Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

Passive silver-nanoring coating points to “self-regulating” smart windows — without power or tinting

Aarhus University researchers have developed a transparent layer with silver nanorings that adapts to sunlight intensity, controlling heat entry through glass without dimming the view. The thermoplasmonic effect reduces near-infrared transmission, lowering cooling demand and CO₂ emissions in energy-efficient buildings.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

Ultrasonic-responsive phosphorescence in aqueous solution by rigid framework engineering

Researchers developed a novel method to regulate phosphorescent carbon dots by modulating the self-assembly of cyclodextrin through ultrasonic means. The resulting materials exhibit long-lived excited states, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and tissue penetration for non-invasive imaging. Ultrasonic responsiveness is positively correla...

Computational adaptive optics powers long-term 3D dual-modal live-cell imaging

A new 3D imaging technique combines intensity diffraction tomography with adaptive optics to track subcellular structures over extended periods. This approach achieves high spatiotemporal resolution and molecular specificity, enabling the study of cellular dynamics.

Giant two-photon upconversion from 2D exciton in doubly-resonant plasmonic nanocavity

Scientists have developed a new plasmonic nanocavity that enhances two-photon upconversion from 2D excitons by 2440-fold. The nanostructure's resonance wavelength can be adjusted to optimize light collection and emission directionality, leading to improved efficiency in nonlinear photonic devices.

Researchers revive the pinhole camera for next-gen infrared imaging

Researchers have developed a high-performance mid-infrared imaging system without lenses, capturing clear pictures over large distances and in low light. The system uses an optical pinhole inside a nonlinear crystal to form an image, which is then converted into visible light, allowing for distortion-free and large-depth imaging.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateSep 11, 2025

Portable light-based brain monitor shows promise for dementia diagnosis

Researchers have demonstrated a portable, noninvasive technology that can detect metabolic changes linked to Alzheimer's disease by measuring cytochrome c oxidase activity. The study found that including oxCCO measures improved the ability of the brain-monitoring tool to capture clinically relevant brain changes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateSep 11, 2025

A new way to guide light, undeterred

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

Artificial intelligence-driven inverse lithography technology

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.

Ultra-high-gain MoS2 phototransistor enables room-temperature detection of few-photon signals and attomolar-level immunosensing

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2025

Integration of QKD and high-speed classical communications in field-deployed MCFs

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.

Blowing photonic “pinwheels”: Scientists create a “living” 3D topology of light

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.

Creating topological exceptional point by on-chip all-dielectric metasurface

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.

Multi-photon, label-free photoacoustic and optical imaging of NADH in brain cells

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.

Twisting light: UNamur and Stanford collaborate on breakthrough in photonic devices

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.

Reconfigurable versatile integrated photonic computing chip

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.

LAM | Integrated heterodyne grating interferometer for multi-dimensional atomic-level measurement

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.

Intrinsic HOTI-type topological hinge states in photonic metamaterials

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.

Ocular adverse events with semaglutide

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 14, 2025

Array detection enables large localization range for simple and robust minflux

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.

Indirect path, direct impact: a novel patterning strategy for futuristic OLED displays

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.

Phosphor-free white LED lamp rich in yellow-green spectrum

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.

Wafer-scale nano-fabrication of multi-layer diffractive optical processors for unidirectional visible imaging

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.

Wearable organic light-emitting diode is changing people’s lives

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.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWearable Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2025

Topological pumping of light governed by Fibonacci numbers

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.

Long-propagating ghost phonon polaritons enabled by selective mode excitation

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.

New experiment paves the way for secure, high-speed communication

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.

Spatiotemporal photonic emulator of potential-free Schrödinger equation

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.

Breakthrough in deep tissue super-resolution imaging via confocal² spinning-disk ISM

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.

New study illuminates how diatoms thrive in — and light up — the Southern Ocean

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.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2025

Light-based listening: Researchers develop a low-cost visual microphone

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 31, 2025

Realizing on-site carbon nanotube photo-thermoelectric imaging

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.

SourceChuo University·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2025