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Polymer opal films shed new kind of light on nature

Scientists have developed a new type of flexible plastic film that combines natural and manmade optical effects, producing a color-changing effect that depends less on viewing angle. The films are made from arrays of spheres stacked in three dimensions, which scatter light and produce intensely colored colors.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 23, 2007

Optical breakthrough makes 'Lab-on-a-Chip' possible

Georgia Tech researchers develop wavelength-demultipler (WD) that can separate high-resolution wavelengths in tight confines, solving problems with combining delicate optical functions. The WD is integrated into a microchip for signal processing, communications, or sensing applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 2, 2006

More effective lasers

Photonic crystals provide ideal characteristics for the development of instruments with diverse applications. A multidisciplinary research effort at the University of Navarra has led to significant breakthroughs in manufacturing these crystals, paving the way for miniaturization and enhanced nanotechnology.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·DateDec 14, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Tall' crystals from tiny templates

Ames Laboratory researchers have fabricated PBG crystal microstructures in open air using a modified technique called microtransfer molding. The team's achievement enables the creation of multilayered photonic band gap crystals, a key step towards creating photonic crystals within a single computer chip.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateJul 21, 2005

Lehigh researchers hone radiation source for THz devices

Terahertz (THz) frequencies have potential applications in medicine, remote sensing, imaging, and satellite communications. Lehigh researcher Yujie J. Ding has developed a compact THz radiation source that can generate coherent waves with high output powers, enabling new diagnostic tools and monitoring technologies.

SourceLehigh University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 20, 2004

Etching holes in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers creates better beam

By embedding a two-dimensional photonic crystal into the top face of a VCSEL, researchers can accurately design and control the device's mode characteristics. The technology has the potential to push VCSEL performance toward higher power and enable mass-produced devices for high-speed data communication.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 10, 2004
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.

Research could accelerate computing to speed of light

Photonic crystals, which can act as tiny optical components for managing photons, may enable the development of miniaturized optical components and circuits. The new technique could accelerate computing to the speed of light by reducing the size of optical components.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 20, 2002

Researchers move step closer to photonic microchip

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a method to precisely control the placement and ordering of photonic crystals on surfaces, paving the way for the creation of photonic microchips. This breakthrough could enable faster data transfer rates in optical communications systems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 18, 2002
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.

Sandia Photonic Crystal Confines Optical Light: 'Very Important Work,' Says Physics Nobel Iaureate

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a microscopic three-dimensional lattice that confines light at optical wavelengths, potentially revolutionizing the fiber-optics communications industry. The technique appears to be the cheapest and most efficient way to bend light entering or emerging from optical cables.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 6, 1999

Columbia-SUNY Team Slices Magnetic Crystal; Applications Seen For Miniaturized Optical Devices

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a technology that combines electronics and optics on a single chip, enabling the creation of miniaturized optical devices such as tiny lasers and implantable medical sensors. This breakthrough could simplify fiber optic communications and lead to more efficient and cost-effective systems.

SourceColumbia University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 12, 1997