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A chip-scale Titanium-sapphire laser

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a chip-scale Titanium-sapphire laser, four orders of magnitude smaller and three orders less expensive than traditional lasers. This breakthrough enables mass production on wafers, potentially thousands of lasers per disc, democratizing access to these powerful tools.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJun 26, 2024
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.

Researchers achieve practical 3D tracking at record-breaking speeds

Researchers have developed a new 3D method for fast-moving object tracking at unprecedented speeds, with potential applications in autonomous driving, industrial inspection and security surveillance. The approach uses single-pixel imaging to calculate the object's position in real-time, reducing data storage and computational costs.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 20, 2024

Unleashing the power of metamaterials to improve MRI imaging

Researchers developed metamaterials-enhanced MRI technology using coaxial cables to boost signal-to-noise ratio. The innovative coils address patient discomfort and cost by providing adaptable, form-fitting designs for various anatomical sites.

SourceBoston University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 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.

Researchers demonstrate the first chip-based 3D printer

The researchers developed a single millimeter-scale photonic chip that emits reconfigurable beams of light into a well of resin, curing into a solid shape when exposed to the beam's wavelength. Shapes can be fully formed in a matter of seconds using this chip-based 3D printer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 10, 2024

Researchers demonstrate new way to ‘squeeze’ infrared light

Researchers demonstrate a new way to confine infrared light using thin-film oxide membranes, which outperform bulk crystals in resolution and frequency maintenance. The technique has potential applications in photonics, sensors, and thermal management.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 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.

Miniaturizing a laser on a photonic chip

Researchers developed a chip-scale erbium-doped waveguide laser that approaches fiber-based laser performance, featuring wide wavelength tunability and stable output. The breakthrough enables low-cost, portable systems for various applications including telecommunications, medical diagnostics, and consumer electronics.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 10, 2024

Breaking data transmission barriers: Innovations in data center interconnects

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking solution to overcome DAC challenges, achieving record-breaking data transmission performance. The innovative approach enables the transmission of signals at rates exceeding 124 GBd PAM-4/6 and 112 GBd PAM-8 over long distances using low-cost digital-to-analog converters.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJun 6, 2024

New all-optical approach to revolutionize night vision technology

Researchers at TMOS have developed a new infrared filter thinner than cling wrap, which can be integrated into everyday eyewear, allowing users to view both visible and infrared light spectra. This breakthrough miniaturizes night vision technology, opening up new applications in safety, surveillance, and biology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Sorting complex light beams: A breakthrough in optical physics

A groundbreaking study introduces a method for sorting vector structured beams with spin-multiplexed diffractive metasurfaces, promising significant advancements in optical communication and quantum computing. This technology enables precise control over complex light beams, opening new avenues for scientific exploration.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 31, 2024
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.

Streamlined microcomb design provides control with the flip of a switch

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new microcomb laser design that provides low power efficiency, high tunability, and easy operation. The simplified approach enables direct control over the comb with a single switch, opening up potential applications in telecommunications systems, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2024

Quantum photonic technologies set to be more reliable with new interferometer.

Researchers have developed a new device that can determine photon pair properties in a single shot, improving precision and accuracy in quantum technologies. The metasurface-enabled multiport interferometer reduces size, weight, and power while increasing reliability.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024
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.

Scientists develop an affordable sensor for lead contamination

A new, affordable sensor technology can detect lead concentrations as low as one part per billion, making it a significant step forward in addressing global health issues. The handheld device can be used for on-site monitoring and requires only a droplet of water.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2024

Speedy, secure, sustainable — that's the future of telecom

A new device uses small amounts of light to process information, offering significant energy improvements over conventional optical switches. This technology could enable quantum communications, providing a promising alternative for data security against rising cyberattacks.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 14, 2024

A new, low-cost, high-efficiency photonic integrated circuit

A new, low-cost, high-efficiency photonic integrated circuit has been developed using lithium tantalate technology. The breakthrough platform offers scalable and cost-effective manufacturing of advanced electro-optical PICs, paving the way for volume manufacturing.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Beat the heat with radiative cooling

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a novel approach to manage waste heat in microcircuits by adding a tiny coating of silicon dioxide. This increases the rate of heat dissipation, allowing for faster cooling and potentially leading to smaller and cheaper electronic devices.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2024

Unveiling a polarized world – in a single shot

Scientists at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a compact, single-shot polarization imaging system that can provide a complete picture of polarization. The system uses two thin metasurfaces to capture the most complete polarization response of an object in real-time.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 2, 2024

Airborne single-photon lidar system achieves high-resolution 3D imaging

Researchers have developed a compact and lightweight single-photon airborne lidar system that can acquire high-resolution 3D images with a low-power laser. The system uses single-photon detection techniques to measure time-of-flight, enabling highly accurate 3D mapping of terrain and objects even in challenging environments.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateApr 25, 2024

Making light ‘feel’ a magnetic field like an electron would

Researchers at Penn State have made light effectively experience a magnetic field within a photonic crystal structure. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient lasers and other photonic technologies by increasing the interaction between light and matter.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 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.

Photonic computation with sound waves

A research team has successfully created a new dimension in photonic machine learning by incorporating sound waves, enabling the creation of reconfigurable neuromorphic building blocks. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize computing tasks by providing high-speed and large-capacity solutions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

A chip unique in the world

Researchers at UPV and iPRONICS have developed a groundbreaking photonic chip that can implement twelve basic functionalities required by various systems. This chip allows on-demand programming and interconnecting wireless and photonic segments of communication networks, increasing efficiency and reducing bottlenecks.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 15, 2024

Enhancing radiative cooling with aperture mirror structures

Researchers demonstrate how a simple mirror design can amplify radiative cooling processes for buildings. The mirror structure effectively guides thermal radiation towards the most transmissive portion of the atmosphere, increasing cooling power.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateApr 10, 2024

High-brightness green InP-based QLEDs enabled by in-situ passivating core surface with zinc myristate

Researchers have developed a method to improve the optoelectronic properties of InP-based QDs, resulting in high-brightness green InP-based QLEDs. The new synthesis strategy uses zinc myristate to protect the core surface from oxidation, leading to improved quantum yields and luminescence performance.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024
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.

Focusing ultra-intense lasers to a single wavelength

Researchers have developed a technique to focus ultra-intense ultrashort lasers onto a single wavelength using rotational hyperbolic mirrors. This breakthrough enables the highest intensity condition for ultra-intense ultrashort lasers, revolutionizing strong-field laser physics applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2024

Researchers use smartphone screen to create 3D layered holographic images

A new approach uses a smartphone screen to create full-color 3D holographic images by leveraging computer-generated holography (CGH) and an optical component called a spatial light modulator. The method has the potential to enhance near-eye displays in virtual reality headsets, creating more realistic and interactive user experiences.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 2, 2024

Photonic feature extractor for broadband radio-frequency signals

A team of scientists developed a photonic scheme to extract key features from broadband RF signals, reducing data rate by 4 times while maintaining high target recognition accuracy. The system achieves 97.5% accuracy and outperforms one-dimensional feature extraction.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateApr 2, 2024

Rice research shows promise for advancing quantum networks

Rice University engineers have demonstrated a way to control the optical properties of T centers, paving the way toward leveraging these point defects for building quantum nodes. By embedding a T center in a photonic integrated circuit, they increased the collection efficiency for single photon emission by two orders of magnitude.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 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.

Pixelated non-volatile programmable photonic integrated circuits

The researchers achieved 20-level intermediate states of phase change materials using a micron-scale laser writing system. This allows for the demonstration of ultra-high flexibility in phase modulation and potential applications in neuromorphic photonics, optical computing, and reconfigurable metasurfaces.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 21, 2024

Synthetic dimension dynamics to manipulate light

Scientists have developed a new method to manipulate light using synthetic dimension dynamics, enabling precise control over light propagation and confinement. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications such as mode lasing, quantum optics, and data transmission.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 19, 2024

Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor.

Researchers have developed a miniaturized optical sensor that can detect glucose levels in human blood plasma with comparable sensitivity to laboratory-based sensors. The device operates wirelessly using a coin battery and has demonstrated its viability in detecting glucose levels between 50-400mg/dL.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Sensor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 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.

Lighting the way to noninvasive blood glucose monitoring using portable devices

A novel approach estimates metabolic activity and infers blood glucose levels from near-infrared measurements in commercial smartphones and smartwatches. The phase delay between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals closely relates to oxygen consumption during cardiac cycles, serving as a gauge for metabolism.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMar 8, 2024

Optically trapped quantum droplets of light can bind together to form macroscopic complexes

Scientists from CNR Nanotec and the University of Warsaw created a new method to simulate interactions between artificial atoms by forming macroscopic coherent states. They used optically tailored quantum droplets of light that became bound together, enabling stable and long-lived polariton fluids with unprecedented coherence scales.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 7, 2024

Scientists at uOttawa reveal how light behaves in formless solids

Researchers at uOttawa have found that amorphous solids selectively absorb light of different polarizations, contradicting prior beliefs. The study reveals the importance of short-to-medium range order within disordered solids in influencing how materials react to light.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateFeb 29, 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.

Encoding computers of the future

Researchers have created a computer using an array of VCSELs that leverages optical feedback to efficiently solve complex optimization problems. The system encodes information in linear polarization states, minimizing interactions between variables and overcoming the von Neumann bottleneck.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

Short X-ray pulses reveal the source of light-induced ferroelectricity in SrTiO3

A team of researchers has identified the intrinsic interactions responsible for light-induced ferroelectricity in SrTiO3. By measuring fluctuations in atomic positions, they found that mid-infrared excitation suppresses certain lattice vibrations, leading to a more ordered dipolar structure.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2024

Photonics-based wireless link breaks speed records for data transmission

Researchers from Osaka University and IMRA AMERICA have developed a photonics-based wireless link that breaks speed records for data transmission. The system achieved a single-channel transmission rate of 240 gigabits per second using ultra-low phase noise, paving the way for near-instantaneous global communication.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

How does light propagate in integrated circuits on chips?

Photonic integrated circuits use photons instead of electrons for calculations, enabling improved performance and cost-effectiveness. A new study maps the internal light motion without damaging the chip, paving the way for applications in communication, imaging, and quantum computing.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Cells respond quickly to small light-induced micro-environment movements

Researchers studied how epithelial cells sense small changes in their environment using ion channels. They found that even small movements can trigger rapid intracellular calcium changes via mechanosensitive cation channels, which play a key role in touch sensation and other physiological functions.

SourceTampere University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 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.

Innovative design marks groundbreaking progress in terahertz technology

Researchers developed a carbon-based tunable metasurface absorber with an ultrawide, tunable bandwidth in the THz range. The absorber boasts high absorption efficiency and insensitivity to polarization angles, paving the way for advanced technological applications.

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

Holography breakthrough with OAML multiplexing

A new technique using optical orbital angular momentum lattice (OAML) multiplexed holography boosts information storage capacity and offers novel approaches for implementing high-capacity holographic systems. The research unlocks supplementary encrypted dimensions, enhancing storage capacity and overcoming limitations of traditional me...

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

Real-time photonic processor for dynamic RF interference with picosecond latency

A new system-on-chip employs silicon photonics to process broadband information, reducing latency through direct analogue processing. The device successfully tested in two dynamic interference scenarios, demonstrating error-free operation and maintaining signal-to-noise ratios over 15 dB.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 16, 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.

Water as a nonlinear medium for ultrabroadband white laser

Researchers use water as a nonlinear medium to create a supercontinuum white laser covering an impressive spectral range from UV to far infrared. The resulting ultrabroadband source has potential in ultrafast spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and scientific research.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 16, 2024

Bridging light and electrons

Researchers at EPFL and Max Planck Institute have successfully bridged the gap between light and electrons using a transmission electron microscope. They achieved this by generating dissipative Kerr solitons that interact with free electrons, allowing for ultrafast modulation of electron beams.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 2024

Glass packaging with a mix of thermoelectric in the vias

Researchers have developed a thermal management technique for photonic packages using glass substrates and thermoelectric vias, enabling precise temperature control. The technology, termed SimTEC, combines through glass vias partially filled with copper and thermoelectric materials to reduce thermal resistance between chips.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateJan 10, 2024

Breaking the 10-petawatt limit with a new laser amplification

Researchers have developed a method to coherently tile multiple titanium:sapphire crystals together, breaking through the current 10-petawatt limit. This technology enables ultra-intense ultrashort lasers with high conversion efficiencies, stable energies, and broadband spectra.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 4, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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