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Getting a grip on near-field light

Researchers at Harvard SEAS create device that can shape near-field light into various forms using waveguide reflectors. The resulting shapes can be used for ultra-high-resolution microscopy, particle manipulation and sensing applications.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2020

Instantaneous color holography system for sensing fluorescence and white light

A color-multiplexed holography system has been developed to record 3D information of objects illuminated by a white-light lamp and self-luminous specimens as a single multicolor hologram. The system acquires color 3D information with only a single-shot exposure and no color filter array.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quantum body scanner? What happens when vector vortex beams meet scattering media

A team of researchers has made significant progress in developing a quantum body scanner that can detect cancer with high accuracy. By analyzing the transmission of vector vortex beams through scattering media, they have overcome major hurdles in biomedical imaging. The study's findings suggest that vector vortex beams can preserve the...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 14, 2020

Light pollution gives invasive cane toads a belly full of grub

Research from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that light pollution can significantly increase the number of insects consumed by invasive cane toads. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used outdoor enclosures with artificial lights to test the impact on the toad's diet.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 1, 2020

UCF's butterfly-inspired nanotech makes natural-looking pictures on digital screens

A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a new display technology that mimics the colors of butterfly wings, creating ultra-high-definition screens with extremely low power consumption. The technology uses nanoscale structures to scatter and reflect light, producing more natural-looking images without harsh glare.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2020

From dark to light in a flash: Smart film lets windows switch autonomously

A new easy-to-use smart optical film technology has been developed, enabling smart windows to switch between transparent and opaque states. The film demonstrates high speed and performance, allowing for fast switching and uniform tinting while securing durability, stability, and safety.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 2, 2020
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.

3D-printed corals could improve bioenergy and help coral reefs

Researchers have developed 3D-printed coral-inspired structures that can grow dense populations of microscopic algae, opening up new applications for coral conservation and bioenergy. The innovative technology mimics the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae, with microalgae producing sugars to the coral through photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2020

Topology protects light propagation in photonic crystal

Researchers have successfully observed topologically protected light waves propagating along a special boundary in a photonic crystal, unaffected by sharp corners or imperfections. This breakthrough enables the development of optical chips with enhanced reliability and potential for quantum information transfer.

SourceAMOLF·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

New technique tracks individual protein movement on live cells

A new microscopy technique allows researchers to follow individual proteins over long periods of time as they move along and inside live cells. The technique, called interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy, can track proteins with microsecond speeds for extended periods.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 15, 2020

Tuning optical resonators gives researchers control over transparency

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created an optical resonator system that can turn transparency on and off, allowing for control over a process called electromagnetically induced transparency. This technology has far-reaching implications for applications such as quantum computing, communications, and more.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 13, 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.

Designer lens helps see the big picture

Researchers at KAUST have developed a novel method for quantitative phase and intensity imaging in microscopy, overcoming limitations of existing techniques. This new approach enables high-resolution images to be acquired quickly and accurately using affordable optics and common light sources.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 20, 2019

Four ways to curb light pollution, save bugs

Artificial light at night negatively impacts thousands of species, causing global declines in abundance. Experts recommend turning off unnecessary lights, using motion-activated fixtures, and selecting amber-colored lights to curb light pollution and preserve insect populations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 18, 2019

Looking inside the body with indirect light

A new technique captures and analyzes indirect light to reveal previously unseen details just under the surface, including blood vessels. The method uses commercially available cameras to create images at extraordinary resolution, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateOct 22, 2019

A laser, a crystal and molecular structures

Researchers developed a new technique called complementary vibrational spectroscopy to study molecular structures. This method combines infrared absorption and Raman scattering spectrometers to provide detailed information about molecular vibrations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2019

Wired for sound: A third wave emerges in integrated circuits

Researchers have developed a new generation of integrated circuits that utilize the interaction between light and sound to revolutionize 5G networks, sensor systems, satellite communication, radar systems, and radio astronomy. This third-wave technology offers immense technological applications and opportunities for pure scientific inv...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 19, 2019
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.

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

Recovering color images from scattered light

Engineers at Duke University have developed a method to extract color images from a single exposure of scattered light. The technique uses a coded aperture and prism to separate spectral bands, allowing for the reconstruction of nuanced colors in images.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptica·DateJul 29, 2019

Hybrid device may help doctors treat strokes more quickly

Researchers have developed a hybrid device that uses near-infrared light to monitor blood flow, providing a quick and noninvasive diagnosis of cerebral ischemia. The device can record comprehensive profiles of hemodynamics, improving treatment effectiveness within the first few hours of stroke onset.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 11, 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.

Why deep-sea dragonfish have transparent teeth

Deep-sea dragonfish have evolved transparent teeth with nanostructured nanocrystals, allowing them to capture prey effectively in the dark depths. The unique adaptation helps the fish avoid being shunned away by its own huge teeth.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateJun 5, 2019

Study questions current regulations on light pollution and calls for paradigm shift

Researchers argue that Spain's current regulations on light pollution are inadequate and propose a change in approach to minimize the problem. Using white light instead of yellow light can provide significant energy savings while maintaining user safety, with potential benefits for environmental and economic aspects as well.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalLEUKOS The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America·DateMay 9, 2019

New holographic technique opens the way for quantum computation

Researchers from EPFL developed a new holographic technique that can encode quantum information in a nanostructure, enabling high-resolution imaging of electromagnetic fields and manipulating the quantum properties of free electrons. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum computing applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2019

Photonics: The curious case of the disappearing cylinders

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a way to make submicron-sized cylinders disappear using optical frequency illumination. This breakthrough could lead to new kinds of detectors and sensors for the medical and aerospace industries, without the need for expensive metamaterial coatings.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateApr 22, 2019

Quantum optical cooling of nanoparticles

Physicians at the University of Vienna have developed a novel method to cool nanoparticles using quantum optics, enabling unprecedented control over particle motion in ultra-high vacuum. The approach, inspired by atomic physics, harnesses scattered light from an optical tweezer to effectively cool particles' kinetic energy.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 29, 2019
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.

Powering devices -- with a desk lamp?

Researchers have developed special light harvesters that can convert ambient indoor lighting into usable energy, potentially powering wireless devices in homes and offices. The technology uses organic photovoltaics to optimize the use of artificial room lighting, which is abundant but often underutilized.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 13, 2019

The random anti-laser

Researchers have developed a method to build an anti-laser based on random scattering, which can absorb light of a specific color and dissipate energy. The new approach has been confirmed by experiments in cooperation with the University of Nice and opens up possibilities for various scientific and engineering applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2019

Hyperbolic metamaterials enable nanoscale 'fingerprinting'

Researchers use hyperbolic metamaterials to 'fingerprint' and obtain spatial and material information about nanometer-scale objects. The method resolves features down to 20 nanometers apart, potentially finding applications in biomolecular measurement and industrial product monitoring.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 12, 2019

Strong interactions produce a dance between light and sound

A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the 'strong-coupling regime' between light and high-frequency acoustic vibrations in a tiny glass structure. By overcoming friction-like processes, they were able to observe signatures of the light-sound dance and pave the way for future experiments at near-absolute zero temperatures.

SourceImperial College London·JournalOptica·DateDec 21, 2018
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.

Light triggers gold in unexpected way

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to control the output of gold nanoparticles using circularly polarized light. By changing the handedness of the light input, they found they could change the intensity of the scattered light by up to 50%, opening up new possibilities for ultrasmall optical components and antennas.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 30, 2018

Spinning the light: The world's smallest optical gyroscope

Researchers developed a new optical gyroscope that detects phase shifts 30 times smaller than previous systems, enabling miniaturization to a chip smaller than a grain of rice. The Sagnac effect relies on detecting differences between two beams traveling in opposite directions.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 25, 2018

Decoding multiple frames from a single, scattered exposure

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to reconstruct sequence of diffuse images from one long photographic exposure. By using a coded aperture, they can extract individual frames from a single, scattered exposure, overcoming limitations such as motion and constant scattering medium.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018
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.

New understanding of light allows researchers to see around corners

Aristide Dogariu and his team at the University of Central Florida have developed a new sensing method that can passively detect objects even when direct vision is impeded. This technique uses subtle similarities in scattered light to recover information about an object's presence, eliminating the need for controlled illumination.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2018

'Optical rocket' created with intense laser light

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have successfully accelerated plasma electrons almost instantly to speeds close to the speed of light using intense laser light pulses. The new application, dubbed an 'optical rocket,' boasts a force nearly trillion-trillion times greater than what astronauts experience in space.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 14, 2018

Trapping light that doesn't bounce off track for faster electronics

A new protective metamaterial 'cladding' prevents light from leaking out of curvy pathways in computer chips, allowing for more efficient processing. This breakthrough enables the integration of photonic with electric circuitry, increasing communication speed and reducing power consumption.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2018

Atomic-scale ping-pong

Scientists have observed anomalously high gas flow rates through angstrom-scale slit-like channels, defying classical Newtonian theory and highlighting quantum effects. The findings, published in Nature, suggest that surface scattering can significantly impact gas permeation rates.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

Chemical sensing chip sniffs out cocaine within minutes

A new chemical sensing chip can detect cocaine, opioids and marijuana in biological samples quickly and accurately. The low-cost chip uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to identify chemicals based on their unique light-scattering signatures.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSmall Methods·DateMay 7, 2018

New technology for measuring brain blood flow with light

Researchers at UC Davis developed a new technique using conventional digital camera technology to measure brain blood flow. The method, called interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy, boosts the signal to detect fluctuations in blood motion, providing valuable information about blood flow.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalOptica·DateApr 27, 2018

Weighing single molecules with light

Researchers have developed a new method for weighing single molecules using light scattering, enabling the measurement of mass with high accuracy. This breakthrough has potential applications in fields such as protein-protein interactions, drug discovery, and point-of-care diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2018

Ultra-white coating modelled on beetle scales

A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has created a super-thin, non-toxic, lightweight, edible ultra-white coating that mimics the structure of beetle scales. The material scatters light extremely efficiently, producing bright white colours without the need for pigments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 13, 2018
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.

Wearable hospital lab: NSF awards $10 million for bioimaging

A Rice University-led team has been awarded $10 million by the NSF to create wearable and point-of-care microscopes that can monitor nearly 100 health conditions without invasive procedures. The technology aims to provide real-time, non-invasive imaging of tissues using on-chip illumination and sensing.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 27, 2018

Carnegie Mellon will help develop camera to see through skin

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are part of a $10 million program to develop a new type of camera that can peer deep beneath the skin to diagnose and monitor various health conditions. The camera uses computational scatterography to make sense of scattered light, enabling noninvasive bio-optical imaging at a cellular scale.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateFeb 27, 2018

Nanomushroom sensors: One material, many applications

A team of scientists at OIST has created a new biosensing material that can detect interactions at the molecular level, allowing for real-time monitoring of cell proliferation. The material uses gold nanostructures coated with silicon dioxide and capable of detecting extremely low concentrations of substances.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Biosystems·DateFeb 23, 2018

Fur real: Scientists improve computer rendering of animal fur

Researchers at UC San Diego and UC Berkeley developed a method that dramatically improves the simulation of fur in computers, using subsurface scattering to mimic how light interacts with fur fibers. The new algorithm is 10 times faster than existing models and produces more realistic simulations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 21, 2018

Silk fibers could be high-tech 'natural metamaterials'

Researchers discovered that silk fibers exhibit Anderson localization of light, a phenomenon that enables efficient control of light due to their nano-architecture. This discovery could lead to innovations in medical therapies and biosensing, as well as the creation of synthetic materials with similar properties.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2018
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.

Glass with switchable opacity could improve solar cells and LEDs

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh developed glass with high levels of haze and light transmittance, making it suitable for improving solar cell efficiency. The glass can be switched from hazy to clear by applying water, potentially leading to cost-effective smart windows.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 11, 2017

Scientists make transparent materials absorb light

Researchers from Russia, Sweden, and the US demonstrate a highly unusual optical effect by creating a transparent material that appears to absorb light. The material, made of a thin layer of a transparent dielectric, accumulates light energy through mathematical properties of the scattering matrix, making it appear perfectly absorbing.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2017

The path length of light in opaque media

Researchers have confirmed that the average path length of light in opaque media is always the same, regardless of transparency. This result has implications for our understanding of wave propagation in disordered media and has potential applications in various fields.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 10, 2017
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.

Diffused light shows clear structures

Researchers have successfully developed a method to analyze microscopic structures using incoherently scattered light, improving the analysis of small-scale biological systems. The technique has the potential to enhance imaging capabilities in fields like biology and medicine.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 6, 2017

Laser cavities take on new shapes and functionalities

The researchers have demonstrated the first laser cavity that can confine and propagate light in any shape imaginable, even pathways with sharp bends and angles. This new design could enable higher speed optical communication technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2017

Medical camera makes light work of seeing through the body

Scientists have developed a camera that uses advanced photon detection technology to track the location of endoscopes in real-time. This allows doctors to guide the endoscope to the correct place without using expensive methods like X-rays.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateSep 4, 2017
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.

Nanotechnology gives green energy a green color

Researchers in the Netherlands have created efficient green solar panels using soft imprint lithography, which scatter green light and maintain a 10% power reduction. The technology has potential to widen solar panel use as an architectural design element.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 15, 2017

Shedding light deeper into the human brain

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method for propagating light through human tissue, enabling deeper brain imaging and potential applications in medical imaging and driving safety. The technique involves making tiny holes to pass light through, increasing optical transmission by a factor of 100.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Revealing particle separation

Scientists have developed a new method for detecting extremely small amounts of DNA using associating and dissociating nanodimer analysis (ADNA). The method can differentiate true signals from noise and detect deviations of individual bases, with a detection limit of about 46 DNA copies.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 18, 2017

Device designed to exploit scattering of light by mechanical vibrations

Researchers developed a silicon photonic device that can exploit the scattering of light by mechanical vibrations, called Brillouin scattering. The device uses two silicon microdisks with tiny cavities, enabling light and mechanical waves to interact at high frequencies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2017
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.