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New photocatalytic system converts carbon dioxide to valuable fuel more efficiently than natural photosynthesis

A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Shedding light on a dark problem

Arizona State University researchers have developed a novel method of using UV-C light to inhibit biofilm growth in almost any space. The team successfully inhibited biofilm growth by delivering UV-C light through side-emitting optical fibers at low irradiance levels, achieving results comparable to continuous light exposure.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

From chaos to light

A team of researchers from EPFL has found a way to harness the unique features of chaotic frequency combs to implement unambiguous and interference-immune massively parallel laser ranging. This innovative approach offers significant advantages over conventional methods, enabling hundreds of multicolor independent optical carriers.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Photonic snake states

Photonic snake states have been discovered, enabling two-dimensional optical rules with unprecedented versatility. This breakthrough enables the development of broadband, reconfigurable devices with real-time frequency comb generation.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Photonics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 10, 2023

Limiting loss in leaky fibers

Researchers have figured out why some air-filled fibre designs work so much more efficiently than others. Dr Leah Murphy and Emeritus Professor David Bird from the University of Bath developed a theoretical understanding of the relationship between fibre structure and leakage loss.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2023

An unexpected antenna for nanoscale light sources

Researchers at ETH Zurich have found a novel mechanism to produce nanoscale light sources by exploiting the antenna-like behavior of semiconductor materials. By varying the voltage and measuring the current through a tunnel junction, they discovered an exciton resonance that acts as an effective antenna, enabling efficient light emission.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Ultrafast and tunable

A study by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf team demonstrates efficient conversion of high-frequency signals into visible light using graphene-based materials. The mechanism involves a thermal radiation process, and the conversion is ultrafast and tunable.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Light pollution confuses coastal woodlouse

Artificial night-time light confuses a colour-changing coastal woodlouse, according to new research. The sea slater's ability to change colour and blend in is disrupted by diffuse light, making it more visible to predators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Innovative endoscopic imaging system can detect multiple fluorescent tracers

Researchers developed a novel endoscopic imaging system with a bioinspired sensor that can detect multiple fluorescent probes, enabling more accurate fluorescence-guided cancer surgery. The system showed improved spatial resolution and sensitivity in detecting tumors, paving the way for the adoption of multi-tracer FGS.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 26, 2023

Oxford University Fellow and Diamond User recognized for his innovative, sustainable Na-ion battery materials research by Forbes Magazine

Robert House, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University, has been selected as one of Forbes Magazine's prestigious 30 people to watch under 30 in Europe Science and Healthcare. He is working on developing innovative, sustainable Na-ion battery materials that promise to be significantly lower cost than conventional Li-ion batteries.

Ultra-miniaturized non-classical light sources for quantum devices

The researchers developed a method to create ultracompact photonic crystal cavities that can generate entangled photons. The discovery is crucial for the development of quantum computing and sensing applications. By controlling the cavity's properties, they can efficiently convert pump power into coherent light.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeNews article·DateApr 20, 2023

Luminous molecules

A team of chemists at the University of Basel has successfully synthesized organic light-emitting diodes by creating compounds with the exact three-dimensional structure desired. This breakthrough enables the development of more efficient and longer-lasting OLEDs.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 12, 2023

Shining light on aging hearts

A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine suggests that light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), can improve heart function and reduce the thickness of the cardiac wall in middle-aged mice. The research also found improved neuromuscular coordination and a significant survival rate among mice with severe heart disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateMar 27, 2023

A fairy-like robot flies by the power of wind and light

Researchers at Tampere University have developed a polymer-assembly robot that can fly by the power of wind and be controlled by light. The fairy-like robot has several biomimetic features, including high porosity and lightweight structure, allowing it to float in the air and travel long distances with stability.

SourceTampere University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 30, 2023

Physicists develop a new method that strengthens electron-triggered light emission with flat bands Shedding light to produce new sources of light and build quantum-based computational and communications systems

Researchers at The University of Hong Kong and MIT have developed a new method to produce stronger interactions between photons and electrons, enabling hundredfold increases in light emission. This breakthrough has potential ramifications for commercial applications and fundamental scientific research.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

Researchers succeeded in developing a light source that produced two entangled light beams

Scientists successfully created a light source that produced two entangled light beams using rubidium atoms. The entanglement was achieved by adding new detection steps to measure the quantum correlations in the amplitudes and phases of the fields generated, enabling applications in quantum computing, encryption, and metrology.

Light therapy relieves fatigue syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis

A recent study led by Stefan Seidel found that light therapy significantly improves fatigue symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis patients, with measurable improvements observed after just 14 days of use. The study used objective measurements to rule out sleep disorders, which are common comorbidities with fatigue in MS patients.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical·DateDec 12, 2022

Achieving a quantum fiber

ICFO researchers successfully demonstrate transport of two-photon quantum states through a phase-separated Anderson localization optical fiber, showing maintained spatial anti-correlation. The phase-separated fiber enables efficient transmission of quantum information via Corning's optical fiber.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalCommunications Physics·DateNov 23, 2022

Intense femtosecond light pulses in the mid-infrared for spectroscopic and technical applications

Researchers from the Max Born Institute report on a new light source generating ultrashort infrared pulses beyond 10 µm wavelength, exhibiting high potential for vibrational spectroscopy and optical materials processing. The system demonstrates excellent beam quality and stability, with output power and repetition rate scalable.

Polarized X-rays reveal shape, orientation of extremely hot matter around black hole

Researchers use polarized X-ray measurements to refine models of black holes swallowing matter. The new data from Cygnus X-1 reveals a pencil-shaped plasma outflow and supports the hypothesis that processes near the black hole launch jets. This insight improves understanding of gravity's effects on space-time around black holes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

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 data transmission record

Researchers from Technical University of Denmark and Chalmers University of Technology have achieved a world record in data transmission by transmitting 1.8 petabits per second using only a single laser and optical chip, significantly reducing power consumption and climate footprint.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2022

Through thick and thin: X-rays track the behavior of soft materials

Scientists explore the dynamics of soft materials like toothpaste and hair gel using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The technique reveals microscopic dynamics and helps understand properties like viscosity and elasticity. Insights gained can aid in designing consumer products, nanotechnologies, and drug delivery systems.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2022