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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.

CityU awarded invention: Soft, ultrathin photonic material cools down wearable electronic devices

A research team at CityU developed a multifunctional composite polymer coating with both radiative and non-radiative cooling capacity, enhancing heat dissipation in wearable electronics. The cooling interface achieved temperature drops of over 56°C, improving the performance of skin electronic devices.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Fiber optic smart pants offer a low-cost way to monitor movements

New smart pants based on fiber optic sensors can track various types of physical activities in the clinic or at home, detecting signs of distress. The sensing approach achieved 100% accuracy in classifying activities and has several advantages, including low-cost and reliability.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJun 27, 2023

Move over diamond. hBN is quantum’s new best friend.

Researchers have developed a method to stabilize the –1 state of boron vacancy defects in hBN, enabling it to replace diamond as a material for quantum sensing and quantum information processing. The team discovered unique properties of hBN and characterized its material, opening up new avenues for study.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Researchers make major strides toward an all-purpose biosensor chip

The researchers have demonstrated significant improvements for chip-based sensing devices that can detect or analyze substances across widely varying concentrations. They developed signal-processing techniques that enable seamless fluorescence detection of a mixture of nanobeads in concentrations across eight orders of magnitude.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 22, 2023

Photonic integration: Transforming the future of chip-scale applications

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking photonic integrated circuit chip that combines light source, modulator, photodiode, waveguide, and Y-branch splitter on a single substrate. The GaN-on-silicon platform reduces fabrication complexity and cost, enabling compact and high-performing devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJun 21, 2023
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.

New microcomb device advances photonic technology

A new microcomb device developed by researchers at the University of Rochester offers a promising approach to generating stable microwave signals. The device's high-speed tunability enables applications in wireless communication, imaging, atomic clocks, and more.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2023

Spectropolarimetric imaging: A magical way to get multidimensional information

Researchers developed a new spectropolarimetric imaging technique called DIP-SP, which integrates a passive polarization modulator into an imaging spectrometer. This approach enables high-dimensional information capture from incomplete measurements and significantly improves image quality.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJun 12, 2023

Researchers demonstrate noise-free communication with structured light

Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand have outlined a new optical communication protocol that exploits spatial patterns of light for multi-dimensional encoding without recognizing them. This approach results in over 50 vectorial patterns of light being sent virtually noise-free across a turbulent atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateJun 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NEHO: developing an artificial neuron based on semiconductor technology

The NEHO project aims to create ultrafast and energy-efficient information processing systems using photonics and semiconductor technology. By leveraging nonlinear photon-plasmon interactions, researchers hope to revolutionize information processing with faster, more efficient, and flexible technologies.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

World’s first demonstration of terahertz signal transparent relay and switching

Researchers developed a system to transmit high-capacity terahertz-wave signals to different locations using direct terahertz-optical conversion and fiber-wireless technology, achieving 32 Gb/s capacity. The system overcomes radio communications limitations in the terahertz band, expanding communication coverage.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Shining a light on neuromorphic computing

Optical memristors have the potential to transform high-bandwidth neuromorphic computing, machine learning hardware, and artificial intelligence. However, scalability is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed to unlock their full potential.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 5, 2023

USTC realizes cryogenic integrated quantum entangled light source

Researchers at USTC successfully generated cryogenic integrated quantum entangled light sources using spontaneous four-wave mixing effect, enabling scalable quantum information applications. The study also explored noise mitigation and frequency-multiplexed energy-time entangled states.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalOptica·DateJun 2, 2023
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.

A liquid laser that is robust under air and tunable by wind

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a liquid droplet-based laser that remains stable under ambient conditions and can be tuned using gas convection. The development enables the creation of flexible optical communication devices with potential applications in airflow detectors and fiber-optics communications.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateJun 1, 2023

Technology advance lays groundwork for OCT eye imaging at home

Researchers have developed a custom OCT setup that incorporates a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) diode, which could increase access to OCT imaging and help catch eye problems early. The system performed well in imaging the eye of a healthy volunteer and showed potential for use in biometric eye scanner systems.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 1, 2023

Spinning into the future

Researchers have developed a new method for designing metasurfaces using photonic Dirac waveguides, enabling the creation of binary spin-like structures of light. This advances the field of meta-optics and opens opportunities for integrated quantum photonics and data storage systems.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023
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.

Researchers at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Warsaw have created a new, highly efficient converter of quantum information carriers

A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Warsaw's Faculty of Physics allows for up to a 200-fold change in pulse duration with an efficiency of 25 percent. This enables quantum Internet links to operate up to 50 times faster, contributing to the development of superfast quantum connections.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 25, 2023

Multifunctional interface enables manipulation of light waves in free space

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a multifunctional interface between photonic integrated circuits and free space, allowing for simultaneous manipulation of multiple light beams. The device operates with high accuracy and reliability, enabling applications in quantum computing, sensing, imaging, energy, and more.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 24, 2023

Researchers develop flexible sweat sensor based on photonic cellulose nanocrystal

A sustainable, insoluble, and chiral photonic cellulose nanocrystal patch enables calcium ion (Ca2+) sensing in sweat. The researchers developed a simple method to fabricate CNC-based hydrogels, which exhibit freeze resistance, strong adhesion, good biocompatibility, and high sensitivity to Ca2+.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalSmall·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 8, 2023
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.

Researchers detect and classify multiple objects without images

A new technique called image-free single-pixel object detection (SPOD) can detect the location, size, and category of multiple objects without acquiring images. SPOD uses a small optimized structured light pattern to quickly scan the scene and extract features, achieving an accuracy of over 80%.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 3, 2023

Neural networks on photonic chips: harnessing light for ultra-fast and low-power artificial intelligence

Researchers have developed photonic neural networks that can achieve precision comparable to conventional neural networks but with considerable energy savings. The devices use a programmable grid of silicon interferometers to perform calculations in under 0.1 nanoseconds, paving the way for faster and more efficient AI applications.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2023

Lithography-free photonic chip offers speed and accuracy for artificial intelligence

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have created a photonic device that provides programmable on-chip information processing without lithography. This breakthrough enables superior accuracy and flexibility for AI applications, overcoming limitations of traditional electronic systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 1, 2023

Solving computationally complex problems with probabilistic computing

Researchers demonstrate probabilistic computing's capabilities by simulating networks of stochastic nanodevices to solve specific NP problems. The simulations agree with theoretical solutions, indicating the potential for scaling up this approach.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateApr 28, 2023
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.

Generation of color-tunable high-performance LG laser beams via Janus OPO

A team from Nanjing University and Sun Yat-Sen University developed a two-facing Janus OPO scheme for generating high-efficiency, high-purity broadband LG modes with tunable topological charge. The output LG mode has a tunable wavelength between 1.5 μm and 1.6 μm, with a conversion efficiency above 15 percent.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateApr 24, 2023

Time-varying orbital angular momentum generated by a metasurface

Researchers from HKUST and CityU developed a metasurface to generate time-varying OAM beams with a time-dependent phase profile. This allows for a higher-order twist in the envelope wavefront structure, increasing capacity for applications such as dynamic particle trapping and information encryption.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 19, 2023

New passive device continuously generates electricity during the day or night

Researchers developed a new thermoelectric generator that can generate electricity using heat from the sun and radiative element, providing reliable power source for outdoor sensors and wearable electronics. The device works continuously during day or night and in cloudy conditions, addressing constraints of traditional power sources.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 18, 2023
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.

On-chip generation of Bessel-Gaussian beam for long-range sensing

A team of scientists has proposed a new structure based on silicon photonic grating arrays to generate Bessel Gaussian beams with long propagation distances, measured up to 10.24m. The compact device enables widespread applications in optical communication and micro-manipulation.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateApr 17, 2023

When electrons dress up in light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that exciting electrons with strong light leads to exotic quantum effects, enabling new functions on demand. The team made an unforeseen discovery: Floquet bands form after a single optical cycle, paving the way for ultrafast electronics and tailored quantum functions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers devise new membrane mirrors for large space-based telescopes

Researchers have developed a new way to produce and shape large, high-quality mirrors that can be rolled up during launch and then precisely reshaped after deployment. The resulting mirrors are flexible enough to be used in space telescopes, enabling larger and more sensitive telescopes to be placed in orbit.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 4, 2023

Light meets deep learning: computing fast enough for next-gen AI

Researchers developed a novel design for the chip using a crossbar layout, outperforming state-of-the-art photonic counterparts in terms of scalability and technical versatility. The synergy of powerful photonics with the novel crossbar architecture enables next generation neuromorphic computing engines.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 22, 2023
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.

Scientists open door to manipulating ‘quantum light’

Researchers at the University of Sydney and the University of Basel have demonstrated the ability to manipulate and identify small numbers of interacting photons with high correlation. This achievement represents a significant step towards advancing medical imaging and quantum computing technologies.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

CityU scientists develop energy-saving, tunable meta-devices for high-precision, secure 6G communications

A research team at City University of Hong Kong invented a tunable terahertz meta-device that can control the radiation direction and coverage area of THz beams. The device allows for signal delivery to specific users or detectors and has flexibility to adjust the propagating direction, as needed.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023

Self-driven laboratory, AlphaFlow, speeds chemical discovery

Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

Casting light on counterfeit products through nano-optical technology

Researchers developed a novel 3D printed nano optical security label with 33 possible combinations, utilizing higher dimensional structured light and incoherent white light illumination. This technology has the potential to revolutionize anti-counterfeiting methods and provide a powerful platform for advanced information security.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 14, 2023
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.

SF State research closes in on next-generation atom-thick photonic devices

The SF State team has created a broadband nanoscale photodetector using bismuth-MoS2 materials, showing improved sensitivity in the UV range and responsiveness over a wide wavelength range. The device is also fast, working at around 10 kilohertz and potentially scalable to megahertz or gigahertz speeds.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·DateMar 10, 2023

Hotter than infinity – light pulses can behave like an exotic gas

Researchers at the Universities of Jena and Central Florida have created a photon gas that exhibits behavior similar to a conventional gas, with particles moving at different speeds but maintaining a mean velocity defined by temperature. This phenomenon, known as negative temperature, can be cooled or heated, allowing for the creation ...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

High-speed super-resolution microscopy via temporal compression

Researchers developed temporal compressive super-resolution microscopy (TCSRM) to overcome optical diffraction's spatial resolution restriction. TCSRM achieves high-speed imaging at 1200 frames per second with a spatial resolution of 100 nanometers, enabling observation of fast dynamics in fine structures.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 10, 2023

Unwinding the world’s smallest biological rotary motor by degrees

Scientists studied F1-ATPase function in bacteria to clarify the angle of rotation during ATP hydrolysis. The study revealed three sets of short and long dwells associated with different intervals per revolution, resolving a long-term debate over the ATP-cleavage shaft angle.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

CityU scholars unify color systems using prime numbers

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a unified colour system based on prime numbers, called C<sub>235</sub>, which can represent various colours more efficiently than existing systems like RGB and CMYK. The new colour system has potential applications in designing energy-saving LCD systems and colourizing DNA codons.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023

Scientists push the boundaries of manipulating light at the submicroscopic level

Researchers at the University of Southampton have demonstrated that a beam of light can be confined to an area 50 times smaller than its own wavelength and even move it at the point of confinement. This breakthrough could lead to advanced manipulation techniques for nanoparticles, biological particles, and microscopic sensors.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023

Let there be (controlled) light

Researchers at HZDR demonstrate the creation of controlled single-photon emitters in silicon, enabling mass production of photonic qubits for quantum computing. The breakthrough paves the way for industrial-scale photonic quantum processor production.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023
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.

A new way for quantum computing systems to keep their cool

Researchers developed a wireless communication system that enables quantum computers to send and receive data using high-speed terahertz waves, reducing power consumption and error-causing heat. The system uses a transceiver chip and tiny mirrors to transmit data wirelessly, making it suitable for large-scale quantum systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 21, 2023

Two-beam ultrafast laser scribing of ultrafine graphene patterns

Scientists develop two-beam ultrafast laser scribing technology to fabricate ultrafine graphene patterns with sub-diffraction feature size. The technique overcomes the diffraction limit barrier, allowing for precise control over patterned structures.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Toward practical quantum optics: multiphoton qubits from LNOI

Researchers from Nanjing University have proposed the first scheme to practically generate N-photon states deterministically using a lithium-niobate-on-insulator platform. The scheme involves deterministic parametric down-conversion and demonstrates feasibility for generating multiphoton qubit states.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateFeb 8, 2023

Aston University researchers discover more accurate way of checking blood flow in type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers at Aston University have discovered a new approach to process LDF light signals, allowing for more precise measurement of blood flow in specific areas of the vascular bed. This innovation has shown significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy for detecting microvascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes and age-spe...

SourceAston University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2023
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.

Distortion-free structured light

Scientists develop eigenmodes of structured light that remain undistorted even in turbulent channels, enabling robust transmission through noisy media. This breakthrough paves the way for future work in quantum light communication and imaging through complex systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 7, 2023

Technology development could bring Raman microscopy to the clinic

Researchers developed high-throughput Raman microscope for rapid large-area imaging hundreds of times faster than traditional approach. The new technique enables label-free molecular analysis and multiplex chemical imaging, holding promise for efficient medical diagnoses and drug development.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 7, 2023

Deep learning for quantum sensing

A team of researchers developed a model-free approach using deep reinforcement learning to optimize estimation of multiple parameters in quantum sensors. The protocol achieved significantly better estimations compared to nonadaptive strategies, demonstrating enhanced performance in resource-limited regimes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 7, 2023