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.
Researchers from Hunan University uncover buildup dynamics of harmonic mode-locking in fiber-based Mamyshev oscillators, achieving high stability and signal-to-noise ratio. The study identifies five distinct phases in the generation of stable harmonic mode-locking, challenging conventional understanding of laser emission.
Scientists from Institute of Science Tokyo create photo-switchable binding of DNA nanostructures that generate two distinct directional motions. The research paves the way for innovative fluid-based diagnostic chips and molecular computers.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a scalable method to create high-performance single-photon emitters in carbon-doped hexagonal boron nitride, paving the way for practical quantum light sources. The findings overcome long-standing challenges in the field and set a new benchmark for qubit production.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate PN junction depth in Si wafers with nanometer scale resolution, using terahertz emission spectroscopy. This technology enables rapid, non-destructive, and non-contact access to the interior of wafers, contributing to improving device reliability and reducing manufacturing resources.
Researchers observe anomalous saturable absorption behavior in CsPbBr3 thin films under sub-bandgap excitation, revealing a new mechanism for ultrafast nonlinear optical absorption. The study proposes that band energy fluctuations induced by lattice polarons enable polaronic states to facilitate saturable absorption.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new class of ultralow loss optical microresonators that can be widely tunable and precisely controlled. The devices, formed at the intersection of two optical fibers, hold potential applications in communication, computing, sensing and more.
A research team from Tampere University and Université Marie et Louis Pasteur has demonstrated a novel way to process information using light and optical fibers. The study used femtosecond laser pulses and an optical fiber to mimic the processing of artificial intelligence, achieving accuracy of over 91% in under one picosecond.
The UCLA team introduces a framework for arbitrary 3D point spread function engineering, enabling adaptive optical imaging systems with precise control of light distribution in three dimensions. This development has significant implications for advanced imaging modalities, such as snapshot 3D multispectral imaging.
MIT researchers create a novel AI hardware accelerator that performs machine-learning computations at the speed of light, classifying wireless signals in nanoseconds. The photonic chip is scalable, flexible, and energy-efficient, making it suitable for future 6G wireless applications.
The Rice University team created a soft robotic arm capable of performing complex tasks using smart materials, machine learning, and an optical control system. The arm is guided and powered remotely by laser beams without any onboard electronics or wiring.
Researchers have developed glass-epoxy-based waveguides with low polarization-dependent loss and differential group delay, suitable for stable signal transmission in co-packaged optics. The waveguides demonstrated high power stability and reliability under six hours of continuous use.
Researchers used AI to approach the fundamental limit of precision in optical methods, calculated using Fisher information. The team's algorithm achieved impressive results, only minimally worse than the theoretically achievable maximum, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Researchers demonstrate a novel system for neuromorphic computing utilizing perovskite microcavity exciton polaritons operating at room temperature. The system achieves high-speed digit recognition with 92% accuracy using only single-step training, opening new opportunities for scalable and light-driven neural hardware.
Researchers have developed a new laser device smaller than a penny that can conduct extremely fast and accurate measurements by precisely changing its color across a broad spectrum of light. The laser has applications ranging from guiding autonomous vehicles to detecting gravitational waves, a delicate experiment to observe our universe.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for fabricating ultra-thin metalenses using lithium niobate nanostructures. These devices can convert infrared light to visible radiation, enabling new applications in security, microscopy, and electronics.
Dr. Jonas Ohland will lead the ALADIN project to develop stable, efficient lasers for inertial confinement fusion. The goal is to improve beam guidance and reduce manual intervention, benefiting not only fusion research but also other high-power laser applications.
Researchers developed a metalens-based microscope that achieves both wide field of view and high-resolution imaging in a compact design. The system uses a doublet configuration and annular illumination to overcome traditional metalens limitations, enabling practical applications in biomedical imaging.
A team of physicists has developed a new quantum sensor that can detect vectorial magnetic fields with large dynamic range and multi-axis capabilities. The sensor is based on spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride, a two-dimensional material that offers new degrees of freedom compared to existing nanoscale sensors.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to achieve high-speed data transmission over long distances using platicon frequency microcombs. The technology demonstrates stable terabit/s coherent optical communication in free-space links, overcoming previous challenges such as beam stabilization and phase recovery. This breakthrough sup...
Researchers developed a multilayer device with high absorptivity in H/K bands and low emissivity in MWIR/LWIR bands, while utilizing VLWIR for efficient radiative heat dissipation. The device successfully concealed thermal radiation and reflected signals, achieving significant temperature reductions.
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking adaptive optics system that removes blur from images of the Sun's corona, revealing clearest images to date. The technology has produced remarkable observations of fine-structure in the corona, including raindrops and turbulent internal flows.
Researchers have introduced a novel class of three-dimensional topological structures, 'incoherent links and knots', constructed from coherence singularities. Despite the random distribution of the instantaneous electric field, these structures exhibit stable topological configurations.
Researchers have demonstrated a cryogenic circuit that allows light quanta to be controlled more quickly than ever before, reducing delay by a quarter of a billionth of a second. This breakthrough could contribute to developing modern technologies in quantum information science and communication.
A portable and highly sensitive ethanol sensor has been developed using a copper-based metal–organic framework thin film, enabling precise optical measurements without complex lab equipment. The sensor can visually detect varying ethanol levels, even at low concentrations, and can be integrated with a smartphone app for easy use.
A new imaging system can capture high-quality still images of rotating objects in real-time, enabling early detection of wear or damage. The system uses a single-pixel detector and structured illumination to overcome challenges of traditional cameras.
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.
Researchers propose a novel in-situ chlorination post-treatment method to renovate defects and reconstruct phase structure, enhancing optoelectronic performance. Deep-blue LEDs achieved an external quantum efficiency of 6.17%, demonstrating faster carrier transport and increased operational stability.
This special issue highlights cutting-edge developments in subwavelength optics, including nonlinear meta-devices, chiral optical signals, and hybrid-layer data storage. Researchers explore new phenomena at the subwavelength scale, enabling enhanced imaging, sensing, and communication capabilities.
Researchers successfully integrated femtosecond-pulse VSFG spectroscopy with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to detect VSFG signals from molecules in nanoscale gaps. Phase analysis revealed molecular orientation, and the technique's spatial confinement enabled detection of signals from a limited number of molecules.
Researchers have developed a monolithically integrated asynchronous optical recurrent accelerator, mapping time sequences to wavelength channels for efficient parallel processing. This breakthrough improves computational efficiency without requiring high-speed electronic components for synchronization.
Researchers developed a three-dimensional varifocal meta-device to address AR display challenges, including vergence-accommodation conflict. The device dynamically adjusts focal length and position using tunable metasurfaces, enabling virtual content display at different depths and positions without bulky components.
KAIST researchers developed a highly sensitive mid-infrared photodetector that operates at room temperature, enabling low-cost mass production and real-time sensing of various molecular species. The technology has potential applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and industrial process management.
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.
Researchers at University of Rochester and RIT created an experimental quantum communications network to transmit information securely over long distances. The network uses single photons to enable secure communication without cloning or interception.
Researchers have developed a single-layer antireflective coating using polycrystalline silicon nanostructures that sharply reduces sunlight reflection across a wide range of wavelengths and angles. The coating achieves unprecedented results for a single-layer design, setting a new standard for solar cells.
Amsterdam physicists found that asperities on two touching surfaces interact similarly to pedestrians at a crossing, leading to an increase in surface sliding and decrease in static friction. This phenomenon has applications in semiconductor manufacturing and earthquake prediction.
The Photonics M3 conference focuses on manufacturing, manipulation, and measurement of photonic devices. Key topics include information optics, biomedical optics, meta optics, and advanced optical fabrication. The conference will be held at Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center in Bali, Indonesia.
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.
A new method for DNA detection uses heterogeneous probe particles and laser light to accelerate genetic analysis. This PCR-free technique offers greater sensitivity and speed than traditional methods, making it more accessible for medical, environmental, and personal health applications.
Physicists at Harvard SEAS have created a compact, on-chip mid-infrared pulse generator that can emit short bursts of light without external components. This device has the potential to speed up gas sensor development and create new medical imaging tools.
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.
Researchers have directly observed a superradiant phase transition (SRPT) in a magnetic crystal, overcoming a long-standing limitation in theoretical physics. The phenomenon occurs when two groups of quantum particles fluctuate collectively without external triggers, forming a new state of matter with unique properties.
Harvard physicists develop an optical vortex beam that twists and changes shape, resembling spiral shapes found in nature. The 'optical rotatum' has potential applications in controlling small particles and micro-manipulation, and its creation is made possible with a single liquid crystal display.
A new amplifier developed by Chalmers University of Technology can transmit ten times more data per second than current systems, holding significant potential for various critical laser systems, including medical diagnostics and treatment. The amplifier's large bandwidth enables precise analyses and imaging of tissues and organs.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new 3D imaging technique, deflectometry, paired with advanced computation to improve eye-tracking accuracy. The method can capture gaze direction information from more than 40,000 surface points, theoretically millions, increasing accuracy by a factor of over 3,000 compared to c...
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.
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.
Researchers at Wits University have discovered a way to protect quantum information from environmental disruptions, offering hope for more reliable future technologies. By engineering specific topological properties in quantum states, they can preserve critical information even when disturbed by noise.
A cohort study found semaglutide use is associated with a higher risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in people with diabetes. However, the retrospective design limits the study's ability to establish causality, necessitating further research.
A German-Italian team has discovered a way to simplify the experimental implementation of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, allowing for real-time study of electron motion in solids. By adding an optical component to Cerullo's interferometer, researchers were able to control laser pulses more precisely, enabling the investigatio...
Researchers tracked ultrafast structural changes of a molecule driven by excited-state aromaticity, revealing its emergence within hundreds of femtoseconds and facilitating planarization. The study provides new insights for designing photoactive materials like sensors and light-driven switches.
A team of international scientists co-led by NTU Singapore has discovered a way to manipulate water waves to trap and precisely move floating objects. The method involves generating complex surface patterns that can pull in nearby objects, allowing for precise control over their movement.
A new method of biometric authentication has been developed using hyperspectral imaging and AI to identify individuals through the unique patterns in their blood vessels on the palm of their hand. The technology shows great promise for secure personal identification and could potentially be used as a key to unlock homes.
Researchers at Tampere University and Kastler-Brossel Laboratory have demonstrated self-imaging of light in cylindrical systems, facilitating unprecedented control of light's structure. They also explore a new type of space-time duality, bridging different fields of optics.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found a modest increase in the risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy among individuals with type 2 diabetes associated with semaglutide use. The findings suggest that further investigation is needed into the clinical implications of this association.
Researchers derived 2D coupled wave equations for photonic crystal surfaces, aiding the development of efficient laser devices. The findings established parallels between TM and transverse electric polarisation behaviours, offering unique advantages in certain configurations.
Researchers developed a novel technique called vectorial digitelligent optics for high-resolution non-line-of-sight imaging, overcoming traditional limitations such as intensity and shape deterioration. The new approach achieves improved resolution, image contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio in single- and multi-object NLOS imaging.
A team from Osaka Metropolitan University has developed a crystal patterning method that controls the position and orientation of photochromic crystals, known as diarylethenes. This breakthrough allows for the creation of convex structures with precise control over crystal shape and size.
The Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester has launched an IFE-STAR ecosystem to develop a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. The initiative aims to accelerate fusion science and technology by building a national network of coordination and collaboration.
Researchers used quantum squeezing to improve gas sensing performance of optical frequency comb lasers, doubling the speed of detectors. The technique allowed for more precise measurements with fewer errors, enabling faster detection of molecules like hydrogen sulfide.