Researchers at UVA's Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are working on a project called PATRONUS, which aims to integrate photonic integrated circuits into a single chip. This could lead to faster data centers and next-generation wireless communication systems.
Researchers developed a general framework for dynamic control of THz wavefronts using cascaded metasurfaces. By varying the polarization of a light beam with rotating multilayer metasurfaces, they demonstrated efficient redirection and manipulation of THz beams, overcoming limitations in local tuning.
A doctoral student at Texas A&M University has designed a chip that can revolutionize data rate for processors by utilizing photons. The chip operates at higher speeds with higher data rates compared to previous generation of chips, and is capable of reaching nearly five times the bandwidth.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers developed a miniaturized and high-speed quantum random number generator (QRNG) with an output rate of 18.8 Gbps, exceeding previous records. The QRNG uses a photonic integrated chip and optimized real-time post-processing to achieve this feat.
Photonic researchers successfully demonstrated a temporal compression system that can squeeze light in time by 11 times, allowing more data to be transmitted in a given time duration. This technology also enables the spectral compression of light, which could facilitate higher spectral densities and faster optical communications networks.
Researchers have developed the fastest real-time quantum random number generator to date, combining a photonic integrated chip with optimized postprocessing. The device generates truly random numbers at nearly 19 gigabits per second and measures only 15.6 by 18.0 millimeters.
The University of Ottawa has been awarded four new Canada Research Chairs in artificial intelligence, health, and law. Carole Yauk's research addresses toxicological risk assessment of environmental chemicals, while Emmanuelle Bernheim focuses on improving access to justice for those with mental health issues.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Hyperbolic metamaterials enable subwavelength confinement of electromagnetic waves, allowing for flexible control of near-field light propagation. The researchers used an all-electric scheme to selectively couple near-field light in HMMs, enabling unidirectional excitation of hyperbolic modes.
Researchers developed a near-infrared camera system that can detect Burmese pythons up to 1.3 times farther away than traditional visible-wavelength cameras, providing a new tool for removal efforts and expanding detection capabilities day and night.
Researchers from several institutions have successfully integrated a novel on-chip hollow-core light cage into an alkali atom vapor cell, overcoming previous limitations. The device exhibits high-speed gas diffusion and long-term stability, enabling integration with other technology platforms.
Xiaosheng Zhang received the $1,500 grand prize for his outstanding work on a silicon photonics focal plane switch array for optical beam steering. He will present his research at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition in June.
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.
Scientists at the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat have successfully created non-Hermitian topological states in topolectric circuits, exhibiting stable and robust features. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for future quantum technologies and may establish a milestone towards developing light-controlled computers.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University developed a novel solution combining light and ultrasound waves to create ultra-narrow filters in silicon integrated circuits. This innovation addresses the challenge of accommodating long delays required for narrowband filtering, enabling more efficient microwave photonic systems.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania designed supersymmetric microlaser arrays to achieve higher power density and stability, paving the way for more efficient photonic devices. The arrays can collectively emit orders of magnitude higher power than traditional lasers.
Assistant Professor Robert Fickler and Doctoral Researcher Markus Hiekkamäki demonstrated near-perfect two-photon interference control using spatial photon shape. The method holds promise for building new linear optical networks and developing quantum-enhanced sensing techniques.
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.
Researchers developed a link discovery method using terahertz radiation, enabling the detection of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) paths in wireless communications. The study reveals that transmitters with strong angular dispersion can exploit NLOS links to provide faster connectivity.
Researchers discovered silicon's strongest nonlinearity, allowing for extremely weak beams to be used in photonic applications. This breakthrough could lead to the production of silicon processors with built-in light beam control capabilities.
Researchers realized efficient frequency conversion in microresonators via a degenerate sum-frequency process, achieving cross-band frequency conversion and amplification of converted signal. The study demonstrated precise tuning of the frequency window with a 42% efficiency and a 250GHz tuning bandwidth.
Researchers designed and built two-dimensional arrays of closely packed micro-lasers that achieve power density orders of magnitude higher, paving the way for improved lasers, high-speed computing, and optical communications. The breakthrough enables single-mode lasing with enhanced emission power and increased coherence.
Researchers have proposed a photonic in-plane nodal chain and non-Abelian nodal link stabilized by generalized quaternion charges. These structures are uniquely stable in photonics due to internal symmetries of Maxwell equations, offering new insights into topological phases.
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.
Scientists have developed a new technology for building silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits with record low optical losses, significantly reducing power budgets for chip-scale optical frequency combs. The technology enables high-quality-factor microresonators and meter-long waveguides on small chips.
Researchers demonstrate commercialization of photonic MEMS switches fabricated on silicon-on-insulator wafers using regular photolithographic and dry-etching processes. The switch design includes a 32x32 matrix of replicated elements, achieving excellent light power loss, optical bandwidth, and switching speed.
Scientists develop a generic approach to generate arbitrary vectorial optical fields (VOFs) using metasurfaces, offering improved efficiency and control over polarization. They experimentally demonstrate the generation of VOFs in both far-field and near-field regimes with tailored wave fronts and inhomogeneous polarization distributions.
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.
Researchers have revealed conditions for robust entangled states transport in photonic topological insulators. They identify physical mechanisms and thresholds for maximizing entanglement while preserving topological protection.
Researchers developed a holographic endoscope made of single-hair thin optical fibers to reconstruct images of macroscopic objects at larger imaging distances. The tool sheds light on biological processes occurring at the macromolecular and subcellular levels, allowing for better treatment of severe brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that high-energy laser light ejects electrons from quantum dot atoms, trapping holes and producing waste heat, reducing efficiency. The study uses electron camera technology to observe atomic movements at the nanoscale.
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.
A new microcomb technology has been developed by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, which can generate a wide range of optical frequencies with high precision. This technology has the potential to be used in various applications, including exoplanet discovery and disease diagnosis.
Polaritons form structures behaving like molecules, with properties such as new energy states and optical properties. Artificial polariton molecules have potential uses in quantum information systems, including dissipating less power and operating faster than traditional methods.
The generation of dissipative solitons and coherent frequency combs in a photonic dimer made of two microresonators enables real-time tuning of the soliton-based frequency comb. Soliton hopping, a phenomenon not present at the single-particle level, can be used for generating configurable combs in the radio-frequency domain.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a quantum advantage by performing a verification task in seconds using a quantum machine, whereas the same task would take centuries for a conventional computer. The experiment used a complex algorithm and simple experimental photonics system, showcasing the potential of quantum computing.
A digital-to-analog converter has been developed without leaving the optical domain, enabling high-speed data processing with low power consumption. This innovation has the potential to advance next-generation data centers, 6G networks, artificial intelligence and more.
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers at NC State University developed a new approach to design photonic devices, controlling light direction and polarization from thin-film LEDs. This technology paves the way for lighter, more efficient VR and AR headsets with improved efficiency and clearer views of the real world.
Researchers investigate photonics as a solution to develop fast and energy-efficient computing systems inspired by the human brain. By mimicking biological processing systems, they aim to reduce energy losses and improve processor speeds.
The DEEPER project develops new photonic technologies to access deep brain regions and reveal molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying neurological disorders. The project aims to develop minimally invasive tools for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's, addiction, and depression.
Researchers developed a new AO module comprising two deformable phase plates, enabling direct integration with existing microscopes. The system successfully corrected sample-induced aberrations in synthetic samples, demonstrating improved image quality and doubling the aberration correction range.
Researchers developed photonic processors to process information rapidly and in parallel, enabling complex mathematical tasks at fast speeds. These chips use wavelength multiplexing for highly parallel data processing.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers developed a new approach using light-based processors to accelerate matrix-vector multiplications in neural networks. The photonic chips achieve parallel calculations using multiple wavelengths of light, enabling complex mathematical tasks to be processed at high speeds and throughputs.
Researchers at Nanjing University designed a topological-insulator waveguide-resonator system that solves the critical coupling problem in electronics and photonics. The system supports spin-locked modes, eliminating backscattering and induced noise, while retaining transmission spectral characteristics.
A joint research led by City University of Hong Kong has built an ultralow-power consumption artificial visual system to mimic the human brain. The device achieves a record-low energy consumption down to sub-femtojoule per synaptic event, outperforming human brain synapses.
A curved blade is proposed for a laser scalpel to expand its medical applications, being two times thinner than the current cylindrical option. The concept utilizes a photonic 'hook' formed by an amplitude or phase mask at the fiber end, enabling precise tissue manipulation and reduced bleeding.
Two Stanford engineers developed a technique to disinfect personal protective equipment (PPE) with ultraviolet light, eliminating 99.9999% of pathogens in under five minutes. They designed and donated a method for healthcare providers worldwide to build PPE sterilization units, helping launch do-it-yourself efforts in over 25 countries.
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.
Researchers developed bioresponsive dynamic barcodes using cavity-enhanced radiative energy transfer, converting biomolecular information into distinctive photonic barcodes. The system can detect molecules in a droplet with improved signal-to-noise ratio, enabling real-time intermolecular interaction and biosensing applications.
Jifeng Liu, a professor at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering, has been named an OSA fellow for his work on renewable energy and reducing energy consumption in information technology. His research focuses on advancing solar technologies that are less expensive and more efficient.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new 'photonic wavefront sensor' using AI and machine learning to correct atmospheric distortion, allowing for direct imaging of exoplanets from Earth. This innovation could revolutionize the study of exoplanets and their potential for life.
The UPV research team is working on generic purpose programmable chips that can provide numerous functionalities using a single structure. This technology has great potential and value due to its complementarity with electronics.
Kyu Young Han, an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida, has been awarded a $1.7 million NIH grant to develop a novel bioengineering tool and imaging system for super-resolution microscopy. This technology could enable researchers to image multiple proteins in a single cell in just 24 hours, revolutionizing the under...
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers have discovered a simple method for creating a curved photonic beam using a microparticle, which can be used for various applications such as microscopy and lithography. This breakthrough enables the creation of more flexible and versatile photonics devices.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered a way to manipulate light using a synthetic Lorentz force, enabling photons to mimic charged particle dynamics. By distorting honeycomb metasurfaces, they created artificial magnetic fields that can be tuned using precision photonic devices.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a novel concept for low-cost terahertz receivers that enable ultra-fast wireless communications at low cost. The proof-of-concept experiment demonstrated transmission at a data rate of 115 Gbit/s and a carrier frequency of 0.3 THz over a distance of 110 meters.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers developed a terahertz wireless chip using photonic topological insulators, enabling error-free signal transmission at 11 gigabits per second. The discovery paves the way for ultra-high-speed communication in future '6G' networks.
A new technology has been developed by Penn State researchers that enables better light control without requiring large materials and structures. This hybrid photonic architecture combines the best qualities of photonic integrated circuits and metasurfaces, paving the way for multifunctional devices with flexible access to free space.
A new approach uses photons to perform computations required by neural networks, improving speed and efficiency. Photonic tensor cores can process data in parallel, reducing power consumption and increasing throughput.
Researchers have demonstrated strong topological order for sound stemming from time modulations, allowing robust propagation along boundaries of topological metamaterials. This advancement enables cheaper, lighter devices with reduced battery power consumption, suitable for harsh environments.
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.
Scientists combine piezoelectric aluminium nitride with ultralow-loss silicon nitride integrated photonics to create a hybrid circuit for on-chip acousto-optic modulation. The technology enables wideband actuation with ultralow electrical power, opening up new possibilities for precision-demanding applications.
Researchers at DGIST developed a novel dual-resonant method to maximize photon conversion in 2D materials. The method achieves a significant boost in signal intensity and frequency doubling, with potential applications in advanced photonic devices and cheaper diagnostic methods.
High-dimensional synthetic lattices emerge in photon-number space when excited by N indistinguishable photons, allowing for parallel quantum random walks with different numbers of steps on various graphs. This discovery enables the realization of an infinite number of lattices and graphs with distinct properties.
Researchers have created biocompatible lenses using spider silk, enabling large-area imaging of biological areas with high resolution. The lenses use dragline silk's unique properties to generate a photonic nanojet, suitable for biomedical applications.
Researchers developed a compact optical system using silicon photonics, significantly lowering production costs and enabling easy integration with traditional chip production. The technology addresses growing demands for multicolor laser lights in data centers, promising new opportunities in applications like optical clocks.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A team of researchers from UC Santa Barbara, Caltech, and EPFL has developed a new technology that simplifies and condenses complex optical systems onto a single silicon photonic chip. This breakthrough allows for easy integration with traditional silicon chip production, significantly reducing cost and improving performance.
A new photonic film inspired by fluffs on the longicorn beetle can reflect up to 95% of incoming solar radiation and emit infrared energy, achieving up to 5.1° C of passive cooling in direct sunlight. The film's efficiency is a breakthrough for efficient passive radiative cooling applications.