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Understanding secondary light emission by plasmonic nanostructures may improve medical imaging

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that modeling secondary light emission as Raman scattering can predict its dependence on laser power and wavelength, leading to improved biological and medical imaging modalities. This breakthrough has significant implications for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

Amplifying our vision of the infinitely small

A new method to detect and identify molecules has been discovered by Richard Martel's team, enabling the use of optical scanners to pinpoint particles. The technique uses nanoprobes composed of dye molecules aligned inside carbon nanotubes, which amplify Raman signals up to a million times stronger than other molecules.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 2, 2013

True colors: Female squid have 2 ways to switch color, according to a UCSB study

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that female common market squid possess two distinct systems for reflecting light: Bragg reflection and Mie scattering. These systems allow the squid to switch between transparent and white colors, with the latter appearing as a result of condensation and dehydration of reflectins-based proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 18, 2013

Almost as sensitive as a dog's nose

Scientists developed a new SERS sensor with high sensitivity and reproducibility, detecting a specific organic species in low concentrations. The sensor uses vertically arranged carbon nanotubes to amplify Raman-scattered light signals.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 29, 2013

Altering organic molecules' interaction with light

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new platform that enables dramatic manipulation of organic molecules' emission by suspending them on top of a carefully designed planar slab with a periodic array of holes. This platform has important implications for applications such as bio-imaging, bio-molecular detection and the development of o...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2013

New imaging device that is flexible, flat, and transparent

The new device uses a polymer sheet with fluorescent particles to capture incoming light and channel it to an array of sensors. This allows for the creation of high-resolution images without any internal components or electronics. The technology has potential applications in user interface devices that can respond to gestures alone.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 20, 2013

Novel microscopy method offers sharper view of brain's neural network

A team of Italian researchers has developed a new microscopy technique called confocal light sheet microscopy (CLSM) that improves the resolution and contrast of images of the brain's neural pathways. CLSM enables scientists to obtain high-resolution views of tissue samples with a resolution of a few microns and faster acquisition time.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 23, 2012

Seeing inside tissue

Caltech engineers enable focusing of light deep into biological tissue, opening up possibilities for non-invasive diagnoses and treatments. The technique uses ultrasound waves to shift the frequency of light, allowing for image creation without scattering effects.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2012

Basketball-sized eyes help squids play defense

Researchers found that giant squids' large eyes collect more light, improving their ability to detect small contrast differences and bioluminescence. The boost in detecting low-light differences is critical for spotting approaching sperm whales, but the squid's escape is not entirely dependent on its eye size.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 15, 2012

Rice researchers take molecule's temperature

Rice University researchers have developed a technique to measure the temperature of molecules using Raman spectroscopy and an optical antenna. They found that they could detect temperature fluctuations of up to 20 degrees in the molecules, which will be useful for the molecular electronics community.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 13, 2010

World's first microlaser emitting in 3-D

Researchers develop a microdroplet 3D laser system using cholesteric liquid crystals, producing the world's first practical three-dimensional laser. The design is small, tunable, cheap, and can be made by millions in seconds.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 8, 2010

Seeing melanoma

A new imaging technique, combining photoacoustic tomography and a smart contrast agent, produces three-dimensional images of melanoma with high accuracy. This enables surgeons to remove only the malignant tissue while maintaining clean margins.

Timely technology sees tiny transitions

A new technique developed by Rice University researchers can detect the movement of single molecules over hours using plasmonic properties of nanoparticles. This method is label-free and permanent, enabling the tracking of molecular interactions at the single-molecule limit.

Gold nanostar shape of the future

Researchers at Duke University discovered that gold nanostars can dramatically enhance the reflected light, making them useful as tracers, labels, or contrast agents. The size and shape of the nanostars affect the spectrum of reflected light, allowing for 'tuning' to identify specific molecules or chemicals.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateNov 6, 2008

Invisibility undone

A team of Chinese scientists has developed an 'anti-cloak' material that can partially cancel the effect of invisibility cloaks, enabling visibility in hostile environments. This breakthrough could have implications for survival and detection applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 3, 2008

Polymer opal films shed new kind of light on nature

Scientists have developed a new type of flexible plastic film that combines natural and manmade optical effects, producing a color-changing effect that depends less on viewing angle. The films are made from arrays of spheres stacked in three dimensions, which scatter light and produce intensely colored colors.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 23, 2007

Asymmetric ashes

Researchers found significant peripheral asymmetry but a nearly spherical interior, suggesting the explosion propogates at supersonic speed. The team observed 17 supernovae over 10 years and inferred the shape and structure of debris clouds thrown out from Type Ia supernovae.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2006

Rice researchers gain new insight into nanoscale optics

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple geometry where light behaves exactly as electrons do in these systems. This finding has the potential to create nanoscale antennae that convert light into broadband electrical signals, increasing data transmission capabilities by 1 million times.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 14, 2005