Researchers at UMass Amherst have made a breakthrough in shrinking the size of quantum computers by integrating laser systems onto photonic chips. This technology has the potential to enable large-scale quantum computing and make optical clocks portable, with applications in fields such as deep space navigation and GPS.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026
Physicists at Harvard SEAS have created a compact, on-chip mid-infrared pulse generator that can emit short bursts of light without external components. This device has the potential to speed up gas sensor development and create new medical imaging tools.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025
A new method using terahertz radiation has been developed to accurately measure the water content in biogas produced during biomass recycling. This allows for efficient operation and reliable results over a wide range of water vapor concentrations and temperatures.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025
Researchers developed high-capacity free-space optical links using unipolar quantum optoelectronic devices, achieving unprecedented data rates of up to 30 Gbit/s at 31-meter distances. The system's performance is resistant to weather conditions and showcases potential for fast, long-range optical links.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateNov 2, 2022
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A new mid-infrared sensor chip can accurately monitor liquid concentrations in real-time, enabling precise monitoring of chemical reactions. The sensor combines customized infrared technology and chemical robustness to deliver data within fractions of a second.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022
A novel, simple, and extremely compact terahertz radiation source has been developed at TU Wien, enabling high intensities and small size. The technology uses resonant-tunnelling diodes and can be used in various applications such as material testing, airport security control, radio astronomy, and chemical sensors.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022
Researchers at ETH Zurich demonstrate the first direct femtosecond-pulse emission from a quantum cascade laser in the mid-infrared region, generating powerful pulses as short as 630 femtoseconds and 4.5 watt peak power. This breakthrough opens up practical routes to accessing ultrafast dynamics across the molecular fingerprint region.
SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021
Researchers developed a multidimensional vibrational circular dichroism system using a quantum cascade laser to analyze peptides containing D-amino acid residues. The instrument achieves high intensity and narrow focusing, allowing for the detection of chiral components in proteins.
SourceEhime University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2021
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Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new method to produce short, intense infrared laser pulses using tailor-made quantum cascade lasers. The technology can be easily miniaturized, enabling compact measuring instruments for detecting specific molecules in gas samples.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020
Researchers at MIT and University of Waterloo developed a high-power, portable terahertz quantum cascade laser that can generate powerful sensing and imaging capabilities. The device can be used for pinpointing skin cancer, detecting hidden explosives, and analyzing gases, drugs, and products.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2020
Researchers developed an optical neuron system using quantum cascade lasers, operating 10,000× faster than biological neurons. The system demonstrates behaviors like thresholding and spiking, with fine-tuning of modulation and frequency allowing control of time intervals between spikes.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 23, 2020
A team of scientists has successfully produced a special type of light called a frequency comb, which consists of different light frequencies arranged at regular distances. The breakthrough uses circular quantum cascade lasers and turbulence to create the ordered light, contradicting current laser theory.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2020
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Researchers at Harvard University have successfully generated frequency combs using turbulence in light, contradicting current laser theory. The discovery could lead to more efficient and compact devices for applications such as telecommunications and portable sensing.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020
Researchers at Lehigh University developed a new phase-locking technique to achieve record-high output power for terahertz lasers, resulting in the highest radiative efficiency for any single-wavelength semiconductor quantum cascade laser. The breakthrough enables higher intensity and brightness, paving the way for applications in iden...
A breakthrough in controlling terahertz quantum cascade lasers enables the transmission of data at rates of 100 gigabits per second. The innovation uses acoustic waves to modulate the lasers, overcoming previous limitations and paving the way for ultra-fast wireless links and satellite communications.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2020
Researchers have developed a compact, room temperature, widely tunable terahertz laser that outperforms existing sources. The laser offers high power and wide tuning range in a robust design, unlocking new applications in science and technology.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2019
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Researchers used a swept-wavelength external cavity quantum cascade laser to study explosive events, detecting molecules and measuring temperature and concentration changes. The instrument provides fast and safe measurements, enabling new understanding of explosions and potential applications.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 3, 2019
Researchers at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a terahertz quantum cascade laser that operates without cryogenic cooling, reaching temperatures of up to 210 K. This breakthrough removes the main obstacles to widespread use in various applications, including non-invasive imaging and quality control.
SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 10, 2019
Researchers developed a new method for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using miniature quantum cascade lasers. The technique offers sensitive detection of low concentrations of VOCs, improving human health, industrial processes, and ambient air quality.
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have successfully transmitted data wirelessly using a semiconductor laser for the first time. The breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi, paving the way for faster wireless communication.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2019
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers at UCF have developed a novel technique to analyze the dynamics of fires and explosions using laser technology. The approach allows for fast measurement of temperature and molecular concentrations within microseconds, enabling advances in firefighting, engine efficiency, and potentially even space travel.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 17, 2019
The MIT-designed terahertz laser achieves three key performance goals: high constant power, tight beam pattern, and broad electric frequency tuning. This technology could be used for improved skin and breast cancer imaging, detecting drugs and explosives, and mapping the Milky Way galaxy.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 11, 2018
Researchers at TU Wien develop a patent-pending technology to create frequency combs on a single chip, enabling chemical analysis in tiny spaces. The system can detect various chemical substances and is robust against disturbances, making it perfect for practical applications.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 10, 2018
Researchers at Harvard have discovered a new phenomenon in quantum cascade laser frequency combs, enabling devices to act as integrated transmitters or receivers for efficient information encoding. This breakthrough has the potential to increase Wi-Fi capacity and pave the way for faster data transfer rates.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalOptica·DateApr 30, 2018
Scientists have discovered a new method to generate terahertz frequencies, long considered challenging to source, using an infrared frequency comb. The innovative system produces extremely pure terahertz tones, opening up new applications for wireless communications and high-speed digital communication.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 17, 2017
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Researchers at MIT have developed a new terahertz laser design that boosts the power output of chip-mounted lasers by 80 percent, opening up new possibilities for medical and industrial imaging and chemical detection. The device has been selected by NASA for its Galactic/Extragalactic ULDB Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory mission.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 8, 2017
Researchers developed a new microscope that can chemically identify individual micron-sized particles using infrared spectroscopy without detectors. The instrument uses photothermal modulation of Mie scattering, allowing for non-destructive analysis and identification of multiple species simultaneously.
A microscopic sensor has been developed at TU Wien that can identify different gases simultaneously using a laser and detector in one. The sensor, made of a sophisticated layered system of materials, emits light in the infrared range and measures its strength to detect gases with unique 'fingerprints'.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 24, 2016
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A UCF team led by Assistant Professor Arkadiy Lyakh has developed a simpler process for creating quantum cascade lasers, offering comparable performance and better efficiency. The new method uses only two different materials, making production more practical.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 17, 2016
Researchers have developed a new type of terahertz quantum cascade laser that can produce a record output power of up to 230 milliwatts in continuous wave mode. This breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including spectroscopy, medical imaging, and remote sensing.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJul 26, 2016
A new, broad-band tunable infrared laser from Northwestern University offers high-power rapid tuning and has implications for detecting drugs and explosives. The robust, all solid-state laser can be rapidly tuned to capture unique spectral fingerprints of gases.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2016
A team of researchers has successfully built the first quantum cascade laser on silicon, paving the way for applications in chemical bond spectroscopy, gas sensing, astronomy, and free-space communications. The breakthrough integrates lasers directly on silicon chips, overcoming challenges posed by silicon's indirect bandgap.
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A new frequency comb has been developed that can operate at higher powers and cover the 3-12 micron spectral range. This breakthrough is achieved through a quantum cascade laser-based solution, offering improved performance and potential applications in metrology, spectroscopy, and frequency synthesis.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 16, 2015
The QCL LAB family of instruments features low noise drive electronics, allowing for stable center wavelength and narrow linewidth. Models are available with output currents up to 2000 mA, making them suitable for various applications such as remote detection of explosive materials and medical diagnosis.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a laser-based method to measure blood sugar levels without needing frequent pricking. The technique uses mid-infrared light and is currently 84% accurate, with potential applications beyond glucose detection.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 21, 2014
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.
A new type of sensor has been developed at the Vienna University of Technology using miniaturized laser technology, allowing for the analysis of liquids and gases. The sensor can measure the composition of liquids with an accuracy of 0.06%, opening up potential applications in chemical, biological, and medical analytics.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2014
A team of Leeds researchers has built the world's most powerful terahertz laser chip, more than doubling previous records. The achievement showcases the expertise developed at Leeds in fabricating layered semiconductors and engineering them into powerful laser devices.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalElectronics Letters·DateFeb 17, 2014
Researchers have achieved a quadruple intensity increase in terahertz quantum cascade laser, producing one watt of radiation. The new design uses two symmetrical lasers joined together, increasing the number of emitted photons and efficiency.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 2013
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a compact, room-temperature terahertz source with an output power of 215 microwatts, paving the way for applications in homeland security, medical imaging and space research. The device, similar to a laser diode, operates at high power without cryogenic cooling.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 9, 2013
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck propose a novel method for powering lasers through heat, which could provide internal cooling and revolutionize microchip technology. The concept involves using temperature gradients to separate cold and warm areas in the laser, allowing for efficient energy transfer.
SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 13, 2012
The new resonator creates purest, brightest and most powerful single-mode quantum cascade lasers in the 8-12 micron range, a wavelength of great interest for military and industrial use. The laser technology controls both wavelength and beam quality, achieving peak power over 6 watts with nearly diffraction-limited beam quality.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 23, 2012
A new sensor uses a phenomenon called photoacoustic effect to detect and identify chemicals, including nerve agents. The system can identify multiple agents simultaneously in real-time, with potential applications for detecting hazardous gases.
Researchers have successfully generated high-power, narrowband terahertz radiation at room temperature using a single semiconductor chip. This breakthrough could enable rapid security screening, border protection, high-sensitivity biological/chemical analysis, and astronomical applications.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 30, 2011
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a new laser technology that can transmit data through open space, enabling high-speed free space communications. The technology uses frequency modulation to reduce environmental interference and achieve speeds of up to 100 GHz.
SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 28, 2011
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed compact mid-infrared laser diodes that generate more light than heat, achieving efficiencies of 53 percent. This breakthrough paves the way for applications such as remote sensing and hazardous chemical detection.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 11, 2010
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to tune terahertz quantum cascade lasers, enabling the creation of compact and tunable scanners capable of identifying explosives. The technique involves manipulating the transverse mode of the laser using a mechanical lever, allowing for precise control over the emitted frequency.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 7, 2009
Mid-infrared laser breakthroughs to 120 watts, boosting infrared countermeasures for aircraft protection. Researchers developed QCL devices resistant to filamentation, increasing peak output power and ridge width.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 1, 2009
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Researchers at Harvard University have developed a laser technology that allows control over the polarization direction of emitted radiation. This innovation has vast implications for various applications, including satellite communications, biomolecule detection, and quantum cryptography.
SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 13, 2009
A Princeton-led team discovered a new mechanism for making electronic materials emit laser beams, potentially leading to more efficient lasers with applications in environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics. The new laser phenomenon has some interesting features, including reduced photon absorption and improved performance.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 22, 2008
Researchers at the University of Leeds have increased the operating temperature of a terahertz quantum cascade laser by nearly ten degrees, bringing handheld devices a step closer to reality. This breakthrough could unlock opportunities in fields like industrial process monitoring, atmospheric science, and medicine.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 28, 2008
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Researchers at Harvard University have developed a compact and portable Quantum Cascade Laser sensor for fast detection of chemicals with broad tuning capabilities, enabling ultra-sensitive chemical sensing and revolutionizing applications in homeland security, medical diagnostics, and environmental sensing.
SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 3, 2007
Researchers from Harvard University have demonstrated a laser with unprecedented detail, capable of resolving chemical composition of samples like cells. This device combines Quantum Cascade Lasers with optical antenna nanotechnology, enabling new ultrahigh spatial resolution microscopes for chemical imaging.
SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 22, 2007
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new type of laser that can emit over 700 milli-Watts of continuous output power, a factor of two increase from competing technology. The Quantum Cascade Laser has a 10-18% wall-plug efficiency, making it suitable for widespread deployment and low-cost production.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a novel terahertz (THz) imaging technique that can capture high-quality images of objects from distances of up to 25 meters. The approach utilizes a quantum cascade laser and detector, which are designed to minimize water absorption in the THz spectrum.
Researchers at PNNL have developed QPAS, a technique using lasers and tuning forks to detect gaseous nerve agent surrogates with extreme sensitivity. The instrument can be miniaturized for field environments and operates unattended for long periods.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMar 19, 2007
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 new type of diode laser, called quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), may revolutionize aircraft protection by emitting high-power light at specific wavelengths. The QCLs can operate at room temperature and have a power conversion efficiency of 10 percent, making them ideal for widespread use in infrared countermeasure systems.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 31, 2006
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a tiny infrared laser that can detect explosives and chemical warfare agents, setting the stage for a portable system to warn against potential threats. The far-infrared laser's high power and efficiency make it an ideal source for sensitive chemical analysis.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a prototype handheld gas phase chemical sensing device and a liquid phase sensing device using small quantum cascade lasers. The devices can detect levels of chemicals as low as 30 parts-per-billion, enabling fast response times for applications such as breath diagnostics and water monitoring.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have successfully demonstrated a new method for controlling light with light, using near-infrared and mid-infrared lasers. This breakthrough has significant implications for secure, all-optical transmission of voice and data, overcoming limitations of current near-infrared technology.
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.