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Hot nanoparticles for cancer treatments

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed hot nanoparticles that can kill tumour tissue with heat by absorbing near-infrared light. The particles are coated with a silicon dioxide layer and aggregate in a way that allows them to absorb light and generate heat.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 24, 2014

Squeezing light into metals

University of Utah engineers create microscopic structures that use light in metals to carry information, controlling electrical conductivity with an inexpensive inkjet printer. The technique could lead to rapid fabrication of superfast components and faster wireless technology.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMar 7, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nanoplasmonics: Towards efficient light harvesting

Transformation optics tackles challenges in plasmonic devices by transforming complex structures into canonical ones, facilitating accurate modeling and design. This enables the development of efficient light-harvesting nanostructures with strong near-field enhancements.

SourceScience China Press·DateJan 6, 2014

Plasmonic crystal alters to match light-frequency source

A Sandia-led team has created a tunable plasmonic crystal that can transmit terahertz light at varying frequencies, increasing bandwidth in high-speed communication networks. The crystal's ability to direct light like a photonic crystal, combined with its sub-wavelength size, hybridizes the two concepts.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 29, 2013

New Moore Foundation grant advances ASU microscopy imaging research initiative

Arizona State University researchers have received a $1.6 million grant to develop advanced microscopy methods that can capture molecular-scale phenomena in living systems. The technique, called plasmonic resonance, allows for the imaging of proteins and other molecules within cells with enhanced contrast and temporal resolution.

SourceArizona State University·DateAug 6, 2013

Lawrence Livermore engineering team makes breakthrough in solar energy research

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have made a significant breakthrough in solar energy research by experimenting with plasmonic black metals. These nanostructured metals can trap light and increase solar absorption, paving the way for more efficient photovoltaic cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 30, 2013
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.

New nanoscale imaging method finds application in plasmonics

The new technique, PTIR, allows precise measurement of plasmonic nanomaterials at the nanoscale without affecting their function. Researchers can image hot spots and dark modes in plasmonic resonators with high spatial resolution.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 16, 2013

Tiny nanocubes help scientists tell left from right

Scientists have developed a new method to discern molecular handedness using tiny nanocubes, which could improve drug development and optical sensors. The approach amplifies the difference in response to light between left- and right-handed molecules.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 27, 2013

WUSTL engineer to develop new biosensors with NSF Career Award

Srikanth Singamaneni aims to create novel biosensors using self-assembled metal nanoparticles with artificial antibodies, improving specificity and sensitivity. He also plans to educate high-school science teachers and develop a nanotechnology kit for students.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJun 3, 2013
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.

U. of Illinois researchers measure near-field behavior of semiconductor plasmonic microparticles

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to measure nanometer-scale infrared absorption in semiconductor plasmonic microparticles. This allows for direct observation of plasmonic behavior within microparticle infrared antennas, enabling confirmation of theoretical models and design parameters.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 22, 2013

The world's most sensitive plasmon resonance sensor inspired by ancient Roman cup

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a novel, ultra-sensitive tool for chemical, DNA, and protein analysis using nanoscale Lycurgus cup arrays. The sensor boasts 100 times better sensitivity than existing devices, enabling low-cost, simple, and sensitive detection methods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateFeb 14, 2013

Multitasking plasmonic nanobubbles kill some cells, modify others

Researchers at Rice University have developed a way to selectively kill some diseased cells while treating others in the same sample using tunable plasmonic nanobubbles. The process activates with a pulse of laser light and leaves neighboring healthy cells untouched.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 3, 2012
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.

Light might prompt graphene devices on demand

Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in doping graphene with light, allowing for the creation of simple, graphene-based diodes and transistors on demand. The discovery uses plasmonics to manipulate light and inject electrons into the material, enabling novel security and cryptography devices.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 10, 2012

Newly demonstrated capabilities of low-powered nanotweezers may benefit cellular-level studies

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for manipulating nanoparticles using low-power optical nanotweezers. The method, which operates at average power levels 100x lower than standard laser pointers, enables precise trapping and probing of fragile biological samples.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 17, 2012

Researchers measure photonic interactions at the atomic level

Duke University researchers have characterized metal's ability in devices that enhance light by measuring unique properties of light on a single atom scale. The findings provide a roadmap for precisely controlling light scattering, enabling the development of medical sensors and integrated photonic communications components.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012
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.

Plasmonic chains act like polymers

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that plasmonic chains exhibit properties similar to polymers, with the arrangement of nanoparticles influencing their optical behavior. The study found that the addition of nanoparticles along the chain can alter the energy of super-radiant modes and affect the interaction between particles.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 12, 2012

Golden potential for gold thin films

Researchers at Berkeley Lab directed the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles into device-ready materials using a simple and inexpensive technique. The method has potential applications in computer memory storage, energy harvesting, remote-sensing, catalysis, light management, and plasmonics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 27, 2012

Researchers discover a new path for light through metal

Researchers have found a promising candidate for plasmonic materials in titanium nitride, enabling the transportation of plasmons and directing optical signals on the nanoscale. This discovery could lead to faster and more efficient optoelectronic devices with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateMar 27, 2012

A shiny new tool for imaging biomolecules

Researchers embed artificial membranes with billions of nanoantennas to study cell signaling patterns and molecular interactions. The technique boosts fluorescent signals, enabling tracing of individual proteins and enhancing biomolecule imaging.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 23, 2012

Scientists create first free-standing 3-D cloak

Researchers in the US have successfully cloaked a three-dimensional object standing in free space using a method known as plasmonic cloaking. The technique uses ordinary materials to bend light around objects, cancelling out scattering and rendering them invisible at all angles of observation.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

On the road to plasmonics with silver polyhedral nanocrystals

Researchers have discovered a way to self-assemble uniform polyhedral silver nanocrystals into densest packings and exotic superlattices, opening the door to simpler fabrication of plasmonic materials. The technique uses gravity-driven sedimentation and allows for precise control over superlattice dimensions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 22, 2011

Optical Materials Express focus issue: Nanoplasmonics and metamaterials

The journal Optical Materials Express has published a special Focus Issue on Nanoplasmonics and Metamaterials, highlighting recent advances in nano-optics. Researchers have successfully developed new optical materials and nanofabrication techniques to control light fields beyond the diffraction limit.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateSep 22, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Graphene's shining light could lead to super-fast Internet

Researchers at the University of Manchester and Cambridge have discovered a way to enhance graphene devices for photodetectors in high-speed optical communications by 20 times. This is due to the addition of metallic nanostructures that concentrate light within the graphene layer, increasing its efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2011

Shooting light a curve

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated a technique to control the curved trajectories of Airy beams in real-time, enabling fast-as-light communication systems and optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough uses plasmonic Airy beams to manipulate surface plasmon polaritons, opening doors to new technologies in nano-photonics, biol...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 11, 2011

Sharpening the nanofocus

Researchers at Berkeley Lab demonstrated antenna-enhanced gas sensing at the single particle level using a palladium nanoparticle on a gold nanoantenna. The technique amplifies plasmonic sensing signals, eliminating statistical characteristics and offering noninvasive, biocompatible applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 17, 2011
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.

GRIN plasmonics

GRIN plasmonics combines transformation optics and plasmonics to control strongly confined light waves. The technique uses an isotropic dielectric material on a metal substrate to create efficient plasmonic devices, including Luneburg and Eaton lenses.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 24, 2011
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.

'Gold' fish thrive, cancers die

Researchers at Rice University used gold nanoparticles with laser pulses to create tiny vapor bubbles that selectively destroyed cancer cells in zebra fish implanted with live human prostate cancer cells. This technique avoids damaging healthy tissue and demonstrates a new approach to cancer treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 27, 2010

The nano world of Shrinky Dinks

A Northwestern University team has developed a low-cost, high-throughput method for creating and mass-producing large-area nanoscale patterns using Shrinky Dinks. This solvent-assisted nanoscale embossing (SANE) method offers unprecedented opportunities to manipulate electronic, photonic, and magnetic properties of nanomaterials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2010

Frontiers of plasmonics

Researchers have made significant progress in plasmonics, a field that overcomes diffraction limitations to fabricate nano-scale optical components. These advancements enable the development of integrated nanophotonic circuits with substantial improvements in bandwidth and speed for next-generation information technologies.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateAug 4, 2010
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.

Nano-sized light mill drives micro-sized disk

Researchers have created a nano-sized light mill motor that can control rotational speed and direction by tuning incident light waves. The motor's power density is high, and it can be used to drive micro-scale objects, enabling new applications in nanotechnology and biology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 6, 2010

Transformation optics make a U-turn for the better

Researchers from Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have developed a novel approach to transformation optics, allowing for the manipulation of near-field optical waves on uneven surfaces. This breakthrough enables the design of plasmonic devices such as beam splitters, shifters, and directional light emitters.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 6, 2010
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Nano imagining takes turn for the better

Rice University researchers have developed a new way to track nanoparticles using gold nanorods and polarization imaging techniques. The technique could provide valuable information about materials, including living systems, that incorporate nanoparticles.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2010

Air Force-funded research is shattering traditioinal notions of laser limits

Researchers have successfully demonstrated the world's smallest semiconductor laser, paving the way for ultra-sensitive bio-detection, nanoscale optics, and enhanced communication systems. The breakthrough technology has potential applications in various fields, including healthcare, optics-based telecommunications, and optical computing.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateDec 7, 2009

New nano color sorters from Molecular Foundry

Researchers have engineered bowtie-shaped devices that focus and sort light in tiny spaces, enabling the creation of ultrafast detector arrays. By introducing asymmetry, scientists can control the plasmonic properties of these devices to produce filters with specific colors or energies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 11, 2009

Molecular machines drive plasmonic nanoswitches

Researchers have developed a plasmonic switch using molecular machines, which can transmit electrons and light simultaneously. This technology has the potential to enable ultra-small computers with high storage capacity and processing speed.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 11, 2009

Plasmonic whispering gallery microcavity paves the way to future nanolasers

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and Cal Tech have created a high-Q surface-plasmon-polariton whispering-gallery microcavity, enabling ultra-small device fabrication and strong light enhancement. This innovation paves the way for future nanolasers with applications in photonics and optical microchips.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2009
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 technique to compress light could open doors for optical communications

Scientists at UC Berkeley have developed a way to confine light in incredibly small spaces, potentially leading to breakthroughs in optical communications, miniature lasers and optical computing. The technique could give remarkable control over light, allowing for the creation of compact optical transistors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 30, 2008

University of Maryland researchers develop 2-D invisibility cloak

The University of Maryland researchers have developed a 2D invisibility cloak that refracts visible light around an object, making it invisible. The cloak is created using a thin, transparent acrylic plastic layer with a gold film and can be integrated into a conventional optical microscope to view nanoscale details.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateDec 18, 2007
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.

Rice T-ray lab makes unexpected plasmonic discovery

Researchers at Rice University have made an unexpected plasmonic discovery, finding that terahertz waves slow down as they pass through smaller metal wires. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of new chemical sensors and endoscopes.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 2006

Light and nano: quantum mechanics vs. classical optics

Researchers at Rice University have developed a quantum model to predict nanophotonic behavior, making it easier to design new optical materials and devices. The study shows that plasmons in nanoparticles hybridize with each other, allowing for the prediction of properties in complex metallic nanostructures.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2003