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Tiny quantum sensor to make a big impact

Researchers developed a new 2D quantum sensing chip using hexagonal boron nitride that can simultaneously detect temperature anomalies and magnetic fields in any direction. The chip is significantly thinner than current quantum technology for magnetometry, enabling cheaper and more versatile sensors.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024
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.

Save your data on printable magnetic devices? New laser technique’s twist might make this reality

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new laser-induced forward transfer technique using optical vortex to print magnetic ferrite nanoparticles with high precision. The resulting crystals exhibit helix-like twisted structures that can be controlled by changing the optical vortex's helicity.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAPL Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

A new tractor beam technology aims to minimize biopsy trauma

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a compact, high-efficiency metasurface-enabled solenoid beam that can draw particles toward it. The technology has the potential to reduce pain and trauma associated with current biopsy methods.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Neural networks made of light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute propose a new method for implementing neural networks with optical systems, which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient alternatives. The approach allows for parallel computations in high speeds limited by the speed of light, and can be applied to various physically different systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Light-induced Meissner effect in optically driven YBa2Cu3O6.48

Researchers have discovered that photo-excited YBa2Cu3O6.48 expels a static magnetic field from its interior, comparable to equilibrium superconductivity. This finding suggests that tailored light pulses can be used to synchronize fluctuating states and restore superconducting order at higher temperatures.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Janelia scientists adapt astronomy method to unblur microscopy images

Researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus have adapted a phase diversity method from astronomy to microscopy, generating clearer images of thick biological samples. The new method is faster and cheaper to implement than current techniques, making adaptive optics more accessible to biologists.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalOptica·DateJun 12, 2024

New all-optical approach to revolutionize night vision technology

Researchers at TMOS have developed a new infrared filter thinner than cling wrap, which can be integrated into everyday eyewear, allowing users to view both visible and infrared light spectra. This breakthrough miniaturizes night vision technology, opening up new applications in safety, surveillance, and biology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

New flexible crystals for optical tuning with multiple deformation options

Researchers have created organic flexible optoelectronic devices using acicular organic crystals with integrated elastic-bending, plastic-twisting, and acid-bending deformations. The crystals can selectively control their emission color between green and deep red when exposed to protonic acid vapor.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWearable Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Quantum photonic technologies set to be more reliable with new interferometer.

Researchers have developed a new device that can determine photon pair properties in a single shot, improving precision and accuracy in quantum technologies. The metasurface-enabled multiport interferometer reduces size, weight, and power while increasing reliability.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Streamlined microcomb design provides control with the flip of a switch

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new microcomb laser design that provides low power efficiency, high tunability, and easy operation. The simplified approach enables direct control over the comb with a single switch, opening up potential applications in telecommunications systems, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2024

New surface acoustic wave techniques could lead to surfing a quantum internet

Scientists at the University of Rochester have developed a technique for pairing particles of light and sound, allowing for faithful conversion of information stored in quantum systems. The method uses surface acoustic waves, which can be accessed and controlled without mechanical contact, enabling strong quantum coupling on any material.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2024

Unveiling a polarized world – in a single shot

Scientists at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a compact, single-shot polarization imaging system that can provide a complete picture of polarization. The system uses two thin metasurfaces to capture the most complete polarization response of an object in real-time.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 2, 2024

Barcodes expand range of high-resolution sensor

Lan Yang and Jie Liao demonstrate a transformative approach to overcome limitations of whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators, enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple resonant modes within a single WGM resonator. This allows for greater resolution and accuracy in detecting molecules, with a potentially limitless range of measure...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement·DateApr 26, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Perfecting the view on a crystal’s imperfection

A new study shines light on the properties of hexagonal boron nitride, a material used in electronic and photonics technologies. The research reveals fundamental energy excitation occurring at 285 millielectron volts, triggering single photons in harmonic electronic states.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Dual-beamline photoelectron momentum microscopy upgrade revolutionizes valence orbital analysis

Researchers upgraded a photoelectron momentum microscope to use two undulator beamlines, enabling element-selective measurements and precise analyses of valence orbitals. This innovation provides deeper insights into the behavior of electrons in materials, advancing fields like condensed matter physics and materials science.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Breakthrough for next-generation digital displays

Researchers at Linképing University have developed a digital display screen where LEDs react to touch, light, fingerprints, and the user's pulse, among other things. The screen can also be charged through the screen due to its ability to act as solar cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Electronics·DateApr 10, 2024

Pixelated non-volatile programmable photonic integrated circuits

The researchers achieved 20-level intermediate states of phase change materials using a micron-scale laser writing system. This allows for the demonstration of ultra-high flexibility in phase modulation and potential applications in neuromorphic photonics, optical computing, and reconfigurable metasurfaces.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 21, 2024

Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor.

Researchers have developed a miniaturized optical sensor that can detect glucose levels in human blood plasma with comparable sensitivity to laboratory-based sensors. The device operates wirelessly using a coin battery and has demonstrated its viability in detecting glucose levels between 50-400mg/dL.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Sensor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024
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.

Optically trapped quantum droplets of light can bind together to form macroscopic complexes

Scientists from CNR Nanotec and the University of Warsaw created a new method to simulate interactions between artificial atoms by forming macroscopic coherent states. They used optically tailored quantum droplets of light that became bound together, enabling stable and long-lived polariton fluids with unprecedented coherence scales.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 7, 2024

Shrinking technology, expanding horizons

Researchers at NIST have developed compact chips that convert light into microwaves with reduced timing jitter, improving GPS accuracy, phone connections, radar systems and astronomical images. This technology has the potential to increase radar sensitivity, improve analog-to-digital converters and enhance the clarity of images.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2024

Aluminum nanoparticles make tunable green catalysts

Rice University researchers have developed a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. This allows for modifying the structure of the oxide layer, making the nanoparticles versatile tools for different applications.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Scientists make nanoparticles dance to unravel quantum limits

Researchers demonstrate a way to amplify interactions between particles to overcome environmental noise, enabling the study of entanglement in larger systems. This breakthrough holds promise for practical applications in sensor technology and environmental monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 1, 2024

Synergy palladium single atoms and twinned nanoparticles for efficient CO₂ photoreduction

Researchers engineered the electron density of Pd single atoms with twinned Pd nanoparticles, creating strong electronic metal-support interactions for efficient CO2 photoreduction. The team found that Pd-TPs served as an electron donor, enriching electron density on catalytic centers and accelerating carbonyl desorption.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Encoding computers of the future

Researchers have created a computer using an array of VCSELs that leverages optical feedback to efficiently solve complex optimization problems. The system encodes information in linear polarization states, minimizing interactions between variables and overcoming the von Neumann bottleneck.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateFeb 23, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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

Quantum particles can’t separate from their properties, after all

Researchers at Hiroshima University have found that quantum systems exhibit contextual behavior, where measurements change the results, rather than particles separating from their properties. This discovery sheds light on the counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics and may lead to practical applications in quantum computing.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 9, 2024

Uncovering self-recoverable NIR mechanoluminescence from Cr³⁺ doped perovskite type aluminate

Researchers have successfully synthesized a new material that exhibits self-recoverable near-infrared (NIR) mechanoluminescence, a property useful for biomedical imaging and other applications. The material's mechanism is attributed to its piezoelectricity, which generates excited states in Cr³⁺ ions upon mechanical stimulation.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Images hidden in noise revealed by a quantum-inspired method

Researchers developed a novel phase imaging technique using intensity correlation measurements that is immune to phase instability. This method can capture high-resolution images of transparent and optically thin samples, such as cell cultures, with improved accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 2023

Soundwaves harden 3D-printed treatments in deep tissues

A team of engineers has developed a novel printing method called deep-penetrating acoustic volumetric printing (DVAP) that uses soundwaves to solidify biologically compatible structures in deep tissues. The technique involves a specialized ink that reacts to ultrasound waves, enabling the creation of intricate structures for biomedical...

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

'Doughnut' beams help physicists see incredibly small objects

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new technique using doughnut-shaped beams of light to take detailed images of objects too tiny to view with traditional microscopes. This approach could help scientists improve nanoelectronics by inspecting semiconductors without damaging them.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateDec 4, 2023

Vectorial adaptive optics: correcting both polarization and phase

Vectorial adaptive optics (V-AO) corrects both polarization and phase aberrations, improving optical resolution and accuracy. The new technique is poised to revolutionize the optics community with its potential in enhancing system performance and enabling new applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateNov 27, 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.

Boomerang-like beams of light

Scientists superposed two light beams twisted in the clockwise direction to create anti-clockwise twists in the dark regions of the resultant superposition. This discovery represents a step towards observing a peculiar phenomenon known as quantum backflow.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalOptica·DateNov 20, 2023

Random winkles for Opto-Physical unclonable functions

Researchers develop optical PUF with random wrinkles structure, generating unique digital values difficult to predict. This technology has potential beyond authentication systems, including anti-counterfeiting and data storage technologies.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateNov 2, 2023

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
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.

Widely tuneable terahertz lasers boost photo-induced superconductivity in K3C60

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter discovered a way to create a superconducting-like state in K3C60 using laser light. By tuning the laser frequency, they reduced pulse intensity by a factor of 100 while maintaining high temperatures.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Super-efficient laser light-induced detection of cancer cell-derived nanoparticles

Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have developed a super-efficient laser light-induced detection method that reduces detection time from hours to minutes. The technique allows for ultrafast and ultrasensitive measurement of biological nanoparticles, including exosomes, with diameters of 50–150 nm.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNanoscale Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2023

Next-generation printing: precise and direct, using optical vortices

A team of scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University has made significant strides in precision printing using an optical vortex laser-based technique. This innovation enables the precise placement of minuscule droplets with micrometer-scale accuracy, opening up new possibilities for microprinting technologies.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Achromatic diffractive liquid-crystal optics for virtual reality displays

Researchers have demonstrated an achromatic diffractive liquid-crystal optics system with ultrathin formfactor and light weight, improving color performance and overcoming chromatic aberration in virtual reality displays.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 19, 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.

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

High-fidelity mode scaling via topological-optimized on-chip metalens for compact photonic interconnection

The article introduces a new design method for on-chip metalens that enables efficient optical interconnection between devices with large scaling ratios. The optimized metalens achieves high transmission efficiency, lower stray light, and improved focusing efficiency compared to traditional waveguide tapers.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 22, 2023

Want to know how light works? Try asking a mechanic

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology use a 350-year-old mechanical theorem to explain complex behaviors of light waves, showing a direct relationship between entanglement and polarization. This connection enables the deduction of hard-to-measure optical properties from simpler light intensity measurements.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023

Measurement techniques for aspheric surface parameters

The article discusses measurement techniques for aspheric surface parameters, including general fitting and center-of-curvature-based methods. These methods assess the quality of aspheric surfaces and provide direction for processing and suitable targets for processing.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 17, 2023
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.

Universal linear processing of spatially incoherent light through diffractive optical networks

A team of researchers led by Professor Aydogan Ozcan has developed methods for designing all-optical universal linear processors of spatially incoherent light. These processors use successive diffraction of light to perform arbitrary linear transformations without external digital computing power, enabling fast and energy-efficient com...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 16, 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