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Researchers move closer to practical photonic quantum computing

A new measurement technique called COSPLI enables researchers to map and measure large-scale photonic quantum correlation with single-photon sensitivity, a critical step towards making photon-based quantum computing practical. The method uses CCD cameras and suppresses noise to detect signals from individual photons.

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.

Hyperbolic metamaterials enable nanoscale 'fingerprinting'

Researchers use hyperbolic metamaterials to 'fingerprint' and obtain spatial and material information about nanometer-scale objects. The method resolves features down to 20 nanometers apart, potentially finding applications in biomolecular measurement and industrial product monitoring.

Scientists build the smallest optical frequency comb to-date

Researchers developed the smallest optical frequency comb source, achieving integrated soliton microcomb with ultra-low losses and fast optical feedback. The compact device operates at 88 GHz repetition rate and offers potential for mass-manufacturable applications in LIDAR and data-centers.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New concept for tractor beam from Star Wars developed

Researchers at ITMO University propose a new approach to creating tractor beams using hyperbolic metasurfaces, which can capture particles and cells. The study shows that these materials have the potential for practical applications in experiments and traps.

Photonic radiation sensors survive huge doses undamaged

Researchers at NIST discovered that oxide-coated silicon photonic devices can withstand up to 1 million gray of radiation exposure, making them suitable for measuring radiation dose in medical and industrial applications. This breakthrough could lead to the development of precise radiation sensors for medical imaging and therapy.

Microresonators offer a simpler approach to sensing with light pulses

Researchers developed a simpler method to generate multiple frequency combs using small devices called optical microresonators. The technology generates up to three frequency combs simultaneously, reducing the need for complex synchronization electronics and enabling faster acquisition times.

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.

Photonic chips harness sound waves to speed up local networks

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a chip-based technique that uses acoustic noise to increase signal capacity and processing speed in local networks. The new technology harnesses stimulated Brillouin scattering to extract and regenerate electronic signals, promising to reduce latency in high-speed services such as ...

Shen leads team seeking to improve quantum computation

A team of scientists, led by Dr. Shen, is working on developing a two-photon controlled-phase logic gate, an essential building block for optical quantum information. The team aims to overcome the difficulty in manipulating photons and create a fundamental component for photonic quantum computation.

New photonic chip promises more robust quantum computers

Researchers have developed a topological photonic chip to process quantum information, demonstrating high-fidelity quantum interference and paving the way for scalable quantum computers. The breakthrough could lead to new materials, generation computers, and deeper understanding of fundamental science.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Research could lead to security scanners capable of detecting explosives

Scientists at the University of Sussex have created a blueprint for airport scanners capable of detecting explosives using a single pixel camera and Terahertz electromagnetic waves. The innovative imaging concept, Nonlinear Ghost Imaging, produces high-accuracy images of objects' chemical composition, surpassing previous studies.

Photonic capsules for injectable laser resonators

The KAIST research group created photonic capsules that can be injected into any target volume, exhibiting omnidirectional laser emissions. The capsules contain cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) with helical nanostructures, which reflect circularly-polarized light and enable wavelength-tunable lasing.

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.

Engineers design color-changing compression bandage

A new compression bandage developed by MIT engineers features pressure-sensing photonic fibers that change color in response to pressure. This allows caregivers to gauge the optimal pressure and adjust the bandage accordingly.

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.

Researchers illuminate the path to a new era of microelectronics

Researchers from Boston University, MIT, UC Berkeley, and CU Boulder develop a method to fabricate silicon chips that can communicate with light, speeding up data transfer and reducing energy consumption. The technology is compatible with current chip manufacturing processes and could revolutionize computing and mobile devices.

Integrating optical components into existing chip designs

A new technique allows for the assembly of optical and electronic components on separate layers of silicon, enabling the use of modern transistor technologies. This breakthrough increases the speed and reduces the power consumption of chips, which is crucial as transistors continue to rise in count.

Fossil study sheds light on ancient butterfly wing colors

A team of researchers has discovered new evidence for color in Mesozoic fossils, revealing that intricate microstructures created the metallic bronze to golden colors found on ancient butterfly wings. This study extends the evidence for light-scattering structures in insect fossil records by over 130 million years.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The future of photonics using quantum dots

Researchers have developed III-V quantum-dot lasers that can be integrated with silicon, offering significant energy savings and improved performance. The lasers can operate at higher temperatures and scale down to smaller sizes, making them promising for photonic circuits.

New laser technique may help detect chemical warfare in atmosphere

A new laser technique can detect even trace amounts of chemicals in the air, making it possible to alert communities to biological or chemical attacks. The technology is accurate and sensitive enough to determine if there is a molecule of any chemical present at concentrations as low as one part per billion.

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.

Scientists invented method of catching bacteria with 'photonic hook'

Researchers at ITMO University have created a new type of curved light beam called a photonic hook, which can improve optical system resolution and control nanoparticles. The technique uses a dielectric particle to bend the light beam, allowing for the manipulation of individual cells, viruses, or bacteria on a nanoscale.

'Frequency combs' ID chemicals within the mid-infrared spectral region

A team of researchers at NIST developed a new laser source, called frequency combs, to detect chemicals with greater sensitivity. These lasers can pass through samples without direct contact, enabling remote spectroscopy and high-sensitivity measurements for applications such as breath analyzers, cancer detection, and explosives tracking.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

The building of innovation

The Lehigh University team is building a new High Pressure Spatial chemical vapor deposition (HPS-CVD) reactor to create new materials with extreme conditions. The device will enable the growth of III-nitride and oxynitride semiconductors, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions and innovative technologies.

MEMS chips get metalenses

Researchers developed a device that combines metasurface lenses with MEMS technology, enabling fast scanning and beam steering. The integrated device can control the angular rotation of a flat lens and scan the focal spot by several degrees.

A new tool for improving uterine transplant surgery

A new tool using biomedical photonics is being explored to improve uterine transplant surgery by providing real-time data on tissue perfusion and viability. The study found that multispectral imaging proved effective in mapping oxygen saturation over the entire graft, demonstrating advantages over existing methods.

The future of wireless communications is terahertz

Researchers in Australia have developed a novel platform for light-matter interaction in fiber optics, opening up new horizons for communication and photonics technology. The system uses terahertz radiation with higher bandwidth capacity than current microwave networks.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Using the dark side of excitons for quantum computing

Dark excitons, bound pairs of an electron and hole, can store information in their spin state, but reading their spins is hard due to lack of light emission. New experiments overcome this by introducing a microlens that captures more photons, enabling researchers to detect dark exciton spins more efficiently.

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.

UNIST researchers develop silicon chip-based quantum photonic devices

Researchers from UNIST and University of Maryland developed a core technology for quantum photonic devices using silicon chips. They integrated quantum dots with silicon photonic technologies to create single photon emitters, paving the way for innovative applications in quantum computing and communication.

Ions in the spotlight

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have developed a method to trap ions in optical traps, preventing driven motion and allowing for longer lifetimes. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-cold temperatures and observation of quantum effects in chemical processes.

Liquids take a shine to terahertz radiation

Researchers at TIFR devise compact terahertz radiation source using laboratory liquids, achieving energies thousands of times larger than existing sources. The discovery opens doors to applications in terahertz imaging, material analysis, and explosives detection.

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.

A zero-index waveguide

Scientists have successfully developed a zero-index waveguide compatible with current silicon photonic technologies, allowing them to observe standing waves with infinitely-long wavelengths. This breakthrough could enable the creation of ultra-compact optical devices and pave the way for new quantum computing applications.

Silicon is liberated from Abbot's Flatland

Researchers pack laser-written structures deep into silicon chips, enabling arbitrary 3D fabrication without layers above or below. The method also enables creating functional optical devices and 3D sculpturing of entire wafers.

DNA: The next hot material in photonics?

Researchers fine-tune DNA-based thin films to achieve a range of refractive indexes four times greater than silicon, enabling the creation of thinner optical fibers. This could lead to applications in photodynamic therapy, optogenetics, and biosensors.

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.

Shedding light on brain activity

The NEMONIC project aims to develop and widely share new optical brain-imaging techniques, enabling the recording of brain cells in action. The team, led by UCSB scientists, uses light to measure brain activity, overcoming technological bottlenecks to understanding the mind and brain.

Tiny lasers from a gallery of whispers

Researchers have developed a new type of dye-doped WGM micro-laser that produces light with tunable wavelengths, offering broader tuning ranges and reversible tuning. The devices also exhibit enhanced sensitivity in refractive index sensing.

World first: 'Storing lightning inside thunder'

University of Sydney researchers have achieved a groundbreaking breakthrough in transferring digital information between light waves and sound waves on a microchip. The innovation enables faster processing and reduces energy consumption by slowing down data transfer velocity to five orders of magnitude, making it suitable for use in te...

High-tech sensing illuminates concrete stress testing

University of Leeds scientists have discovered a way to measure the strength of modern concrete forms using light-refracting coatings. The birefringent coating displays stress positions, allowing researchers to assess concrete toughness against fractures with high precision.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Optical communication using solitons on a photonic chip

A team of researchers from KIT and EPFL used optical silicon nitride micro-resonators to generate continuously circulating solitons, enabling massive parallel data transmission on 179 wavelength channels. The system achieved a record-breaking data rate of over 50 terabits per second.

A stream of superfluid light

Scientists have observed room-temperature superfluidity in light, a phenomenon previously only seen at extremely low temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new photonic devices with reduced losses and enhanced performance.