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A step closer to a photonic future

Researchers demonstrate low-power photonic devices fabricated using standard chip-making processes, achieving energy efficiencies competitive with electronics. The advancements enable the commercialization of photonic technology, accelerating its adoption in computing and communication applications.

Solitons in a crystal

EPFL scientists have discovered optical dissipative solitons in small millimeter-size optical resonators, producing extremely short and high-rate light pulses. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications such as astronomy, chemists' analysis, and telecommunication networks.

A Terahertz generator with the highest signal quality

Researchers at Luz WaveLabs have developed a Terahertz generator with a signal quality one million times greater than current technology. The device uses an 'optic seed' to synthesize high-quality THz signals, making it suitable for various applications including security systems, cancer detection, and industrial inspection.

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.

Amplifying our vision of the infinitely small

A new method to detect and identify molecules has been discovered by Richard Martel's team, enabling the use of optical scanners to pinpoint particles. The technique uses nanoprobes composed of dye molecules aligned inside carbon nanotubes, which amplify Raman signals up to a million times stronger than other molecules.

Neurophotonics journal will launch in 2014

The new journal will cover a range of topics including microscopic methods, optogenetics, and computational methods relevant to understanding brain function. It aims to foster greater awareness and interaction among the photonics, neuroscience, and clinical communities.

Topological light: Living on the edge

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute report direct observation of topological effects for light in two dimensions, creating ultrastable quantum 'playgrounds.' Photonic edge states exhibit persistent flow and near immunity against defects, similar to quantum Hall effect for electrons.

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.

An optical switch based on a single nano-diamond

Scientists demonstrate that a single nano-diamond can act as an efficient optical switch, enabling fast information processing and quantum computer operations. The innovation combines small dimensions with high speeds, operating at room temperature.

World record: Wireless data transmission at 100 Gbit/s

Researchers achieve world-record rate of 100 gigabits per second via wireless data transmission. The method integrates photonic and electronic technologies to generate high-frequency radio signals, enabling efficient transmission over long distances without intermediate electronic circuits.

CU, MIT breakthrough in photonics could allow for faster and faster electronics

Researchers at CU-Boulder and MIT have developed a new technique to integrate light-based communication into microprocessors, promising exponential improvement in computing speed. This innovation could lead to extremely energy-efficient computing and the continuation of Moore's Law, which has driven rapid advancements in electronics.

Seeing light in a new light

Researchers at Harvard University and MIT have successfully bound photons together to form a new type of matter, dubbed photonic molecules. This breakthrough challenges traditional understanding of light as massless particles that don't interact with each other.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Journal of Medical Imaging will launch in 2014

The Journal of Medical Imaging will cover fundamental and translational research and applications focused on photonics in medical imaging. The journal will mirror the scope of the annual SPIE Medical Imaging symposium, covering topics such as imaging physics, tomographic reconstruction algorithms, image processing, and more.

T-rays offer potential for earlier diagnosis of melanoma

Researchers have explored using terahertz radiation to detect early signs of melanoma, which starts in pigment-producing cells beneath the skin. T-rays can penetrate a few millimeters through cloth and skin, allowing for biochemical signatures of cancer to be detected, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the lowest noise of them all

A Vienna-Boulder collaboration demonstrates a novel technology for producing mirrors with reduced mechanical loss, enabling advancements in precision measurement and fundamental physics research. This breakthrough could accelerate progress in the development of narrow linewidth laser sources and large area crystalline coatings.

'Look but don't touch'

Researchers at ICFO have successfully demonstrated a new quantum-mechanical measurement technique, allowing for the observation of spinning electrons in atoms without disturbing them. This achievement exceeds the standard quantum limit and paves the way for the observation of individual atoms.

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 algorithm breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Bristol successfully implemented a full quantum circuit to calculate unknown eigenvalues using a quantum algorithm without prior knowledge. This achievement marks an important step towards practical quantum computing, enabling applications in quantum simulations and metrology.

Scientists mimic fireflies to make brighter LEDs

Researchers developed a bio-inspired coating that enhances LED light extraction by up to 55 percent. The innovative design mimics the natural structure of firefly lanterns, which reduces internal reflections and allows more light to escape, ultimately making LEDs brighter while using less energy.

Quantum computing with recycled particles

A team from the University of Bristol's Centre for Quantum Photonics has developed a technique to recycle particles in a quantum computer, reducing physical resources required for factoring. This breakthrough enables more efficient calculations, paving the way for larger implementations of quantum algorithms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Making computer data storage cheaper and easier

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new technology that aims to make terabyte storage cheaper and easier. They use similar optical data storage technology as commercially available Blu-ray discs but write data in dozens of layers instead of two or four, resulting in lower manufacturing costs.

Penn researchers make first all-optical nanowire switch

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an all-optical photonic switch made from cadmium sulfide nanowires, enabling faster and more efficient light manipulation. This breakthrough paves the way for significant advancements in photonics and its applications in computing.

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.

SACLA draws acclaim for unique XFEL design

SACLA boasts the shortest wavelength in the world, an extremely broad wavelength range, and a high peak output of 10 GW. Its unique design and original Japanese technologies enable its remarkable performance despite a compact size of only 700 meters.

Low-cost optical components through nanoimprinting lithography

The NaPANIL project demonstrated the potential of nanoimprinting lithography to create low-cost optical components with various applications. The project showcased three main demonstrators: an OLED Head-Up Display, a Functional Light Directional Element, and a Planar Diffactive Optical Element.

CCNY's Robert Alfano wins first biomedical optics award

Robert Alfano, CUNY Distinguished Professor of Science and Engineering at CCNY, receives the Britton Chance Biomedical Optics Award for developing non-invasive optical biopsy methods that provide molecular information on cancer cells. His techniques can eliminate wait times and reduce physical trauma of surgery.

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.

Optical Materials Express Focus Issue: Liquid Crystal Materials

The Optical Society published a Focus Issue on Liquid Crystal Materials for Photonic Applications, showcasing breakthroughs in reversible phototuning of lasing frequency and polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystals. These advancements have significant implications for next-generation displays and optical devices.

UV light controls antibodies, improves biosensors

Using ultra-short pulses of ultraviolet light, scientists increase the number of right-side-up antibodies in QCM sensors, more than doubling their sensitivity. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for research using this type of sensor.

X-ray camera makes A-grade particle detector

A new type of detector uses a CCD image sensor chip in an off-the-shelf X-ray camera to measure both particle energy and spatial location. The device successfully detects molecules containing carbon and hydrogen at energies above 1 MeV, opening up new avenues for complex molecule research

From myth to reality: Photos prove triple rainbows exist

Scientists have confirmed the existence of triple rainbows using photographic evidence and a new meteorological model. The discovery was made possible by a professor's guidelines that showed how to find tertiary rainbows, which are rare because they require specific conditions to appear.

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.

Using lasers to vaporize tissue at multiple points simultaneously

Using a single UV laser pulse, researchers can now zap away biological tissue at multiple points simultaneously. This technique allows scientists to isolate specific cells and observe their shape dictated solely by internal forces. The method has potential applications in developmental biology and bioengineering.

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.

Diamonds shine in quantum networks

Researchers at the University of Calgary have successfully created a node in a quantum network using impurities in diamonds. Impurities in diamonds can be used to store information encoded onto their quantum state, which can be controlled and read out using light.

OSA launches new journal, Optical Materials Express

The new journal, Optical Materials Express, launched by OSA, explores the intersection of optics and materials science, offering rapid online publication and open-access features. The inaugural issue includes research on metamaterials, microlasers, and chiral optical materials.

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.

New generation of optical integrated devices for future quantum computers

Researchers from the University of Bristol demonstrated the quantum operation of new components that will enable compact circuits for future photonic quantum computers. These integrated photonic circuits are compact, stable, and low-noise, paving the way for mass production of chips for quantum computers.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

SPADnet, a new concept for biomedical imaging, gets funded

SPADnet aims to create a new generation of smart image sensors for photon-starved biomedical applications, enabling scalable and efficient imaging. The project will develop ring-assembly modules for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging and carry out performance tests in a PET evaluation system.

Spin-out in cutting-edge light source technology

mLED Ltd develops micro light-emitting diodes (microLEDs) with compact and efficient designs, suitable for various applications including neuroscience, microscopy, and communications. The company aims to deliver platform technology that is robust, reliable, and versatile.

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.

Sandia Labs reports first monolithic terahertz solid-state transceiver

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have successfully integrated a terahertz quantum-cascade laser and diode mixer into a compact, monolithic platform, reducing the need for precise optical alignment. This innovation could enable new applications in security, communications, and medical diagnostics.

OSA to launch new journal, Optical Materials Express

The Optical Society (OSA) has launched a new peer-reviewed journal called Optical Materials Express, which will focus on advances in novel optical materials. The journal aims to cover a wide range of topics in optical materials, including biomaterials, detector materials and metamaterials.

High-performance microring resonator developed by INRS researchers

Developed by INRS researchers, the new microring resonator offers several advantages, including low-cost fabrication and a single low-power laser source to obtain multiple wavelengths. This technological breakthrough is crucial as electronic devices reach their data transmission capacity limit.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Manipulating light on a chip for quantum technologies

Researchers successfully manipulate entangled states of four photons on a silicon chip, achieving precise control over the behavior of individual particles. This breakthrough has important implications for quantum computing and ultra-precise measurements, paving the way for advanced quantum technologies.

Catching the lightwave: Nano-mechanical sensors 'wired' by photonics

Yale researchers have demonstrated silicon-based nanocantilevers that operate on photonic principles, enabling ultra-sensitive measurements at the atomic level. The system can detect as little deflection as 0.0001 Angstroms, and a sensor multiplex format allows for complex measurements of patterns simultaneously.

NASA Goddard's Lee Feinberg elected as a 2009 Fellow of SPIE

Lee Feinberg, Optical Telescope Element Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope, has been elected as a fellow of SPIE for his significant contributions to large space optics and optical technology. He will receive his award at the SPIE Optics and Photonics meeting in San Diego this August.

Laser-sculpted optical devices for future giant telescopes

New research demonstrates how laser-based techniques can create micron-sized light pathways in three dimensions, enabling the detection of faint light from extrasolar planets and galaxies. This technology has the potential to improve the sensitivity and precision of future telescopes, such as the planned European ELT.

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 lay out vision for lighting 'revolution'

Researchers envision a 'revolution' in lighting with LEDs, promising cost savings of $1.83 trillion and reduced carbon emissions by 10.68 gigatons. Smart lighting applications could enhance healthcare, transportation, digital displays, and computer networking.