Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Physicists find new, improved way to control light at the nanoscale

Researchers created a microscopic, nonlinear light source that can be switched on, off or tuned to a particular intensity by an electrical 'knob'. The device is just 200 nanometers wide and has a controllable active area of two-to-six nanometers, enabling faster and more efficient optical switching.

SourceEmory University·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026
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.

Making ‘light’ work of computing

Researchers at Penn have created quasiparticles that combine the speed of light with strong matter interactions, enabling signal switching needed in computation. This advancement could lead to faster, more energy-efficient photonic AI chips and pave the way for basic quantum computing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

New photonic platform developed by Polish research team

The researchers created a novel method for using cholesteric liquid crystals in optical microcavities, enabling the formation and dynamic tuning of photonic crystals. This breakthrough research has the potential to revolutionize photonic engineering by opening up new perspectives in the manipulation of light.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateJun 27, 2025

The magic of light: Dozens of images hidden in a single screen

A research team at POSTECH developed a metasurface technology that can display multiple high-resolution images on a single screen, overcoming conventional holographic limitations. The innovation uses nanostructure pillars to precisely manipulate light, allowing for different images based on wavelength and polarization direction.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 27, 2025

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

Foam offers way to manipulate light

A Princeton University study reveals a type of foam can block specific wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through, creating a photonic band gap. This property has the potential to control the flow of electrons in materials and could lead to breakthroughs in telecommunications.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

SF State researchers steer light in new directions

A team of researchers led by Weining Man has developed a two-dimensional disordered photonic band gap material that can manipulate the flow and radiation of light. The material breaks away from traditional photonic crystals, allowing for arbitrarily shaped paths to steer light.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2013

Findings a step toward making new optical materials

Researchers have developed a new method to create diamond-like crystals, which could improve optical communications and other technologies. The technique uses tiny particles suspended on water to form a precisely ordered layer of particles.

SourcePurdue University·JournalSoft Matter·DateApr 22, 2008

Crystal structures light the way to optical microchip

Researchers at the University of Toronto have devised a new architecture for manufacturing photonic band gap materials, increasing available bandwidth for optical microchips. The technique uses x-rays to create a precise template, allowing for high-quality silicon photonic band gap materials.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 23, 2003