promising results in weak and strong scattering conditions.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 14, 2021

The indestructible light beam

Researchers at Utrecht University and TU Wien have developed special light waves that can bypass scattering in complex media, enabling precise imaging of objects. This breakthrough could revolutionize biological experiments, such as studying cells, by controlling light distribution inside tissues.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 12, 2021

Model describes interactions between light and mechanical vibration in microcavities

A study by researchers at the University of Campinas investigated optomechanical coupling, creating a theoretical model that was validated by simulations and comparisons with experimental results. The researchers found that both dispersive and dissipative interactions occur in microcavities, which can contribute to advances in fields s...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 2, 2021
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.

Valves on N95 masks do not filter exhaled droplets

Research by Matthew Staymates found N95 masks with exhalation valves ineffective at filtering respiratory droplets. Masks without valves block most droplets, making them a more effective choice for disease prevention.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 10, 2020
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.

Laser-powered nanomotors chart their own course

Researchers have designed novel linear nanomotors powered by laser light, enabling controlled movement and reducing complexity. The technology uses localized surface plasmon resonance to produce directional scattering, allowing for precise navigation.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 2020

High pressure is key for better optical fibers

Researchers from Hokkaido University and the US used computer simulations to show that high pressure can reduce light scattering in silica glass fibers by over 50%. This could enable longer distance data transmission without amplification, revolutionizing global communication.

SourceHokkaido University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateOct 19, 2020

Now you see it, now you don't: Hidden colors discovered by coincidence

Researchers have discovered a new way to observe color through the scattering process, which combines with optical interference to create bright colors. The findings, published in Advanced Optical Materials, could have practical applications in sensing technology and security devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateOct 14, 2020