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A new optical memory platform for super fast calculations

Researchers developed a groundbreaking photonic platform to overcome limitations in in-memory computing, enabling faster calculations and greater efficiency. The innovative magneto-optical memories consume about one-tenth the power of traditional electronics and can be rewritten billions of times.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 15, 2025

Clay Klein named as 2025 recipient of Nick Cobb Memorial Scholarship

The Nick Cobb Memorial Scholarship honors an exemplary graduate student in the field of lithography. Clay Klein, a PhD candidate at JILA and the University of Colorado, Boulder, will receive the $10,000 award for his research on EUV scatterometry and its applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·DateJan 14, 2025

3D printing shines in overcoming headlight lens manufacturing challenges

Researchers used 3D printing to make headlight lenses, achieving exceptional precision and surface quality while reducing costs and production speeds. The study compared 3D printing with traditional methods like CNC machining and reverse engineering, finding that 3D printing outperformed them in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateJan 13, 2025
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.

Revolutionizing data centers: Penn engineers’ breakthrough in photonic switching

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a novel photonic switch that can redirect signals in trillionths of a second with minimal power consumption. The new switch uses non-Hermitian physics and silicon material to achieve unprecedented speed and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2025

Tiny, wireless antennas use light to monitor cellular communication

MIT researchers developed a biosensing technique that eliminates the need for wires, using tiny wireless antennas with light detection to measure electrical signals from cells. The devices can capture scattered light with an optical microscope and measure signals with micrometer spatial resolution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 20, 2024
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.

Macroscopic oscillators move as one at the quantum level

Scientists successfully prepared six mechanical oscillators in a collective state, observing phenomena that emerge when oscillators act as a group. The research demonstrates experimental confirmation of theories about collective quantum behavior, opening new possibilities for quantum sensing and generation of multi-partite entanglement.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2024

Physicists magnetize a material with light

Researchers at MIT have created a new magnetic state in an antiferromagnetic material using terahertz laser light, enabling controlled switching and potentially leading to more efficient memory chips. The technique provides a powerful tool for manipulating magnetism and advancing information processing technology.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2024

Nanosteps order relativistic electrons to fall in line.

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have developed a novel method to steer relativistic electron pulses produced by femtosecond lasers. By using solid targets with nanopillars, they achieved coherent control over the electrons' directionality and formed narrow beams.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2024
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.

Researchers 3D print compact, low-cost vortex beam generators

A team of researchers has created a compact and low-cost device that generates twisting light beams with orbital angular momentum, enhancing the capacity and reliability of future wireless systems. The device achieves high out-of-band suppression, exceeding 30 dB, reducing interference and ensuring clean signal transmission.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 12, 2024
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.

Scientists develop cost-effective lasers for extended SWIR applications

Scientists have created cost-effective lasers for the extended Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) range by utilizing colloidal quantum dots. This breakthrough addresses scalability and affordability challenges in current laser technologies, enabling diverse applications such as hazardous gas detection, eye-safe LIDAR systems, and advanced phot...

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 10, 2024

A new technology with UPV hallmark improves the accuracy of radars and LiDAR systems, key technologies for autonomous transport and environmental monitoring

A new technology developed by researchers from UPV, BUPT, CAS Institute, Air Force Early Warning Academy and University of Ottawa improves the accuracy of radars and LiDAR systems by up to 14 times, enabling faster and more accurate navigation in autonomous vehicles and detailed environmental studies.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

The last missing piece of silicon photonics

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich and their partners have successfully developed the first electrically pumped continuous-wave semiconductor laser composed exclusively of elements from the fourth group of the periodic table, or the 'silicon group'. This new laser is directly grown on a silicon wafer, offering new possibilities ...

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2024

Florian Kaiser wins prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant for quantum integration project

Dr Florian Kaiser leads €3 million ERC Consolidator Grant-funded research on quantum integration, aiming to create practical applications and overcome scalability challenges in quantum technologies. The goal is to integrate quantum processors and memories on a single chip, enabling superior performance and minimal energy consumption.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Science and Technology·DateDec 4, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Editorial interview in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics on the future of optical modulators and integrated photonics

Industry and academic experts discuss the potential of new materials, configurations, and integration technologies to overcome bandwidth limitations and operational robustness issues in silicon photonic modulators. These advancements are expected to impact emerging applications such as data centers, AI, quantum information processing, ...

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 18, 2024

Scientists discover laser light can cast a shadow

Researchers have found that under certain conditions, a laser beam can act like an opaque object and cast a shadow. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of shadows and opens new possibilities for technologies controlling light.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateNov 14, 2024

New UCF lab focuses on healing power of light

The University of Central Florida has established a new research lab to advance light-based technologies for disease prevention, detection, and treatment. The interdisciplinary lab will facilitate collaborations between physicians, scientists, and researchers from various fields, including biophotonics and biomedical sciences.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateNov 4, 2024

Researchers take broadband high-resolution frequency combs into the UV

Researchers have developed a new ultrafast laser platform that generates ultra-broadband ultraviolet (UV) frequency combs with an unprecedented one million comb lines. This achievement provides exceptional spectral resolution and could enhance high-resolution atomic and molecular spectroscopy. The new approach also produces extremely a...

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateOct 31, 2024
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.

NRL introduces a new paradigm for control of quantum emitters

A NRL multi-disciplinary team developed a nonvolatile and reversible procedure to control single photon emission purity in monolayer tungsten disulfide by integrating it with a ferroelectric material. This novel heterostructure introduces a new paradigm for control of quantum emitters.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·DateOct 31, 2024

Unidirectional imaging technology breakthrough

Researchers at UCLA developed a new type of imaging technology that forms images in only one direction, enabling efficient and compact methods for asymmetric visual information processing and communication. The technology works exceptionally well under partially coherent light, achieving high-quality imaging with high power efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 29, 2024

Turning up the signal

Osaka University researchers develop a new method for long-range enhancement of fluorescence and Raman signals using Ag nanoislands protected with column-structured silica layers. This leads to an astonishing ten-million-fold increase in signal strength, making it ideal for sensitive biosensing applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Aston University researcher develops new optical technique that could revolutionise medical diagnostics

Aston University researcher has developed a new technique harnessing Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light to improve imaging and data transmission through skin and biological tissues. The OAM-based approach shows unmatched sensitivity and accuracy, paving the way for non-invasive medical diagnostics and imaging.

SourceAston University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2024
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.

Quantum experiments and high-performance computing: new methods enable complex calculations to be completed extremely quickly

Scientists at Paderborn University used high-performance computing to analyse a quantum photonics experiment, performing calculations in just minutes. The findings have significant implications for characterising photonic quantum computer hardware and will shape the future of quantum research.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalQuantum Science and Technology·DateOct 24, 2024

Earthquake on a chip: Scientists harness sound waves on the surface of a microchip

Researchers successfully generate guided sound waves on a microchip using lasers, enabling interactions with the environment and paving the way for new sensing technologies. The innovative approach uses special glass to contain sound waves, making it ideal for applications in signal processing and communication technologies.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAPL Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

Photonic computing harnesses electromagnetic waves

Researchers at Newcastle University developed a novel approach using electromagnetic waves to solve partial differential equations, specifically the Helmholtz wave equation. The innovative structure, known as a metatronic network, effectively behaves like a grid of T-circuits and allows for control over PDE parameters.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 18, 2024
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.

Enhanced wavelength conversion to advance quantum information networks

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University develop a novel method for broadband frequency conversion using X-cut thin film lithium niobate, achieving a bandwidth of up to 13 nanometers. This breakthrough enables on-chip tunable frequency conversion, opening the door to enhanced quantum light sources and larger capacity multiplexing.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 15, 2024

Powerful and compact optical frequency combs provide unique opportunities

Recent breakthroughs have made microcombs more efficient, enabling portable and easy-to-use devices for various scientific tasks. These devices have enabled applications such as spectroscopy, optical frequency synthesis, astronomical calibration, and LiDAR.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateOct 11, 2024

High-dimensional photonics accelerates quantum computing

A new study by Prof. Yaron Bromberg and Dr. Ohad Lib from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has made significant progress in quantum computing through photonic-measurement-based quantum computation. They successfully generated cluster states with over nine qubits at a frequency of 100 Hz, overcoming scalability barriers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2024
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.

MIT engineers create a chip-based tractor beam for biological particles

Researchers create a miniature, chip-based 'tractor beam' that can capture and manipulate cells at distances of over a hundred times further away from the chip surface. This technology has the potential to revolutionize biologists and clinicians' ability to study DNA, classify cells, and investigate disease mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2024

Researchers observe hidden deformations in complex light fields

Researchers at Tampere University have observed hidden deformations in complex light fields for the first time. These deformations carry significant information about the object, such as its material properties. The study has implications for measuring material properties with structured waves and will inspire new optical technologies.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2024

Replica symmetry breaking in 1D Rayleigh scattering system: Theory and validations

Researchers investigate underlying mechanisms of photonic phase transitions in one-dimensional Rayleigh scattering systems, uncovering unique laws governing the phenomenon. They propose a model that reveals an analogy between temperature and disorder in magnetic spin glass phases, shedding light on universal phase transition mechanisms.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 26, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New method improves understanding of light-wave propagation in anisotropic materials

Researchers have developed a new technique to study anisotropic materials, capturing full complexity of light behavior in these materials. The method revealed detailed insights into how light scatters differently along various directions within materials, allowing retrieval of scattering tensor coefficients.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateSep 17, 2024

Super-precise spectrometer enabled by latent information carried by photons

Researchers at the University of Warsaw developed a quantum-inspired super-resolving spectrometer that uses latent information carried by photons to improve spectral resolution. The device offers over a two-fold improvement in resolution compared to standard approaches and has potential applications in optical and quantum networks.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalOptica·DateSep 12, 2024

Unique nanodisk pushing photonic research forward

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully combined nonlinear and high-index nanophotonics in a single nanoobject, creating a disk-like structure with unique optical properties. The discovery has great potential for developing efficient and compact nonlinear optical devices.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New neural framework enhances reconstruction of high-resolution images

A novel approach to overcome limitations of traditional methods, NeuPh uses local conditional neural fields to reconstruct high-resolution phase information from low-resolution measurements. It provides robust resolution enhancement and outperforms existing models in accuracy.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateSep 5, 2024

A new advancement in photonic chips set to unlock an industry

Researchers have developed a new engineering approach to on-chip light sources, enabling the widespread adoption of photonic chips in consumer electronics. The innovation involves growing high-quality multi-quantum well nanowires using a novel facet engineering approach, which enables precise control over the diameter and length of the...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

Innovative perovskite waveguides with edge lasing effect

Scientists have created perovskite crystals with predefined shapes to serve as waveguides, couplers, and modulators in integrated photonic circuits. The edge lasing effect is associated with exciton-polariton condensates, which exhibit nonlinear effects, enabling applications in quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 2024
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.

The mother of all motion sensors

Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories have successfully miniaturized a motion sensor using silicon photonic microchip components, achieving unprecedented accuracy and reducing size by a thousand times. This breakthrough enables precise navigation even in GPS-denied areas, posing significant national security risks.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 13, 2024

Glimpse into the nanoworld: microscope reveals tiniest cell processes

A new type of fluorescence microscope has been developed with a resolution better than five nanometres, enabling the capture of even the tiniest cell structures. This breakthrough allows researchers to visualize fine tubes in cells that are only around seven nanometres wide.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Tiny quantum sensor to make a big impact

Researchers developed a new 2D quantum sensing chip using hexagonal boron nitride that can simultaneously detect temperature anomalies and magnetic fields in any direction. The chip is significantly thinner than current quantum technology for magnetometry, enabling cheaper and more versatile sensors.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024
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.

Neuromorphic optical encryption to enhance information security

A groundbreaking approach inspired by bio-inspired neuromorphic imaging and speckle correlography has unveiled a revolutionary technique for optical image encryption. This method leverages computational neuromorphic imaging to encrypt images into event-stream ciphertexts, significantly enhancing security and complexity.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJul 24, 2024

Innovative photobiomodulation technique illuminates a new frontier in neurodegenerative disease treatment

A breakthrough near-infrared photobiomodulation technique has shown potential in suppressing neuroinflammation and promoting microglia cell proliferation. The study's findings suggest that LEDs with broadband NIR emission could offer a cost-effective, side-effect-free treatment option for millions suffering from neurodegenerative disea...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

A new tractor beam technology aims to minimize biopsy trauma

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a compact, high-efficiency metasurface-enabled solenoid beam that can draw particles toward it. The technology has the potential to reduce pain and trauma associated with current biopsy methods.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Breaking through silicon

The team achieves nanofabrication of nanostructures buried deep inside silicon wafers, enabling sub-wavelength and multi-dimensional control directly inside the material. The breakthrough opens up new possibilities for developing nano-scale systems with unique architectures.

SourceBilkent University Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2024

Microbeads with adaptable fluorescent colors from visible light to near-infrared

The team created microbeads that emit various colors of light depending on the illuminating light and bead size, offering a wide range of applications. The use of plant-derived materials allows for low-cost and energy-efficient synthesis, making them an attractive alternative to conventional luminescent devices.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Neural networks made of light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute propose a new method for implementing neural networks with optical systems, which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient alternatives. The approach allows for parallel computations in high speeds limited by the speed of light, and can be applied to various physically different systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024