Articles tagged with Optics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new system developed by Penn researchers allows light to be guided through tiny crystals with minimal scattering or reflection. This breakthrough paves the way for more efficient and controllable photonic chips, enabling faster data transmission and reduced errors.
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.
AI-driven inverse lithography technology optimizes lithography modeling and mask optimization, improving resolution and overcoming computational bottlenecks. The integration of AI enables rapid synthesis of high-fidelity mask patterns, enhancing imaging quality and laying the foundation for large-scale industrial adoption.
A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne and Hanyang University has discovered a new method for creating spiral whirlpools of light through Van der Waals materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and secure optical communication systems, including Australia's NBN.
A team of scientists has unveiled a MoS2-based phototransistor that sets new records in optical gain and sensitivity. The device detects light pulses containing tens of photons and identifies disease biomarkers at attomolar concentrations, outperforming current gold standard assays.
Researchers demonstrate real-world integration of QKD and 110.8 Tbit/s classical coherent optical communication over multi-core fibers, reducing noise and achieving stable quantum key generation. This work enables scalable integration of QKD and classical communication in future multi-core fiber networks.
Researchers have sculpted photon spin into a three-dimensional toron, a knot-like structure that combines point-defect monopoles with swirling skyrmion tubes. This breakthrough enables the creation of robust optical circuits that could carry more data than current fiber links.
Researchers create topological exceptional points using on-chip all-dielectric metasurfaces, eliminating Ohmic losses and suppressing zero-order diffraction background. The platform enables precise control of topological phases and polarization decoupling for next-generation wearable AR devices and advanced optical display technologies.
Researchers at TU Wien developed a novel microscopy method that allows for gentle imaging of sensitive biological structures and quantum particles. The new technique stores light in an optical resonator where the sample is also located, providing clearer signals than other methods.
Researchers have developed a novel label-free multiphoton photoacoustic microscope to detect endogenous NAD(P)H in brain cells, achieving remarkable imaging depths of up to 1100 μm. This technology enables real-time monitoring of metabolic dynamics in brain cells, offering new insights into neurodevelopment and disease mechanisms.
The research team developed an analytical model using lattice networks to understand the mechanism of twisted photonic crystals, allowing for efficient light beam control and concentration. The device has potential applications in tracking satellites, improving lasers, quantum computing, optical memories, and enhancing photocatalysis.
Researchers developed a scalable versatile integrated photonic chip to handle static and dynamic temporal tasks, achieving high efficiency in processing various neural network models like CNN, FCNN, and PGRNN. The chip leverages multi-wavelength channels and dual-input-port structures for flexible all-optical processing.
The innovative design eliminates optical path difference-induced errors, enabling simultaneous 3D measurement within a compact module. The technology boasts 0.25 nm resolution and outstanding linearity, making it a promising candidate for future semiconductor fabrication and atomic-scale production.
Researchers found that Brillouin scattering processes in few-mode fibers are fundamentally different from single-mode regime, with higher ultrasound frequencies and lifted symmetry restrictions. This opens a new engineering playground for better laser sources and sensor systems.
Researchers have developed a novel radio-photovoltaic cell design that achieves high power output and exceptional long-term stability. The innovative WLC structure realizes a 3-fold improvement in energy conversion efficiency, making it suitable for nuclear battery applications.
Researchers develop quantum correlation-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy to detect molecular signals below quantum noise limits. The technique achieves a 2.6x increase in measurement speed and high-resolution spectra, opening new frontiers in ultrasensitive molecular detection.
Researchers propose a passive quantum compressed sensing-based single-photon dynamic imaging technique for long-distance drone detection. The method improves imaging sensitivity and robustness against noise, enabling frequency-domain sparse signal reconstruction based on discrete photon detection events.
Researchers predict and experimentally demonstrate novel intrinsic HOTIs in homogeneous photonic metamaterials, with hinge states protected by higher-dimensional topological invariant. The discovery provides deeper insights into the interplay between geometry-induced gauge fields and topological invariants.
A study found no association between semaglutide treatment and diabetic retinopathy, but suggested a potential link to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to clarify this risk.
A new method called ISM-FLUX streamlines MINFLUX by using a 5x5 SPAD array detector to capture spatiotemporal information from fluorescence photons, allowing for precise localization over larger areas without losing accuracy. This innovation enables faster and more user-friendly molecular-scale imaging in biology.
Researchers developed an indirect photopatterning approach to create micrometer-scale RGB pixel patterns in single phase network structure, enabling high resolution full-color OLEDs with over 3000 ppi. This method avoids destructive factors and can be conducted using conventional photolithography setups.
Researchers developed a non-mechanical bioimaging device that uses electrowetting to produce high-resolution images of the retina and cornea. The device has shown promise in detecting eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, as well as heart disease.
The team created a broadband, polarization-insensitive unidirectional imager that operates in the visible spectrum and suppresses image formation in the reverse direction. The device incorporates diffractive structures fabricated through wafer-scale lithography on high-purity fused silica.
A new phosphor-free LED lamp rich in yellow-green spectrum was developed to study its photo-biological effects on human health. The findings show significant enhancements in visual performance and circadian rhythm under illumination from this lamp, revealing the unique benefits of yellow-green spectrum.
The applications of OLEDs in wearable electronics include precise light sources for pulse oximeters, targeted light therapy for wound healing, and real-time physiological monitoring. However, challenges persist due to material efficiency, comfort, and signal detection issues, requiring further research to enhance performance.
Researchers have developed bipolar-barrier tunnel heterostructures for high-sensitivity mid-infrared photodetection. The design suppresses majority carriers and facilitates efficient tunneling of photogenerated carriers, achieving outstanding room-temperature specific detectivity.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide are at increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and other optic nerve disorders. The overall risk is low, but highlights the need for close monitoring of these conditions.
Cara Green joins Optica Foundation with over a decade of fundraising experience, focusing on student development and community partnerships. The Optica Foundation supports innovative programs for the next generation of optics leaders.
Researchers discovered topological properties persist in quasi-periodically modulated optical lattices, governed by Fibonacci numbers. The team proposed approximating true quasi-periodic lattices with periodic sequences, leading to the discovery of Fibonacci-derived Chern numbers that dictate beam transport velocity.
Researchers create novel method to control ghost hyperbolic phonon polaritons by launching waves with specially shaped gold nano-antennas, extending travel distance from 20 micrometers to 80 micrometers. This breakthrough enables new technologies such as efficient heat management and reliable quantum information systems.
A team of scientists has successfully demonstrated a more practical and robust method for quantum key distribution, which could lead to secure and cost-effective communication networks worldwide. The breakthrough uses composable security and achieves a secure key rate using simple telecom hardware combined with digital postprocessing.
Scientists create a spatiotemporal light system that emulates the behavior of potential-free Schrödinger equations, generating localized wavepackets without potential energy constraints. This breakthrough could provide new insights into quantum physics and applications in studying light-matter interactions.
Optical vortices have been found to contain a complete skyrmionic texture when Maxwell's longitudinal field is retained. This discovery opens up new possibilities for high-dimensional OAM communication and topologically protected routing in planar photonics.
A new microscopy technique, Confocal² Spinning-Disk Image Scanning Microscopy (C²SD-ISM), has been developed to overcome limitations of existing super-resolution techniques in deep tissue environments. The system achieves high-fidelity super-resolution with a lateral resolution of 144 nm and performs 3D imaging over large volumes.
Prof. Andreas Macke receives the Elsevier van de Hulst Prize for Light Scattering, recognized for his work on ice crystal scattering properties and models. Dr Moritz Haarig wins the AS&T Young Scientist Award for outstanding presentation at the International Electromagnetic and Light Scattering Conference.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated soliton microcombs in X-cut LiNbO3 microresonators, overcoming the challenge of Raman nonlinearity. This breakthrough enables the monolithic integration of fast-tunable, self-referenced microcombs for applications in optical communication, computation, timing, and spectroscopy.
Researchers have identified diatoms as the dominant microorganisms in a previously mysterious area of the Southern Ocean. The study's findings suggest that diatoms are responsible for the high levels of reflectance observed in satellite images, providing new insights into carbon cycling and ocean biology.
Researchers developed a low-cost visual microphone that listens with light instead of sound, capturing tiny vibrations on surfaces caused by sound waves and turning them into audible signals. The system uses single-pixel imaging to detect sound and can recover high-quality audio using everyday objects like paper cards and leaves.
A study found that semaglutide and liraglutide use are associated with a higher risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in older patients with type 2 diabetes. The GLP-1 receptor agonists showed varying levels of risk, with liraglutide posing the greatest threat.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin develop a method to harness structural colour using microfabrication technique, enabling ultra-sensitive materials for environmental sensing and biomedical diagnostics. The breakthrough also paves the way for next-generation medical sensors that can track biochemical changes in real-time.
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.
A new microscopy technique allows scientists to observe active cells, even in the presence of diseases, and understand how drugs interact with living tissues. The technique has been made available to the scientific community as Open Science, enabling rapid dissemination and further innovation.
Researchers have successfully created photon pairs whose entanglement can be tuned, from fully entangled to not entangled at all, by leveraging the asymmetry of the surface. The process uses an asymmetric metasurface made of indium gallium phosphide and exploits optical resonances to enhance efficiency.
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.
Researchers developed a new scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (S-SNOM) technique achieving 1-nm resolution, enabling atomic-scale imaging of materials. This enables studying of atomic defects and nanoscale structures with unprecedented precision.
Researchers at Chuo University have developed chemically enriched photo-thermoelectric (PTE) imagers using semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) films, achieving enhanced response intensity and noise reduction. This enables efficient remote and on-site inspections with palm-sized wireless circuits.
Researchers at Macquarie University developed a new technique to narrow laser linewidth by factors exceeding 10,000 using diamond crystals and Raman scattering. This breakthrough could revolutionize quantum computing, atomic clocks, and gravitational wave detection with improved spectral purity.
Researchers develop flexible/stretchable displays using ECLDs, which offer lightweight and intelligent wearable devices. The study explores material selection principles, preparation processes, and applications for ECLDs, highlighting the potential for multi-color displays and wearables.
Researchers developed misaligned bilayer metagratings to overcome intrinsic dispersion locking, enabling precise angular and wavelength control. This breakthrough offers new opportunities for compact optical imaging and computing technologies.
The Uncertainty-Aware Fourier Ptychography (UA-FP) framework offers a highly robust and flexible solution for computational imaging, overcoming traditional calibration constraints. It can maintain reliable performance even when confronted with substantial physical imperfections, setting a new standard for the field.
Researchers have developed highly polycrystalline WxV1-xO2 films that exhibit exceptional dynamic radiative properties, paving the way for innovative thermal management systems. The films can modulate infrared radiation in response to temperature changes, allowing buildings and devices to optimize heat loss or retention adaptively.
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.
Researchers introduce a novel method for generating topological optical textures using simple photonic crystal slabs, leveraging BICs to achieve alignment-free and high-fidelity topological light generation. This discovery paves the way for practical applications in communication, sensing, and data processing.
Operando ZnO recrystallization improves device performance by reducing carrier concentration and enhancing electron mobility, leading to increased EQE in red QLEDs. This process also suppresses exciton quenching within the quantum dot layer.
A custom CNN trained on synthetic datasets decomposes modes in multimode fiber, eliminating coherent detection. This approach achieves high frame rates and low power consumption with FPGA acceleration.
Researchers developed a novel platform addressing limitations of conventional plasmonic systems, enabling large-area high-brightness emission at low power. The breakthrough paves the way for future display and optical communication technologies.
Professor Roberto Morandotti has won the 2025 IEEE Photonics Society Quantum Electronics Award for his groundbreaking research on entanglement generation and processing of complex quantum states in photonic devices and systems. His work at INRS's Ultrahigh Speed Light Manipulation Laboratory has led to numerous patents and collaboratio...
The latest issue of Optica Quantum features research on cryogenic photonic links for superconducting qubits, spatio-spectral quantum state estimation of photon pairs from optical fiber, and quantum optical reservoir computing powered by boson sampling. These studies demonstrate breakthroughs in measuring and optimizing quantum states, ...
A nanometer-thin spacer layer has been inserted into exciplex upconversion OLEDs (ExUC-OLEDs) to improve energy transfer, enhancing blue light emission by 77-fold. This design enables the use of previously incompatible materials, paving the way for lightweight, low-voltage, and more flexible OLEDs.
Researchers at EPFL's Bionanophotonic Systems Laboratory developed a biosensor that detects biomolecules using inelastic electron tunneling, enabling ultra-sensitive and real-time detection without bulky equipment. The sensor can detect amino acids and polymers at picogram concentrations, rivaling advanced sensors.