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NSF selects Rochester, New York, as national laser innovation hub

The University of Rochester-led NSF STELLAR Engine launches to strengthen US competitiveness in global markets by advancing lasers and laser application research. The project aims to bring New York laser research, development, and manufacturing to a scale that can compete globally.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateJul 14, 2026

New cavity control strategy improves performance of blue VCSEL lasers

Researchers developed a new cavity control strategy to improve efficiency of blue VCSEL lasers, achieving 26.4% wall plug efficiency. The approach identified optimal mirror loss conditions and extracted device parameters, providing guidance for next-generation high-efficiency visible-light semiconductor lasers.

SourceMeijo University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

World's first practical surface-emitting laser for optical fiber communications developed: advancing miniaturization, energy efficiency, and cost reduction of light sources

Researchers developed world's first practical surface-emitting laser using quantum dots, advancing miniaturization and energy efficiency of light sources. The innovation enables high-performance, scalable structures and cost reductions through mass production.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2025
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.

Breakthrough in deep ultraviolet laser technology

Researchers developed a compact, solid-state laser system that generates 193-nm coherent light, marking the first 193-nm vortex beam produced from a solid-state laser. This innovation enhances semiconductor lithography efficiency and opens new avenues for advanced manufacturing techniques.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMar 21, 2025

IEEE researchers provide mathematical solutions to study 2D light interaction in photonic crystal lasers

Researchers derived 2D coupled wave equations for photonic crystal surfaces, aiding the development of efficient laser devices. The findings established parallels between TM and transverse electric polarisation behaviours, offering unique advantages in certain configurations.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultraprecise method of aligning 3D semiconductor chips invented at UMass Amherst

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new method for aligning 3D semiconductor chips with precision as small as 0.017 nanometers, enabling lower costs and increased access to this technology. The approach uses lasers and holograms to detect misalignments without moving parts.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Record-breaking laser pulses

Researchers at ETH Zurich have set a new record for the strongest laser pulses, surpassing previous records by over 50%, using a special arrangement of mirrors and a semiconductor mirror. The pulses can be used to create high harmonic frequencies up to X-rays, enabling fast processes in the attosecond range.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptica·DateOct 11, 2024

There are two sides to this semiconductor, and many simultaneous functions

Cornell University researchers have created a dual-sided semiconductor chip that combines photonic and electronic functions, shrinking device size and energy consumption. This innovation leverages the unique properties of gallium nitride crystals, allowing for multiple functionalities to be integrated into a single wafer.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2024

A new advancement in photonic chips set to unlock an industry

Researchers have developed a new engineering approach to on-chip light sources, enabling the widespread adoption of photonic chips in consumer electronics. The innovation involves growing high-quality multi-quantum well nanowires using a novel facet engineering approach, which enables precise control over the diameter and length of the...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024
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.

Tracking the color of light

Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method using tunable lasers, enabling precise tracking of the laser's color at every point in time. The technique offers higher power and spectral stability compared to existing methods, making it suitable for various applications including LIDAR and spectroscopy.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 12, 2024

Surface emitting semiconductor laser achieves efficiency breakthrough

Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in surface-emitting semiconductor laser efficiency using multi-junction cascaded active area technology. The new design strategy increases gain volume, enhancing differential quantum efficiency and maintaining lower threshold current.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateApr 10, 2024

With VECSELs towards the quantum internet

Researchers have developed VECSELs with record output power and absolute frequency stability, overcoming the hurdle of spectral differences between glass fibers and quantum bits. These lasers enable low-loss transmission and precise frequency conversion for quantum internet applications.

SourceFraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics·DateApr 5, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Highly efficient GaN-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

GaN-based VCSELs have potential applications in adaptive headlights, retinal scanning displays, and high-speed visible light communication systems due to their high efficiency and low fabrication cost. The new method for precise cavity length control enables highly controlled fabrication of VCSELs with aperture sizes ranging from 5 to ...

SourceMeijo University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Shrinking technology, expanding horizons

Researchers at NIST have developed compact chips that convert light into microwaves with reduced timing jitter, improving GPS accuracy, phone connections, radar systems and astronomical images. This technology has the potential to increase radar sensitivity, improve analog-to-digital converters and enhance the clarity of images.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2024

Advancing biomedical diagnostics: Compact photoacoustic sensing instrument for breast tissue characterization

Researchers developed a compact, cost-effective PA sensing instrument for biomedical tissue diagnosis, showcasing its potential to streamline sampling processes and improve diagnostic accuracy for breast disease. The instrument successfully differentiated various tissue types based on quantitative spectral parameters.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 13, 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.

A micro-ring resonator with big potential

Researchers at EPFL's Photonic Systems Laboratory develop a hybrid device that significantly improves existing laser technology by enhancing coherence and emitting visible light. This innovation has implications for telecommunications, metrology, and precision applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023
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.

Realizing vertical ultraviolet-B semiconductor laser diodes for high optical output

Scientists from Meijo University successfully fabricated vertical AlGaN-based UV-B semiconductor laser diodes with distinct characteristics, operating at room temperature and exhibiting high optical output. The devices overcome existing challenges in fabrication and pave the way for novel manufacturing processes.

SourceMeijo University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Organic lasers have a bright future

Scientists at the University of St Andrews have developed an electrically driven organic semiconductor laser, overcoming a decades-long challenge. This breakthrough has significant implications for various industries, including communication, medicine, and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateSep 27, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Researchers demonstrate first visible wavelength femtosecond fiber laser

The team's breakthrough enables the production of bright visible-wavelength pulses in the femtosecond range directly with fiber lasers. This advance has significant implications for various fields, including high-precision ablation of biological tissues, two-photon excitation microscopy, and material processing.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 6, 2023

Monolithically integrated semiconductor lasers with Si photonic circuits

Scientists have successfully integrated monolithic semiconductor lasers onto Si-photonics chips, overcoming a longstanding challenge. The approach uses III-V material deposition on a Si-PIC design, achieving high coupling efficiency into passive photonic devices.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 27, 2023

PT-symmetric lasers beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations

Researchers have developed a novel electrically pumped edge-emitting laser chip with unprecedented performance, achieving single-mode output power levels of 400 mW at room temperature. The device uses PT-symmetry to suppress higher-order modes, maintaining beam quality comparable to narrow waveguide devices.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 27, 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
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.

Reduced speckle on the horizon

Researchers have demonstrated an easy method to alter VCSELs to reduce speckles, improving their suitability for applications like lighting and holography. By changing the device shape, they introduced chaotic behavior, allowing more modes to be emitted and reducing speckle density.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOptica·DateMar 19, 2023

New 3D live hologram technology to save lives in field hospitals

Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems have developed a miniaturized optical system that can be integrated on a chip, allowing for the creation of 3D holograms. This technology has the potential to replace current 2D imaging, enabling less invasive surgeries and better surgical outcomes.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022
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.

Fast burst of infrared light opens a way for 3D processing inside semiconductor chips

Researchers from LP3 Laboratory developed a light-based technique for local material processing in three-dimensional space of semiconductor chips. They successfully fabricated embedded structures inside Si and GaAs materials, which cannot be 3D processed with conventional ultrafast lasers.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 7, 2022

Researchers develop laser that could ‘reshape the landscape of integrated photonics’ with applications in LiDAR, atomic physics, AR/VR

A new type of integrated semiconductor laser has been developed using the Pockels effect, integrating a lithium-niobate-on-insulator platform. This technology enables fast reconfigurability and narrow spectral window, paving the way for applications in LiDAR remote sensing, microwave photonics, atomic physics, and AR/VR.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Metalens offers superior off-axis focus

A team at KAUST has created an ultrathin dielectric metalens that improves focusing capabilities and can be scaled down for integration with photonics equipment. The metalens, designed from a custom array of TiO2 nanopillars atop a DBR, offers negligible intrinsic loss and easy fabrication.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOptica·DateOct 23, 2022

High-speed random number generation using self-chaotic microcavity lasers

Researchers developed a novel approach to generate high-speed random numbers using self-chaotic microcavity lasers. The study achieved physical random numbers at 10 Gb/s, paving the way for small and robust random signal sources.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 26, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Electrically driven single microwire-based single-mode microlaser

A team of scientists has proposed a new concept of 'superabsorption' to solve the difficulty of realizing single-mode lasers in microscale cavities. They designed an n-PtNPs@ZnO:Ga MW/Pt/MgO/p-GaN heterojunction with excellent lasing performance and single-mode operation.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 7, 2022

New single-mode semiconductor laser delivers power with scalability

Researchers at UC Berkeley created a new type of semiconductor laser that maintains a single mode while scaling up in size and power. This breakthrough enables more powerful and coherent lasers for various applications, including fiber optic communications and biometric identification systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Self-frequency-conversion nanowire lasers

Researchers have developed a new method to expand the wavelength range of nanowire lasers using the second-order nonlinear effect. By utilizing this effect, high-quality GaAs/In core/shell NWs can generate visible lasing peaks at 508 nm via self-frequency-conversion processes such as second-harmonic generation (SHG). The technology als...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 6, 2022
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.

Engineers pave way for next-gen deep ultraviolet lasers

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a high-quality crystal of aluminum nitride and created an optical cavity to trap emitted light, enabling the production of a deep-ultraviolet laser with exceptional precision. The breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including sterilization, sensing, and ph...

SourceCornell University·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 4, 2022

Polariton parametric oscillator in perovskite microcavity

Researchers have developed a room-temperature perovskite polariton parametric oscillator, enabling scalable and low-threshold nonlinear devices. This breakthrough offers possibilities for the development of cost-effective and integrated polaritonic devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Ultra-thin crystals as light sources in lasers

Researchers have successfully demonstrated laser emission from ultra-thin crystals consisting of three atomic layers, a breakthrough that could lead to miniaturized circuits and future quantum applications. The discovery showcases the potential of these materials as a platform for new nanolasers capable of operating at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

New synthesis process paves way for more efficient lasers, LEDs

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new synthesis process that increases the number of holes in p-type III-nitride semiconductor materials, leading to more efficient LEDs and lasers. This breakthrough could also help address the long-lasting problem called the 'green gap' in LED technology.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021
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.

Nanostructure based lasers for information and communication technologies

Laser technology utilizing nanostructures like quantum dots and dashes enables high-speed data transmission and low-latency communications. Scientists highlight the importance of these devices for industry and society, particularly in applications such as coherent communication and quantum key distribution.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 18, 2021

The first commercially scalable integrated laser and microcomb on a single chip

The Bowers lab and EPFL team developed an integrated semiconductor laser and resonator capable of producing soliton microcombs, expanding data transmission capabilities. The technology enables seamless integration with low-loss nonlinear optical micro-resonators, lending itself to commercial-scale production.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateJul 1, 2021

Scalable manufacturing of integrated optical frequency combs

Researchers at EPFL and UCSB successfully integrate ultralow-loss Si3N4 photonic integrated circuits with semiconductor lasers, enabling chip-scale frequency combs for high-capacity transceivers, data centers, and sensing applications. This breakthrough paves the way for large-volume, low-cost manufacturing of soliton microcombs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJul 1, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Breaking the power and speed limit of lasers

A novel vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser design has been developed, combining multiple transverse coupled cavities to enhance optical feedback. This innovation extends the temporal bandwidth of VCSELs, enabling a modulation bandwidth of up to 100 GHz, beyond the known limit of relaxation oscillation frequency.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNanophotonics·DateNov 19, 2020

Order from chaos

Researchers from Kyoto University have created a beam-scanning device using photonic crystals, eliminating the need for moving parts. The technology enables high-power, high-beam-quality two-dimensional beam scanning lasers with improved resolution and accuracy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2020

UT Arlington electrical engineering professor named fellow of the Optical Society

Weidong Zhou, a UT Arlington electrical engineering professor, has been named a fellow of the Optical Society (OSA) for his significant contributions to photonic crystal membrane lasers and hybrid nanomembrane optoelectronics. His research involves developing on-chip systems for healthcare applications and efficient, scalable lasers fo...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 26, 2020

New discovery opens for breakthrough in laser technology

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a method to narrow laser linewidth by up to 500 times, enabling higher-order modulation formats in coherent communication. This breakthrough technology has the potential to increase optical network transport capacity and simplify laser packaging for real-world applications.

SourceAarhus University·DateOct 13, 2020

Microcomb-injected pulsed lasers as variable microwave gears

Researchers developed a novel method to generate variable low-noise microwaves using an optical microresonator frequency comb and a compact laser. The approach allows for significant frequency tunability and improved phase-noise levels compared to traditional methods.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 29, 2020
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.

Laser allows solid-state refrigeration of a semiconductor material

University of Washington researchers have successfully cooled a solid-state semiconductor material using an infrared laser, achieving a temperature drop of up to 20 degrees C. The method has wide potential applications in fields such as quantum communication and scientific instruments.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2020

A breakthrough in developing multi-watt terahertz lasers

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...

SourceLehigh University·JournalOptica·DateJun 11, 2020

Scientists create smallest semiconductor laser

Researchers develop nanoparticle-sized semiconductor laser generating coherent green light at room temperature, overcoming a significant technological hurdle. The tiny laser operates efficiently without external pressure or low temperatures.

SourceITMO University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 3, 2020
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.

High-efficiency laser for silicon chips

Scientists have created a compatible semiconductor laser made of germanium and tin, with efficiency comparable to conventional GaAs semiconductor lasers on Si. The new laser can be manufactured during the CMOS production process, reducing waste heat and enabling continuous operation.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 24, 2020