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Breakthrough in single-photon integration

Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully integrated single-photon sources onto tiny chips at room temperature using a hybrid metal-dielectric bullseye antenna. This innovation enables efficient back-excitation and front coupling of emission to optical fibers or low numerical aperture optics, promising advanceme...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Decoding thermophotovoltaic efficiency

A new universal figure-of-merit for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices has been introduced to assess performance and balance power density and efficiency. This metric enables the classification of previously reported experimental results, providing a clear picture of TPV device overall performance.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateFeb 7, 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.

A physical qubit with built-in error correction

A team of researchers from the universities of Mainz, Olomouc, and Tokyo has successfully generated a logical qubit from a single light pulse that can correct errors. This breakthrough uses a photon-based approach to overcome the limitations of current quantum computing technology.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2024

How to make bright quantum dots even brighter

Perovskite quantum dots made brighter by surface treatment with phospholipids, enabling higher photon emission rates. Coherent coupling of exciton dipoles boosts superradiance, making the dots even brighter for quantum technologies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Lights, detector, action!

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel method for quantum infrared spectroscopy, generating a wider range of infrared photons with improved sensitivity. This breakthrough enables compact, high-performance scanners for various applications in environmental monitoring, medicine, and security.

SourceKyoto University·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 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.

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

Mass-producible miniature quantum memory

Scientists at the University of Basel developed a miniaturized quantum memory that can store photons in tiny glass cells. The innovation enables the mass production of quantum memories, paving the way for future quantum networks and secure communication.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Two atoms playing ping-pong

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a 'quantum ping-pong' where two atoms bounce a single photon back and forth. The team used a Maxwell fish-eye lens to achieve pinpoint accuracy, allowing the photons to be transferred from one atom to another with high efficiency.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 16, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New quantum optics technique sheds light on polariton interactions

A new quantum optics technique has been introduced to explore light-matter interactions in semiconductors. The technique, called photon-cascade correlation spectroscopy, uses spectral filtering and photon-correlation analysis to reveal interactions between semiconductor exciton-polaritons.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Rice’s Ashok Veeraraghavan wins Texas Academy’s O’Donnell Award

Ashok Veeraraghavan, a Rice University professor, has won the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Engineering from the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology. His research focuses on making invisible objects visible through imaging technology that tackles challenges beyond current technologies.

SourceRice University·DateJan 10, 2024

Status report on emerging photovoltaic technology published by SPIE Journal of Photonics for Energy

The report highlights key applications and pathways to commercialization for emerging PV technologies, including new materials and device concepts. It also discusses strategies to exceed current limits in solar PV energy conversion and challenges facing efforts to scale up globally.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 9, 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.

Boosting solar cell performance with a transparent spectral converter

A novel transparent spectral converter, GdPO4-GC:Eu3+/Pr3+, absorbs UV photons and re-emits them as visible light, increasing photovoltaic devices' conversion efficiency. This technology shields PCs from UV damage and enhances their sensitivity to UV photons.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 3, 2024

Images hidden in noise revealed by a quantum-inspired method

Researchers developed a novel phase imaging technique using intensity correlation measurements that is immune to phase instability. This method can capture high-resolution images of transparent and optically thin samples, such as cell cultures, with improved accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 2023

Bringing quantum computing to light

Researchers explore quantum optical technology to solve scalability and accuracy issues in quantum computing, aiming to develop new drugs faster and more efficiently. Photon-based systems offer a solution by reducing physical components, increasing opportunities for scaling and stability.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateDec 15, 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.

MIT researchers observe a hallmark quantum behavior in bouncing droplets

Researchers at MIT recreate a 'quantum bomb tester' using bouncing droplets, finding that the droplet's classical dynamics give rise to similar statistical behavior as predicted by quantum mechanics. The study bridges the gap between two realities, offering insight into quantum behavior from a local realist perspective.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review A·DateDec 12, 2023

UCF researcher discovers new technique for photon detection

A new technique for photon detection has been developed by UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, offering ultra-sensitive detection at room temperature. The method uses a phase-change material to modulate the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the way for low-cost, high-efficiency uncooled infrared detectors and imaging systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Autonomous lab discovers best-in-class quantum dot in hours; it would have taken humans years

Researchers at NC State University developed an autonomous system called SmartDope to synthesize 'best-in-class' materials for specific applications in hours or days. It uses a self-driving lab to manipulate variables, characterize optical properties, and update its understanding of the synthesis chemistry through machine learning.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Tracking down quantum flickering of the vacuum

A team from HZDR has developed proposals for an improved laser experiment designed to verify vacuum fluctuations, which could potentially provide clues to new laws in physics. The experiment involves manipulating the vacuum fluctuations with ultra-powerful laser flashes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review D·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023
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.

Atomic dance gives rise to a magnet

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform a rare-earth crystal into a magnet by using chirality in phonons. Chirality, or the twisting of atoms' motion, breaks time-reversal symmetry and aligns electron spins, creating a magnetic effect.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Optical-fiber based single-photon light source at room temperature for next-generation quantum processing

Scientists create a low-cost, room-temperature single-photon light source by doping optical fibers with ytterbium ions, paving the way for affordable quantum technologies. The innovation overcomes cooling system limitations, enabling applications in true random number generation, quantum communication and high-resolution image analysis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Sharper images: A breakthrough in microscopy resolution

A new deblurring algorithm has been developed to improve the resolution of microscopy images without amplifying noise. This breakthrough technique, called 'deblurring by pixel reassignment,' uses local gradients to sharpen images while preserving larger structures.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 31, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How quantum light sees quantum sound

Researchers at UEA have proposed a new method to investigate quantum-mechanical processes in molecules using quantum light. The study shows that phonon signatures can be detected in photon correlations, providing a toolbox for studying quantum sound interactions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

Precise control of photonic angular momentum

The development of a new photonic technique enables the precise control of photonic angular momentum, allowing for the efficient recognition and real-time control of total angular momentum modes. The technique, which involves the symmetrical cascading of two units, has been experimentally demonstrated to recognize up to 42 individual T...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 18, 2023

Miniaturized FSO breakthrough unlocks high-speed wireless communication anywhere

Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a miniaturized FSO system achieving an astonishing 9.16 Gbps bandwidth over 1 km link using readily available commercial fiber transceiver modules. The system enables automatic tracking and precision acquisition, eliminating the need for optical amplification.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 17, 2023

Absorption of light by molecules has applications in microscopy, medicine and data storage

A Brazilian physicist has developed an alternative method that reduces calculation time for simulating light absorption by molecules from two days to a few hours. This allows for high-resolution microscopy and the creation of precise 3D structures for data storage, with potential applications in medicinal treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 11, 2023

Micro/nanoscale 4D printing revolution: Manufacturing high-resolution transformable 3D structures

Researchers introduce a game-changing technology that enables fabrication of high-resolution, transformable 3D structures at the micro/nanoscale using Two-photon polymerization-based (TTP-based) 4D printing. The technology has vast potential for applications in biomedicine, flexible electronics, soft robotics, and aerospace.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 9, 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 clues to the nature of elusive dark matter

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have uncovered new clues in the quest for understanding dark matter, a mysterious substance making up 84% of the universe's mass. The study suggests that the dark photon hypothesis is preferred over the standard model hypothesis, providing evidence for a potential particle discovery.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateSep 18, 2023

New insights into neutrino interactions

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered that elusive neutrinos can interact with photons in ways not previously detected under extreme conditions. This finding has implications for understanding quantum mechanical interactions of fundamental particles and may help reveal details of the solar corona heating puzzle.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPhysics Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 10, 2023
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.

Illuminating new horizons: Navigating nonlinear scattering with precision

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a new scattering matrix method that can sculpt light output with minimal optimization time. The method offers unparalleled nonlinear scattered light control, enabling high-resolution scanning microscopy and particle trapping through dense, scattering media.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 31, 2023

New quantum device generates single photons and encodes information

A new approach to quantum light emitters generates circularly polarized single photons, a crucial step towards quantum cryptography and information processing. The innovation uses a proximity-effect approach to produce low-cost fabrication and reliability.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 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.

New technique measures structured light in a single shot

Researchers have developed a new measurement technique that uses the Kramers-Kronig relation to untangle complex helical light patterns from camera intensity measurements. This allows for single-shot retrieval of orbital angular momentum spectrum information, accelerating and simplifying the process compared to conventional on-axis int...

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

Enhanced light absorption in thin silicon photodetectors with photon-trapping structures

A new approach boosts light absorption in thin silicon photodetectors with photon-trapping structures, increasing the absorption efficiency over a wide band in the NIR spectrum. The findings demonstrate a promising strategy to enhance the performance of Si-based photodetectors for emerging photonics applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJul 26, 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.

3D glasses for topological materials

Scientists have successfully visualized the topology of electrons in topological quantum materials using '3D glasses,' a technique that uses circularly polarized X-ray light. This breakthrough enables the characterization of quantum materials topologically, paving the way for energy-saving electronics and high-tech advancements.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Highly directional single-photon source

Researchers have developed a novel approach to generate highly directional single photons using a quantum emitter in a one-dimensional waveguide. This design improves extraction efficiency and reduces emission time uncertainty by exploiting the Purcell effect, offering a promising solution for quantum technologies.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNanophotonics·DateJul 12, 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.

Zeus also plays billiards

A research group led by Kyoto University collected data on gamma-ray glows from thunderstorms, which may help explain the origins of lightning. The team proposes that high-energy particles from space could trigger lightning discharges.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2023

Finding the flux of quantum technology

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a way to efficiently separate and harness individual photons, a critical component in quantum photonics. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly increase the speed of quantum technology applications.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNanophotonics·DateJul 5, 2023

Direct photons point to positive gluon polarization

A new publication by the PHENIX Collaboration at RHIC's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider provides definitive evidence that gluon spins are aligned in the same direction as the spin of the proton they're in. This result, known as the 'golden measurement,' allows theorists to calculate how much gluons contribute to a proton's spin.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 21, 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.

Photosynthesis, key to life on Earth, starts with a single photon

A cutting-edge experiment has revealed the quantum dynamics of photosynthesis, starting with a single photon. The discovery solidifies current understanding and will help answer questions about how life works at the smallest scales. By studying individual photons, scientists can build artificial systems that generate renewable fuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2023

Solar cells can, finally, stand the heat

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new approach to understanding photovoltaic device performance under varying temperatures. Their findings suggest that thermoradiative and thermophotonic cells can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity even at high temperatures.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2023

Previously unknown material could revolutionize cancer treatment

A new composite material made of ultra-tiny silicon nanoparticles and an organic element can convert lower-energy light into higher-energy light, enabling the formation of free radicals to attack cancer tissue. The material has potential applications in boosting solar panel efficiency and improving bioimaging technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2023

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
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.

Absolute vs. relative efficiency: How efficient are blue LEDs, actually?

Researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that the absolute internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of InGaN-based blue LEDs can be as low as 27.5%, drastically lower than the standard assumption. The study's results suggest a new approach to measuring IQE, providing a more accurate picture of LED performance.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 26, 2023

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

Quantum matter breakthrough: Tuning density waves

Researchers have made a quantum matter breakthrough by tuning density waves in a unitary Fermi gas, creating a new type of matter with extreme interactions. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of complex materials and potentially improve the development of quantum-based technologies.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2023
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.

Boost for the quantum internet

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have created a fully functioning quantum repeater node, enabling entanglement creation and swapping over 50 kilometers. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of connecting distant cities through secure, high-performance quantum communication networks.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2023

Breakthrough in computer chip energy efficiency could cut data center electricity use

Researchers at Oregon State University and Baylor University have made a breakthrough in reducing the energy consumption of photonic chips used in data centers and supercomputers. By using a new, ultra-energy-efficient method to compensate for temperature variations, they were able to reduce energy needs by over 1 million times.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2023