Light

Tiny sensor harnesses light to feel touch

Scientists discover surprising new way to control light

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered that light can be programmed using its natural geometry, allowing for the creation of structured light with unique properties. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields such as medicine, data transmission, and quantum technologies.

Simple synthetic strategy converts blue-emissive molecules into multicolor luminescent materials

Researchers create molecular crystal with reversible color changes spanning from green to orange-red upon mechanical stress or pressure. The material exhibits adaptive intermolecular interactions and structural flexibility, enabling stimulus-responsive luminescence.

Ben-Gurion University researchers propose new way to secure optical communication using light itself

Researchers propose a new approach to secure optical communication by hiding information in the physical structure of light, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or decode. Computer simulations showed that the method can transmit information reliably without revealing it through changes in beam size or intensity.

Catching distant gamma-ray explosions with precisely aligned x-ray optics

A team of researchers developed a practical method to align lobster-eye X-ray optics for space telescopes, enabling the detection of distant gamma-ray bursts with high accuracy. The approach was tested on a prototype structure and achieved precise alignment within five arcminutes.

Researchers use ultrasound to create light inside the body

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a non-invasive method to deliver light to specific locations in the body using nanomaterials and ultrasound waves. This technique provides a potential roadmap for easier, less invasive light-based treatments, with applications in biology, medicine, and gene editing.

Racetrack-shaped lasers for bright, stable frequency combs

A new laser source generates a specific type of light source called a frequency comb in the mid-infrared region, paving the way for miniaturization. The device overcomes engineering challenges to produce bright, stable, and compact frequency combs.

Serum neurofilament light chain and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation

Patients with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest. Serum neurofilament light chain levels can serve as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk in these patients.

A clear roadmap for engineering combs of light

Engineers at Harvard create microcombs on photonic chips, enabling compact, programmable frequency combs for precision measurement and telecommunications applications. The breakthrough makes electro-optic microcombs more practical, energy efficient, and diverse.

Advancing breastfeeding research through optical analysis of human milk

Researchers from the University of Twente are studying the optical properties of human milk to understand the causes of lactation insufficiency. The combined findings from two studies aid the development of light scattering based methods for human milk analysis, providing a powerful tool for research into lactation insufficiency.

A dynamic twist of light’s ‘handedness’

The Harvard researchers' new device is elegantly designed to be tunable, with a bilayer design that becomes geometrically chiral and able to 'read' chiral light. By using the MEMS device to continuously vary the twist angle and interlayer spacing, the team showed they could tune the device's intrinsic ability to read different chiral l...

New ‘vacuum ultraviolet’ laser may improve nanotechnology, power nuclear clocks

Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have demonstrated a new kind of vacuum ultraviolet laser that is 100 to 1,000 times more efficient than existing technologies. The device could enable scientists to observe phenomena currently out of reach, such as following fuel molecules in real time as they undergo combustion, spottin...

Nanosecond light-by-light switching achieved in liquid crystal droplet

Researchers demonstrate nanosecond optical switching using a liquid crystal droplet that redirects stored energy without electrical input. This method manipulates stored optical energy inside a resonant structure, enabling ultrafast light-by-light switching.

Shine a light, build a crystal

Researchers developed a simple and reversible method for forming crystals using light-sensitive molecules, allowing for precise control over particle attraction and repulsion. This enables the creation of adaptable materials with tunable properties, such as reconfigurable optical coatings and adaptive sensors.

Generating micro-combs of light

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have discovered a new way to generate ultra-precise, evenly spaced laser light combs on a photonic chip. This breakthrough could miniaturize optical platforms like spectroscopic sensors or communication systems.

Modulated UV-C light increases the shelf life of guavas, study shows

A new treatment developed by EMBRAPA uses modulated UV-C light to combat anthracnose in guavas. The technique increases the fruit's natural resistance to microorganisms, preserving quality and shelf life.

New chip-sized, energy-efficient optical amplifier can intensify light 100 times

A new optical amplifier developed at Stanford University can intensify light signals up to 100 times with minimal power loss. The device's efficiency allows it to be powered by a battery, enabling its potential use in smartphones and laptops.

Swiss X-ray laser reveals the hidden dance of electrons

Scientists at SwissFEL have developed a technique known as X-ray four-wave mixing, allowing them to access coherences in matter for the first time. This breakthrough has the potential to illuminate how quantum information is stored and lost, ultimately aiding the design of more error-tolerant quantum devices.

Efficient cooling method could enable chip-based trapped-ion quantum computers

Researchers at MIT have developed a faster and more energy-efficient method for cooling trapped ions using photonic chips. This approach achieved cooling to about 10 times below the limit of standard laser cooling, opening up new possibilities for quantum computing systems with greater efficiency and stability.

Rice researchers awarded Hill Prize in Engineering for light-driven ammonia synthesis

The Rice University team, led by Naomi Halas and Peter Nordlander, has been recognized for its work on advancing light-driven technologies for sustainable ammonia synthesis. The project aims to improve light-based catalysts and reactor prototypes while scaling up sustainable production processes.

An unexpected breakthrough in flat optics

A team from Harvard and University of Lisbon found that silica, a low-refractive index material, can be used for making metasurfaces despite long-held assumptions. They discovered that by carefully considering the geometry of each nanopillar, silica behaves as a metasurface, enabling efficient design of devices with relaxed feature sizes.

Synchronising ultrashort X-ray pulses

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have successfully implemented mode-locking to generate coherent trains of X-ray pulses with unprecedented temporal structure. This achievement enables attosecond science and opens up new experimental possibilities, including precise timing of phenomena in gases, liquids, and solids.

An ‘illuminating’ design sheds light on cholesterol

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has designed a new light-controlled cholesterol molecule that selectively targets two poorly understood sterol transport proteins, ORP1 and ORP2. This breakthrough enables precise spatiotemporal control over cholesterol's biological activity, paving the way for advanced therapeutics.

New advances in quantum structured light pave the way for safer communications and ultra-fast computing

The field of quantum structured light has transformed the way we communicate, measure and process information by combining quantum information with spatial and temporal structures of light. This technology enables simpler and faster circuits for quantum computing, as well as improved resolution techniques in imaging and metrology.

Shaping quantum light unlocks new possibilities for future technologies

Researchers have demonstrated how controlling the structure of photons in space and time enables tailored quantum states for next-generation communication, sensing, and imaging. This breakthrough offers new pathways for high-capacity quantum communication and advanced technologies.

New magnetic component discovered in the faraday effect after nearly two centuries

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that the magnetic component of light plays a direct role in the Faraday Effect, challenging a 180-year-old scientific understanding. The discovery shows that light can magnetically influence matter, not just illuminate it.

Engineered randomness enhances connection speed and precision in next-generation wireless systems

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to generate radio wave patterns that can identify signal direction with unprecedented accuracy, enabling rapid establishment of wireless links. This breakthrough enables high data-rate links to form almost as soon as the signal is sent.

Study shows light can reshape atom-thin semiconductors for next-generation optical devices

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that light can trigger a physical shift in atomic lattice, creating tunable behavior and properties in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials. This effect could advance technologies using light instead of electricity, such as faster computer chips and ultrasensitive sensors.

Single-emitter white OLEDs could cut costs and chemicals in next generation lighting

Researchers at the University of Turku developed a new innovative approach to create colour-tunable white OLEDs. By using a standard sky-blue, metal-free molecule and reshaping its light using a microcavity, they eliminated the need for scarce indium tin oxide and complicated RGB colour mixing.

A platform of gold reveals the forces of nature’s invisible glue

A new platform allows researchers to study the forces that bind tiny objects together, revealing insights into self-assembly processes and fundamental forces in nature. The platform uses gold flakes in a salt solution, with light bouncing back and forth through nanometre-sized cavities to display colors.

Light exposure at night and cardiovascular disease incidence

A cohort study found that night light exposure was a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases among adults over 40. Avoiding light at night may be a useful strategy for reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Checking the quality of materials just got easier with a new AI tool

A new AI tool, SpectroGen, uses generative AI to quickly assess material quality by generating spectra in less than one minute. It can replace traditional methods that take several hours or days, improving productivity and efficiency in industries such as manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

Algae and water fleas in lakes: Light color influences food webs

A recent study found that light color affects phytoplankton growth and nutrient cycling in lake ecosystems. The researchers discovered that the less light available to microalgae, the more important the color of light became for their growth.

Towards light-controlled electronic components

Scientists have discovered how to generate an electron gas by illuminating a material made of layers of oxides, enabling light-controlled electronic components. This breakthrough could lead to applications in spintronics and quantum computing, with potential energy savings of up to a third of electrical contacts on computer processors.

Quantum uncertainty tamed at the University of Arizona

The team developed a new method to produce ultrafast squeezed light, which can fluctuate between intensity and phase-squeezing by adjusting the position of fused silica relative to the split beam. This breakthrough could lead to more secure communication and advance fields like quantum sensing, chemistry, and biology.

A novel mechanism of light regulating the development of Botrytis cinerea

A study has identified a novel photomorphogenetic factor BcAMT1 that regulates light-dependent development in Botrytis cinerea. The findings suggest that BcAMT1 plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of light on fungal morphogenesis.

Scientists uncover room-temperature route to improved light-harvesting and emission devices

Researchers create nanoscale slots to tune phonon vibrations, enabling ultrastrong coupling and hybrid quantum states in lead halide perovskite. This breakthrough could improve energy flow and performance in optoelectronics.

Zero burden technologies show that brighter days and cooler nights could improve sleep in dementia

A study published in the journal Sleep analysed data from over 26,000 days and nights to find that bedroom temperature and daytime light are associated with objectively measured sleep. People living with dementia have disrupted sleep patterns when bedrooms are hotter or lighting is dimmer.

Digital to analog in one smooth step

The new Harvard device can turn purely digital electronic inputs into analog optical signals at high speeds, addressing the bottleneck of computing and data interconnects. It has the potential to enable advances in microwave photonics and emerging optical computing approaches.

Molecular hybridization through vacuum

Researchers at Max Planck Institute successfully couple spatially separated molecules via a modified vacuum field in an optical microresonator. This breakthrough enables the creation of synthetic states of coupled molecules, with potential applications in quantum technology and information processing.

Dual-function organic molecule may advance display technologies and medical imaging

Researchers developed an organic molecule that simultaneously emits light suitable for displays and absorbs photons for deep-tissue bioimaging, overcoming a long-standing design challenge. The compound achieved high efficiency in both applications, paving the way for next-generation multifunctional materials.

Bagged: Skyrmions

A team of researchers developed a reliable method to create donut-like, topologically rich spin textures called skyrmion bags in thin ferromagnetic films. The success rate of generating such textures using single laser pulses is significantly higher than magnetic-field-driven approaches.

Famous double-slit experiment holds up when stripped to its quantum essentials

MIT physicists performed an idealized version of the double-slit experiment, confirming light behaves as both a particle and wave. The more information obtained about light's path, the lower the visibility of the interference pattern was.

Printing uniform, high-strength SiC ceramics at 1100 °C in one step

Researchers developed a new 3D printing method that creates strong, high-quality silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic parts at lower temperatures. The method uses vat-polymerization and adds silica to improve material quality, resulting in comparable strength to ceramics sintered at higher temperatures.

Ultra-fast! sparse-view irradiation processing volumetric additive manufacturing (SVIP-VAM)

Researchers propose sparse-view irradiation processing VAM (SVIP-VAM) to reduce projection data and computation time. The method enables structure manufacturing with a reduced number of projections, increasing the feasibility of sparse-view printing.

How artificial light at night damages brain health and metabolism

Dr. Randy J. Nelson's research reveals that artificial light exposure disrupts immune function, causes neuroinflammation, and influences mood regulation. His work has significant implications for understanding depression and anxiety disorders, as well as the obesity epidemic.

NSF CAREER Award funds Rice project to shrink hospital-grade imaging into wearable devices

Rice University professor Lei Li has received a NSF CAREER Award to develop wearable medical imaging technology capable of visualizing deep tissue function in real time. The project aims to miniaturize hospital-grade imaging systems into compact, energy-efficient wearables.

Coherent inverse Compton scattering with structured lights

The proposed scheme utilizes periodic structured light and engineered electron beams to achieve coherent inverse Compton scattering, resulting in significantly higher-intensity scattered photon beams. This technology has the potential to dramatically enhance beam intensity in the EUV and soft X-ray range.

Why the sun is so good at evaporating water

Researchers discovered that sunlight's oscillating electric field plays a crucial role in enhancing interfacial water evaporation. The stronger the electric field, the faster water evaporates. This finding has implications for engineering more efficient water-evaporation technologies.

Could lighting be the new gambling regulator?

Researchers at Flinders University found that blue-enriched light can make people less sensitive to losses, leading to riskier gambling behaviors. The study suggests that reducing blue light exposure could be a potential strategy to mitigate impulsive gambling.

J-type supra-(carbon dots) for near-infrared light-triggered pyroptosis

Researchers developed a novel approach to trigger tumor pyroptosis using near-infrared light-activated carbon dots. The study bridges nanomedicine and immunotherapy, offering hope for metastatic and treatment-resistant cancers.

Interdisciplinary collaboration unlocks new insights into quantum physics

Researchers have developed a new technique called electro-optic sampling that uses ultrashort laser pulses to probe electric fields in crystals. This allows for the accurate capture of molecular spectra and detection of faint signals, providing profound insights into quantum physics.

One glass, full color: sub-millimeter waveguide shrinks AR glasses

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have developed an achromatic metagrating that handles all colors in a single glass layer, eliminating the need for multiple layers. This breakthrough enables vivid full-color images using a 500-µm-thick single-layer waveguide.

University of Ottawa-led research team forges compelling new insights into dynamics of the brain’s serotonin system

A University of Ottawa-led study reveals that serotonin neurons are connected and interact with each other, controlling serotonin release in specific regions of the brain. This complex system has implications for understanding decision-making and developing targeted therapeutics for mood disorders.

Filipino scientists develop low-cost liquid lenses

Researchers at Ateneo de Manila University create hydrophobic surfaces using electrospun polymer fibers to hold water droplets in a dome shape, allowing for dynamic adjustment of magnifying power. This discovery has potential practical applications in science classrooms, remote areas, and research labs.

PolyU immersive technologies research receives Best Paper Honorable Mention Award at IEEE VR 2025

Researchers from PolyU explore how virtual environments and collaborative learning influence film lighting skills acquisition in VR-based education. The study reveals that beach settings boost engagement but increase frustration, while team learning enhances collaboration.

Scientists create a ‘brilliantly luminous’ nanoscale chemical tool

Researchers developed fluorescent polyionic nanoclays that can be customized for medical imaging, sensor technology, and environmental protection. These tiny clay-based materials exhibit high brightness and versatility, enabling precise tuning of optical properties.

A router for photons

Harvard researchers have created a photon router that could plug into quantum networks to create robust optical interfaces for noise-sensitive microwave quantum computers. The breakthrough enables control of microwave qubits with optical signals generated many miles away, bridging the energy gap between microwave and optical photons.

Doubling down on metasurfaces

A new bilayer metasurface, made of two stacked layers of titanium dioxide nanostructures, has been created by Harvard researchers. This device can precisely control the behavior of light, including polarization, and opens up a new avenue for metasurfaces.

Efficient light control: meta-optics replace conventional lenses

Researchers at KIT develop a meta-grating that allows for four times more efficient light control than conventional systems. This technology enables targeted control of light waves, reducing the size and weight of optical systems.