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Thermally engineering templates for highly ordered self-assembled materials

Scientists at the University of Illinois and Michigan created a template that minimizes heat transfer, resulting in highly organized microstructures. The result is eutectic materials with predictable and consistent properties, crucial for applications requiring uniformity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 14, 2024

Enhancing solid-state phosphorescence in π-electronic molecules

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University enhance solid-state phosphorescence in organoplatinum(II) complexes by 75 times through anion binding and ion-pairing with countercations. The strategy isolates π-electronic molecules, improving luminescent properties and extending emission lifetime.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Light it up: reimagining the optical diode effect

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a magnetoelectric antiferromagnet LiNiPO4 that exhibits large nonreciprocal absorption of light. The material's unique property allows for the switchable optical diode effect, potentially enabling more compact and efficient optical isolators.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Water as a nonlinear medium for ultrabroadband white laser

Researchers use water as a nonlinear medium to create a supercontinuum white laser covering an impressive spectral range from UV to far infrared. The resulting ultrabroadband source has potential in ultrafast spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and scientific research.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 16, 2024
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.

New quantum optics technique sheds light on polariton interactions

A new quantum optics technique has been introduced to explore light-matter interactions in semiconductors. The technique, called photon-cascade correlation spectroscopy, uses spectral filtering and photon-correlation analysis to reveal interactions between semiconductor exciton-polaritons.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Status report on emerging photovoltaic technology published by SPIE Journal of Photonics for Energy

The report highlights key applications and pathways to commercialization for emerging PV technologies, including new materials and device concepts. It also discusses strategies to exceed current limits in solar PV energy conversion and challenges facing efforts to scale up globally.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 9, 2024

Laser-driving a 2D material

Researchers at Columbia University paired laser light with crystal lattice vibrations to boost the nonlinear optical properties of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a stable 2D material. The team achieved over a 30-fold increase in third-harmonic generation, generating new frequencies and efficiently producing optical signals.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2023

Pioneering diamond manufacturing: Enhancing efficiency and precision with energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing techniques

Energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing technologies for diamonds improve surface quality and material removal rates, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. Researchers analyzed four latest polishing techniques, including laser polishing, ion beam polishing, plasma-assisted polishing, and laser-assisted polishing.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 21, 2023
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.

Filming the microscopic flow of hydrogen atoms in a metal

A team of researchers at Tohoku University has developed a novel visualization method to study the behavior of hydrogen atoms in alloys. They successfully filmed the flow of hydrogen atoms in pure nickel, revealing that they preferentially diffuse through grain boundaries with large geometric spaces.

SourceTohoku University·JournalActa Materialia·DateDec 19, 2023

Electronic pathways may enhance collective atomic vibrations’ magnetism

Researchers discovered that chiral phonons, which exhibit circular motion, interact differently than linear phonons and have a larger magnetic moment in topological materials. This finding enhances thermal conductivity and opens new possibilities for advanced devices and applications.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

New transparent magnetic material created by adding heat with a laser

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new method for creating transparent magnetic materials using laser heating, addressing the challenge of integrating magneto-optical materials with optical devices. The breakthrough enables the creation of compact magneto-optical isolators and miniaturized lasers.

SourceTohoku University·JournalOptical Materials·DateDec 14, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

UCF researcher discovers new technique for photon detection

A new technique for photon detection has been developed by UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, offering ultra-sensitive detection at room temperature. The method uses a phase-change material to modulate the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the way for low-cost, high-efficiency uncooled infrared detectors and imaging systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Researchers safely integrate fragile 2D materials into devices

Researchers from MIT have developed a new method to integrate fragile 2D materials into devices, opening the path to next-generation devices with unique optical and electronic properties. The technique relies on engineering surface forces available at the nanoscale, allowing for pristine interfaces.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 8, 2023

Tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon, graphene, using terahertz pulses. The graphene discs briefly turned into strong magnets, with magnetic fields in the range of 0.5 Tesla, and showed promise for developing future magnetic switches and storage devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Polarized hetero-structured luminant: The “marriage” of 2D materials and 0D quantum dots

Researchers developed an all-inorganic nano-heterostructure luminant with enhanced sensitivity, stability, and efficiency, paving the way for multifunctional optical control devices. The 0D/2D configuration enables polarized blue fluorescence and multifunctional capabilities.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateDec 3, 2023

Autonomous lab discovers best-in-class quantum dot in hours; it would have taken humans years

Researchers at NC State University developed an autonomous system called SmartDope to synthesize 'best-in-class' materials for specific applications in hours or days. It uses a self-driving lab to manipulate variables, characterize optical properties, and update its understanding of the synthesis chemistry through machine learning.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023
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.

Atomic dance gives rise to a magnet

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform a rare-earth crystal into a magnet by using chirality in phonons. Chirality, or the twisting of atoms' motion, breaks time-reversal symmetry and aligns electron spins, creating a magnetic effect.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Photonics team develops high-performance ultrafast lasers that fit on a fingertip

Researchers have developed high-performance ultrafast lasers on nanophotonic chips, enabling compact devices for GPS-free precision navigation, medical imaging, food safety inspection and other applications. The new technology has the potential to enable futuristic chip-scale atomic clocks, biological imaging and more.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Bartering light for light: Scientists discover new system to control the chaotic behavior of light

Researchers at CUNY Graduate Center design stadium-shaped cavity to study and control light's complex behavior. By adjusting light intensity and delay, they demonstrate coherent control using reflectionless scattering modes, paving the way for better energy storage, computing, and signal processing.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023
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.

Chemists, engineers craft adjustable arrays of microscopic lenses

Scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a system that can adjust the size, shape, and refractive index of microscopic lenses in real-time. The design uses hydrogels and polydimethylsiloxane to create a dynamic platform for soft robotics and liquid optics applications.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 23, 2023

Adaptive optical neural network connects thousands of artificial neurons

Researchers developed a novel photonic processor with adaptive neural connectivity, allowing for the creation of complex artificial neural networks. The system utilizes waveguide-coupled phase-change material to create almost 8,400 optical neurons that can adapt their connections through synaptic and structural plasticity.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2023

From a five-layer graphene sandwich, a rare electronic state emerges

Researchers have discovered a rare electronic state in five-layer graphene, exhibiting both unconventional magnetism and ferro-valleytricity. This multiferroic state could enable ultra-low-power, high-capacity data storage devices for classical and quantum computers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2023
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.

Scientists discover ‘flipping’ layers in heterostructures to cause changes in their properties

Researchers found that changing the stacking order of layers in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors creates new optoelectronic devices with tailor-made properties. The study reveals dark excitons exclusively located in the top layer, which can be utilized for optical power switches in solar panels.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2023
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 film soundwaves in a crystal

Researchers used a unique X-ray technique to capture soundwaves' propagation in a diamond crystal, revealing ultrafast structural phenomena that were previously beyond scientific reach. The breakthrough enables real-time imaging of solid materials with unprecedented resolution and speed.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2023

3D-printed plasmonic plastic enables large-scale optical sensor production

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed 3D-printed plasmonic plastic, enabling the mass production of optical sensors that can detect hydrogen gas. The composite material has unique optical properties, allowing it to filter out molecules except hydrogen, making it ideal for various applications.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2023

Accelerating sustainable semiconductors with ‘multielement ink’

Researchers have developed a new semiconducting material called multielement ink that can be processed at low temperatures, paving the way for more sustainable semiconductor industry. The breakthrough enables faster and lower-energy production of semiconductors, which could significantly reduce carbon emissions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Integrating 2D materials for on-chip photonics

Researchers review recent progress in hybrid integration of 2D materials for integrated optics platforms, highlighting key steps and challenges. Highly nonlinear materials like graphene and TMDs show promising results with increased effective nonlinear performance.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateSep 26, 2023
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.

Smartphone utilizes 3D information encryption with dual-light-emitting materials

Scientists develop 3D volumetric optical encryption using dual-light emitting fluorescent-phosphorescent materials, concealing real info with transient phosphorescence. The technique enables secure data protection and could be used in wearable sensors and displays.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 20, 2023

Researchers unveil new flexible adhesive with exceptional recovery and adhesion properties for electronic devices

Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Expanding the VR immersion comfort zone

Researchers have developed high-resolution near-eye displays with integrated light field technology, overcoming limitations of earlier displays. The new designs feature improved resolution, pixel density, and vision correction capabilities, resulting in enhanced visual comfort and immersive VR experiences.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateSep 19, 2023

New metamaterial-based strategy to combine and transmit multiple light modes

A new approach for coupling different light modes enables unprecedented data transfer rates in an MDM system. By using a gradient-index metamaterial waveguide, researchers achieved a high coupling coefficient and created a 16-channel MDM communication system with a data transfer rate of 2.162 Tbit/s.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateSep 15, 2023

Better cybersecurity with new material

Researchers at Linköping University develop a new type of quantum random number generator based on perovskite light emitting diodes, providing improved randomness and security. The technology has the potential to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 4, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Growing triple-decker hybrid crystals for lasers

By controlling the arrangement of multiple layers within crystals, researchers can tune the materials' optoelectronic properties and emit light of specific energies. This technique has significant implications for applications such as LEDs, solar cells, and lasers.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023

Realizing ultrafast imaging from 2D to quasi 3D

Scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology have developed an ultrafast quasi-three-dimensional technique, enabling higher dimensions to analyze ultrafast processes. This method breaks through the limitations of original observational dimensions, enhancing our ability to analyze ultra-fast processes comprehensively.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateAug 30, 2023

Vision for future micro-optical technology based on metamaterials

Researchers propose integrated metasurfaces that can be combined with standard optical components like LEDs and LCDs for commercialization. Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial for developing innovative optical platforms.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 29, 2023
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.

Self-driving synchrotron coherent x-ray scattering on complex fluids

A new AI-executable, end-to-end-automated XPCS workflow enables the study of spontaneous dynamics in complex fluids. The technique uses a spatially-coherent X-ray beam to probe dynamics at all length scales.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 22, 2023

A route to ultra-fast amplitude-only spatial light modulation using phase-change materials

A team of researchers developed a one-of-a-kind spatial light modulator capable of ultra-fast, amplitude-only modulation without modifying the optical phase. The device uses chalcogenide phase change materials, achieving improvements that could be exploited in wavefront shaping experiments and communications.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateAug 9, 2023
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.

Fanning the flames

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that wildfires emit dark brown carbon, a potent climate-warming particle that absorbs solar radiation. This finding has broad implications for climate models and highlights the need to revise existing approaches to account for the unexpected effects of brown carbon.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Absence of universal topological signatures in high harmonic generation

The study investigated high harmonic spectroscopy as a method to observe topology in materials. Despite thorough analysis, the researchers found that non-topological aspects of the system dominated its response, suggesting that topology may play a minor role.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 1, 2023
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 KAIST research team develops a washable, transparent, and flexible OLED with MXene nanotechnology​

A KAIST research team created a water-resistant, transparent, and flexible OLED using MXene nanotechnology. The material can emit and transmit light even when exposed to water. The study focused on producing an adequate encapsulation structure and suitable process design to improve the reliability of MXene OLED.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

New robot boosts solar energy research

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Discovery may lead to terahertz technology for quantum sensing

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a metal oxide that can enable terahertz technology for quantum sensing. The material, strontium titanate, exhibits unique properties that allow it to interact strongly with terahertz light, forming new particles called phonon-polaritons.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

AJR on sociodemographic factors and screening CTC among Medicare beneficiaries

Lacking Medicare coverage for screening CTC may contribute to greater income-based differences in its use compared to other recommended screening strategies or diagnostic CTC. Medicare coverage of CTC could reduce income-based disparities for individuals avoiding optical colonoscopy due to invasiveness or complication risk.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 19, 2023
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.

Front cover highlights "innovative approach" of research into 2D materials

Lancaster University researchers have developed a novel scanning thermal microscopy approach to directly measure the heat conductivity of two-dimensional materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient waste heat scavengers generating cheap electricity, new compact fridges, and advanced optical and microwave sensors and ...

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023

Generative AI ‘fools’ scientists with artificial data, bringing automated data analysis closer

A new AI technology has been developed to generate artificial scientific data, allowing for faster and more efficient detection of material features. The AI uses generative adversarial networks to incorporate background noise and experimental imperfections into the generated data, making it virtually indistinguishable from real data.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJul 11, 2023

MIT physicists generate the first snapshots of fermion pairs

Researchers at MIT have taken the first direct images of fermion pairs in a cloud of atoms, shedding light on how electrons form superconducting pairs that glide through materials without friction. The observations provide a visual blueprint for how electrons may pair up in superconducting materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2023