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On-chip topological light

Scientists at the Joint Quantum Institute have successfully demonstrated on-chip topological light, showcasing a robust and consistent method for photonic signal processing. The breakthrough enables the development of microscale delay lines with low energy loss, opening up new possibilities for quantum information processing.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 1, 2014

Quantum cryptography for mobile phones

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a scheme to enable quantum cryptography on mobile phones, using photons as information carriers. This breakthrough technology has the potential to make secure communication available to the general public.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 3, 2014

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.

SourceOptica·DateFeb 19, 2014

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 22, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 2, 2013

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.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2013

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateSep 25, 2013

'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.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 12, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 24, 2013

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 8, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 23, 2012

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 29, 2012

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateDec 1, 2011

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.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 31, 2011

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.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateOct 5, 2011

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.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateSep 13, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 26, 2011

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 25, 2011