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New device design could miniaturize photonics, quantum technologies

Researchers create powerful optical device with layered semiconductor and metasurface, enhancing nonlinear frequency conversion and enabling efficient light mixing and transformation. The device has potential applications in telecommunications, quantum communication, and photonic quantum computing.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

New Record: DTU researchers double the range of low-noise "white lasers" in a single fibre

Researchers at DTU Electro have developed a method to double the usable wavelength range of ultra-low-noise supercontinuum lasers in a single fiber. This breakthrough enables stable broadband light with exceptionally low noise, benefiting medical imaging, gas sensing, and spectroscopy. The new source spans from 0.86 to 2.90 micrometers...

Optical chip pioneers physical-layer public-key encryption with partial coherence

Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology have implemented the first complete public-key encryption system at the physical optical layer. The innovation lies in integrating partially coherent light and reciprocity principles on a single photonic chip to conceal information within random optical fields.

SourceOpto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeNews article·DateDec 8, 2025

World's first practical surface-emitting laser for optical fiber communications developed: advancing miniaturization, energy efficiency, and cost reduction of light sources

Researchers developed world's first practical surface-emitting laser using quantum dots, advancing miniaturization and energy efficiency of light sources. The innovation enables high-performance, scalable structures and cost reductions through mass production.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2025

World’s smallest pacemaker is activated by light

Northwestern University engineers developed the world's smallest pacemaker that can be non-invasively injected into newborn babies' hearts with a syringe. The device, paired with a wearable wireless controller, stimulates pacing through light pulses, dissolving after use without surgical extraction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

The flicker reveals the mechanisms of vision. Groundbreaking f-ORG technique can advance the diagnosis of retinal diseases

A new diagnostic method called flicker optoretinography (f-ORG) analyzes the retina's reaction to light, helping to detect danger before symptoms appear. The technique detects even minor changes in photoreceptors, providing valuable insights into retinal health.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2025

Tip-enhanced raman scattering of glucose molecules

Researchers developed a tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy platform to accurately identify molecular Raman scattering of glucose molecules. The platform improves the electric field intensity of a nanofocusing light source by two orders of magnitude, enhancing Raman scattering efficiency.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateMar 5, 2025

Light-powered breakthrough enables precision tuning of quantum dots

Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to tune the optical properties of quantum dots using light, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. This method allows for precise control over the bandgap, enabling the creation of high-quality perovskite quantum dots for optoelectronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath

A study published in PLOS ONE found that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto colorant was effective in treating halitosis in mouth-breathing children. The researchers used a LED light source to target the annatto, which generated reactive oxygen species that killed bacteria on the tongue, leading to improved oral health.

Brighter and more efficient LEDs that don’t droop

A team of researchers at Nagoya University has developed a way to make LEDs brighter while maintaining their efficiency. By tilting the InGaN layers and cutting the wafer into different orientations, they have found that LEDs with lower polarization but in the same direction as standard LEDs show greater efficiency at higher power.

SourceNagoya University·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateNov 25, 2024

Neat, precise and brighter than ever

Researchers at SwissFEL have achieved breakthroughs in improving the temporal coherence of XFEL pulses by inserting magnetic chicanes to control the timing of the electron beam. This advancement opens new scientific opportunities in fields requiring precise spectral control, such as fundamental physics and applied sciences.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

Versatile deformation of plastics with light

A research group at Chuo University developed a method to induce deformations in polymer materials at specific depths using two-photon absorption. This enables versatile deformations and motions, enhancing the degree of freedom, and contributes to the development of small, lightweight, and soft robots.

SourceChuo University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Dynamic gas sensing with blue μLED-activated SnO2 nanoparticles: A real-time tunable detection platform

The study introduces a novel dynamic gas sensing platform using blue μLED-activated SnO2 nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent sensitivity, tunable selectivity, and rapid detection. The system can distinguish various gases under light illumination, contributing to healthier living environments.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024