Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a first flat lens for immersion microscopy, providing a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture alternative to the expensive hand polishing technique. This innovation enhances biological imaging capabilities by enabling the capture of fine detailed geometrical information of objects.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed a shape-changing fog screen called MistForm, allowing users to interact with 2D and 3D objects in mid-air. The display optimizes visibility and facilitates interaction, adapting to single or multiple users.
Researchers have developed a new solution to tracking objects hidden behind scattering media by analyzing fluctuations in optical 'noise' created by their movement. The approach can advance real-time remote sensing for military and biomedical applications.
A new imaging device developed by Modulated Imaging Inc. uses low-power LEDs to project light onto the breast, measuring absorption and scattering properties to quantify skin health. The device aims to predict acute and late skin damage effects from radiation therapy in breast cancer patients.
Scientists have developed a technique to visualize the complete evolution of micro- and nanostructure formation on a material's surface. This allows for better control over these structures, which are crucial for improving various technologies such as anti-corrosive materials, energy absorbers, and medical instrumentation.
Researchers at KAIST create a 3D holographic display that significantly enhances the performance of existing displays, allowing for larger images and wider viewing angles. By controlling volume speckle fields, they achieve an image size increase of up to 2 cm in length, width, and height.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 27, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
The study uses label-free spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM) to image single microtubule dynamics without added dyes or stains. This allows for long-term imaging of cells, enabling the monitoring of protein movement and consumption of ATP.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 27, 2017
A new technique enriches animations by simulating fine detail and smooth large-scale appearance of granular materials. The method, developed by Disney Research, ETH Zurich and Dartmouth College, significantly expands the number of grain types that can be rendered together.
Optical probes have been developed to overcome light scattering in deep-brain imaging, allowing for precise stimulation of neural circuits. This breakthrough enables researchers to control individual neurons with remarkable resolution, opening up new avenues for neuroscience and neuromedical research.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateDec 7, 2016
A research group led by Prof. Dr. Benjamin Judkewitz is working on a new approach to overcome light scattering limitations in optical microscopy, enabling images of deeper tissue layers. The European Research Council has allocated €1.49 million over five years to fund this endeavor.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateDec 2, 2016
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.
A team of experts from Sam Houston State University is developing a novel investigative tool using micro Raman spectroscopy to analyze inkjet printer signatures. The goal is to provide reliable leads in counterfeit cases while being time-effective and non-destructive.
Researchers have developed a new method for analyzing photonic crystal structure, which provides a direct view of the inner details. The technique uses scattered light patterns to reveal the iso-frequency contours, offering a beautiful and straightforward way to observe the material's properties.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 25, 2016
Scientists have developed a new solar smart window that can turn opaque on demand for added privacy, while also powering other devices using excess energy. The innovative window uses liquid crystals and an amorphous silicon layer to achieve this functionality.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Photonics·DateNov 16, 2016
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.
Researchers developed a silicon nanoantenna that scatters light in a particular direction depending on the intensity of incident radiation. The nanoantenna allows for the dynamic modification of its properties, enabling faster control over light propagation and paving the way for ultrafast processing of optical information.
SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateNov 16, 2016
A team led by Professor Cordt Zollfrank from the Technical University of Munich created the first controllable random laser based on cellulose paper. The laser uses a biogenic structure to scatter light in different directions, but can still be controlled and localized.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateNov 10, 2016
A team of Russian researchers used dynamic light scattering and phase microscopy to demonstrate the existence of stable nanodroplets of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in aqueous electrolyte solutions. The research developed a new theory explaining the spontaneous generation of heterogeneous nanoparticles due to 'twinkling' hydrogen bonds.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2016
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.
A team led by Caltech's Changhuei Yang and Edward Zhou developed a device that selectively cancels scattered light, revealing dimly reflective objects. The technology, termed 'coherence gated negation,' has potential applications in satellite exploration and biomedical imaging.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalOptica·DateOct 10, 2016
Researchers have developed innovative methods to counteract glare and reduce unwanted light in various imaging applications, including microscopy, biomedicine, and astronomy. These new approaches use modified light to minimize glare, offering a promising solution for improving image quality.
Researchers are exploring the practical uses of rainbows in weather forecasting and combustion engine efficiency. A comprehensive review highlights the importance of simulating rainbows using mathematical modeling. The study also provides tips for capturing rainbows on camera, making them a rare and special phenomenon.
SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateAug 25, 2016
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.
Scientists from Russia and Australia have developed a simple new way to count microscopic particles in optical materials using laser diffraction. This method allows for the structure and shape of any optical material to be determined without expensive electron or atomic-force microscopy.
SourceITMO University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 9, 2016
A team of researchers led by Andreas Velten is working on a camera technology that uses scattered-light photons to capture scenes outside human line of sight. The project aims to push the limitations of this technique over four years, with potential applications in medical imaging, disaster relief, and space exploration.
A team of scientists developed a new approach to visualize oxygen in tissue, using optoacoustic methods and a novel algorithm that corrects for light propagation effects. This non-invasive imaging method achieves high accuracy and resolution, enabling the study of various medical conditions such as tumor growth and metabolism.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2016
Researchers developed a new device for measuring polarization of light based on single spatial sampling, using organic polymers. The device can achieve measurement error as low as 1.2 percent.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 24, 2016
Researchers from SMU's Lyle School of Engineering are developing a computer-generated image of an object hidden from sight to create a hologram. The goal is to enable soldiers to 'see' around corners and behind walls, improving their situational awareness.
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.
Scientists have developed transparent wood that can be used in building materials, potentially saving homeowners money on artificial lighting costs. The material, which is stronger than Plexiglass, still traps some light and may boost the efficiency of solar cells.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMar 30, 2016
Astronomers have observed dramatic moments in star and planet formation using the Subaru 8-meter Telescope. The team discovered four young stars experiencing FU Ori outbursts, characterized by chaotic environments and unusual structures around them.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2016
Researchers at Harvard have built a polarimeter on a microchip, shrinking the widely used instrument to make it more accessible for various applications. The device provides high-performance polarization measurements at reduced size and cost, promising enhanced network security and real-time monitoring.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalOptica·DateJan 8, 2016
A team of scientists has proposed a two-dimensional metamaterial composed of silver elements that refracts light in an unusual way, potentially speeding up computer processing. The material could be used to develop compact optical devices and create an 'invisibility cloak'.
SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateDec 28, 2015
Researchers have developed a new system to track nanometer-sized viruses at sub-millisecond time scales, shedding light on the spontaneous self-assembly of viruses. This breakthrough could help design drugs that prevent viruses from forming in the first place.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 7, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Using a novel microscope that combines standard through-the-lens viewing with scatterfield imaging, NIST team accurately measures patterned features on a silicon wafer as small as 16 nanometers wide. The technique reveals variations in feature dimensions amounting to differences of a few atoms.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateDec 3, 2015
Researchers have developed a new computed tomography method that uses scattering to visualize nanostructures in objects measuring just a few millimeters. This technique allows for the precise three-dimensional visualization of collagen fibers in human teeth, revealing their detailed structure for the first time.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2015
A new study suggests that disk gaps may be a cosmic illusion and not necessarily caused by hidden planets. The researchers used models to show that growth, migration, and destruction of small particles can create apparent gaps in the disk.
SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 2, 2015
Professor Nanfang Yu has received the DARPA Young Faculty Award to develop metasurface-based flat optical modulators. He aims to create high-speed, light-weight spatial light modulators (SLMs) with tunable materials for various applications including LIDAR and remote sensing.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateOct 5, 2015
Scientists have developed a new ultra-thin invisibility cloak that can render small objects undetectable by rerouting incoming light waves. The cloak is designed with a reflective metasurface and light-scattering antennae, allowing it to conceal objects with sharp edges and peaks.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015
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 multi-scale process adapts simulation to the structure of light transport in granular media on various scales. This enables efficient computation of photorealistic representation in images and animations, accelerating computation by a factor of ten compared to conventional path tracing.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateSep 4, 2015
Researchers discovered that coccoliths can modulate solar light, enhancing photosynthesis in microalgae. The study found that magnetically oriented coccoliths change light scattering, contributing to understanding how these structures control light.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 3, 2015
Researchers found that ultrashort light pulses become trapped in small areas of rough ultrathin films, leading to efficient light absorption. This discovery can help develop highly efficient absorbers for thin-film solar cells and sensors.
SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 1, 2015
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.
Researchers at TU Wien have discovered new materials that can locally amplify or absorb light, allowing for the creation of undistorted light waves with uniform intensity. This breakthrough enables new kinds of light waves without wave interference, potentially useful for technological applications.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2015
The researchers created a nanoresonator that can manipulate light to cast a large 'reflection', making objects appear 10,000 times larger than their physical size. This technology has huge implications for photography and solar power.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 13, 2015
Researchers have developed a new microscope technique using holographic images and machine-learning software to identify bacterial species at the single bacterium level. The approach has shown high accuracy in distinguishing between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, promising to reduce treatment time and improve patient outcomes.
Astrophysicists developed a method to calculate Rayleigh scattering's effect on the cosmic microwave background, potentially improving our understanding of the Universe's birth. This calculation may help researchers better comprehend the formation of our 13.6 billion-year-old Universe.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 28, 2015
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.
Scientists at ANU performed John Wheeler's delayed-choice thought experiment, proving that measurement is everything in quantum physics. The experiment found that reality only exists when observed, confirming the validity of quantum theory and its predictions about interference.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 26, 2015
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology and Activision-Blizzard develop a new mathematical method to create more realistic surface rendering in computer games. The 'SSSS-method' takes into account light scattering below the surface, reducing computing time while maintaining realistic images.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalComputer Graphics Forum·DateMay 5, 2015
A novel liquid crystal technology allows displays to flip between transparent and opaque states, increasing visibility while reducing the need for power. The new design remedies previous problems with scattering and absorption, providing a faster response time and improved energy efficiency.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 28, 2015
Researchers at Australian National University have created a topological insulator that can bend light around corners with no loss of signal, opening possibilities for nanoscale light sources, efficient antennas, and quantum computing.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 24, 2015
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.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a new design tool to predict the nonlinear optical properties of metamaterials. This breakthrough enables efficient design and creation of high-performance materials for applications such as coherent Raman sensing, entangled photon generation, and frequency conversion.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 9, 2015
Researchers at University of Illinois have demonstrated Brillouin Scattering Induced Transparency (BSIT), a phenomenon that can slow down, speed up, and block light in optical waveguides. BSIT uses sound waves to eliminate opacity and create a non-reciprocal behavior, enabling the creation of isolators and circulators.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 27, 2015
Researchers have developed a new technique that focuses diffuse light inside living tissue, improving the speed of optical focusing by two orders of magnitude. This advancement paves the way for noninvasive optical imaging in deep tissue and photodynamic therapy.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2015
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a more efficient method to trap light by harnessing bound states in the continuum. This innovation addresses the major challenge of trapping and utilizing light for optical computing circuits.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 10, 2014
Researchers found that the time spent by a drunken sailor on a square with streetlamps is constant regardless of the lamp density. This effect also applies to light waves in disordered media, rubber balls rolling across a plank, and even ant paths, revealing a universal phenomenon.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2014
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.
Scientists develop a thermoresponsive coating that changes the color of white LEDs when dimmed, creating a warmer glow. This innovative technology uses liquid crystal and polymeric materials to create a temperature-dependent shift in light emission.
Washington University engineers apply a novel time-reversal technology to track movement inside the body's tissues, improving imaging of cancerous tissues and developing potential treatments. By using TRAP optical focusing, they can focus light on moving targets, allowing for sharper images even several centimeters into the skin.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2014
Researchers from Penn and UCSB discovered that giant clams use their iridescent structures to maximize the usefulness of light reaching symbiotic algae within their bodies. This unique system allows the clams to thrive in intense sunlight, leading to potential breakthroughs in alternative energy research.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalInterface·DateOct 2, 2014
Children with ADHD exhibit impaired brain response to angry facial expressions, whereas typically developing children show a significant hemodynamic response in both happy and angry expressions.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateSep 25, 2014
Researchers developed an optical method called iSCAT to detect individual proteins, such as those in cancers, using scattered light shadows. The method promises more sensitive diagnoses and sheds light on fundamental biochemical processes.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2014
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.
Researchers developed an adaptive optics microscope that can focus laser light through even the murkiest surroundings without a guide star. This innovation resolves points less than one thousandth of a millimeter across, enabling sharper images in biology and medicine.
Researchers discovered that beetle scales scatter light efficiently to achieve ultra-whiteness, using a complex network of chitin filaments. This finding could lead to brighter, whiter materials for paper, plastics, and paints while reducing material usage.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2014
Scientists have discovered that greater mouse-eared bats use polarization patterns in the sky to navigate, calibrating their internal magnetic compass. The bats' ability to detect polarised light remains a mystery, but researchers hope this breakthrough will aid in protecting declining bat populations.
SourceNatural Environment Research Council·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2014
Researchers have developed a single-pixel optical system that can overcome light scattering in tissue, enabling transmission of images through scattering media. The technique uses compressive sensing to compress large data files as they are measured, allowing it to reconstruct the image and penetrate deeper into tissue.
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.
Researchers at the University of Bonn developed a novel camera system that can see around corners without mirrors, using diffusely reflected light to reconstruct object shapes. The system records time-resolved data from light echoes, which brings valuable information about object shape and appearance.