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Penn engineers first to train AI at lightspeed

Researchers have created a breakthrough photonic chip that can train nonlinear neural networks using light, accelerating AI training while reducing energy use. The chip uses a special semiconductor material to reshape how light behaves, enabling reconfigurable systems with wide mathematical function expression.

Wits researchers use laser beams to pioneer new quantum computing breakthrough

Physicists at the University of the Witwatersrand developed an innovative computing system harnessing laser beams and display technology to process multiple possibilities simultaneously. This approach could speed up complex calculations in fields like logistics and finance, with potential applications in quantum optimisation and machin...

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.

A multi-level breakthrough in optical computing

Researchers from Pitt, UC Santa Barbara, University of Cagliari, and Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a new method for photonic in-memory computing that combines non-volatility, multibit storage, high switching speed, low switching energy, and high endurance in a single platform.

Researchers observe hidden deformations in complex light fields

Researchers at Tampere University have observed hidden deformations in complex light fields for the first time. These deformations carry significant information about the object, such as its material properties. The study has implications for measuring material properties with structured waves and will inspire new optical technologies.

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.

Tachyons “enfant terrible” of modern physics

Research by the University of Warsaw and Oxford has shown that tachyons, previously thought to contradict special relativity, can actually aid in its understanding. The study reveals that tachyon theory becomes mathematically consistent when incorporating both initial and final states.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What is "time" for quantum particles?

Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.

Long snouts protect foxes when diving headfirst in snow

A Cornell University study found that foxes' sharp snouts penetrate the snow with little resistance, reducing potential tissue damage during a headfirst dive. The unique hunting behavior, known as mousing, allows foxes to reach their prey earlier and avoid injury.

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.

‘Cosmic Cannibals’ expel jets into space at 40% speed of light

For the first time, astronomers have measured the speed of fast-moving jets in space, crucial to star formation and the distribution of elements needed for life. The jets of matter, expelled by stars deemed 'cosmic cannibals', were found to travel at over one-third of the speed of light.

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.

Adaptive optics at the speed of light

Scientists have created a way to correct distorted light patterns in real time without needing to reapply the same distortion. This method uses nonlinear optics and exploits difference frequency generation to produce an aberration-free output beam.

New chip opens door to AI computing at light speed

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new silicon-photonic chip that can perform vector-matrix multiplication using light waves, allowing for accelerated AI computing. The chip's design has privacy advantages, as sensitive information can be processed simultaneously without being stored in memory.

Study: Stars travel more slowly at Milky Way’s edge

A team of MIT physicists analyzed Gaia and APOGEE data to find stars farther out in the galactic disk are rotating more slowly than expected. This flat rotation curve indicates a lower mass galactic core, potentially containing less dark matter than previously estimated.

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.

New jet stream discovered in Jupiter's upper atmosphere

A new jet stream has been discovered in Jupiter's upper atmosphere by the James Webb Space Telescope, showing winds reaching speeds of up to 500 km/h. The discovery provides new insights into the atmospheric dynamics of gas giants and could shed light on global temperature variations.

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.

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 imaging technique measures elasticity of multiple eye components simultaneously

A new imaging technique, multifocal acoustic radiation force-based reverberant optical coherence elastography (RevOCE), has been developed to measure the elasticity of multiple eye components simultaneously. This approach offers high resolution measurements of the stiffness of eye structures and could revolutionize how we study ocular ...

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.

Challenge accepted: High-speed AI drone overtakes world-champion drone racers

A team of researchers from the University of Zurich and Intel has developed an AI system called Swift that can beat human champions in drone racing. The autonomous drone achieved the fastest lap, winning multiple races against three world-class champions, but human pilots proved more adaptable to changing conditions.

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.

Using supernovae to study neutrinos’ strange properties

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new framework for studying neutrino self-interactions using supernovae. They found that in the burst case, unprecedented sensitivity to neutrino self-interactions is possible even with sparse data from SN 1987A and conservative analysis assumptions.

Wide field-of-view metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar technology

Researchers have proposed an innovative solution to address limitations of lidar technology, enabling imaging in low SNR environments. The novel technique uses a high-scanning speed AOD and metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar, extending ambiguity range by up to 35 times.

Chip-based dispersion compensation for faster fibre internet

SUTD researchers created a CMOS-compatible, slow-light-based transmission grating device for high-speed data dispersion compensation. The devices achieved minimal loss and improved error correction performance, paving the way for on-chip integration in transceivers.

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.

Accelerating aerial image simulations for optimal lithography

A research team from Taiwan has found a way to massively speed up aerial image simulations using wavelength scaling and fast Fourier transformation. The new algorithm improves computation speed by 4000-5000 times while maintaining only a slight intensity deviation.

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

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

Searching for the earliest galaxies in the universe

A team of astronomers discovered 87 galaxies that could be the earliest known galaxies in the universe using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This finding suggests a revision to our understanding of galaxy formation, indicating that more galaxies may have formed earlier than previously thought.

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.

Three time dimensions, one space dimension

Researchers from Warsaw and Oxford propose a new theoretical framework that incorporates three time dimensions and one spatial dimension. This concept allows for the description of phenomena in a world with superluminal observers, which could potentially exist.

Higher speeds in free-space optical communications in the midinfrared band

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.

Astrophysicists prove neutrinos originate from Blazars

A team of scientists led by Clemson University's Marco Ajello has provided conclusive evidence that astrophysical neutrinos come from blazars, which are powerful black holes. This breakthrough resolves the long-standing question about the origin of high-energy cosmic rays.

Keeping time with the cosmos

The cosmic time synchronizer uses cosmic rays from deep space to detect specific signatures, allowing devices to synchronize their clocks accurately. This technology has the potential to fill gaps in current time synchronization methods, particularly in remote or underwater locations.

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.

Light-infused particles go the distance in organic semiconductors

A team led by Andrew Musser at Cornell University has developed a method to tune the speed of polaritons, hybrid particles that combine light and molecules, allowing for increased range and potential applications in efficient solar cells, sensors, and LEDs. This breakthrough could lead to more controlled energy transfer and improved de...

Physicists embark on a hunt for a long-sought quantum glow

Researchers at MIT and University of Waterloo propose stimulating the Unruh effect to increase its probability of detection, potentially shaving wait time from billions of years to just a few hours. The new approach, known as acceleration-induced transparency, enhances the Unruh effect while suppressing competing effects.

Web surfing that feels instantaneous, even though it’s not

A speed-of-light internet project aims to reduce network latency by routing data through the US, responding 10-100 times faster than current networks. If deployed, it could give 85% of Americans near-real time connectivity, revolutionizing online experiences.

Speed limit of computers detected

Scientists have discovered a speed limit for computer chips, with one petahertz being the maximum frequency for signal transmission. The research uses ultra-short laser pulses to create electrical currents in dielectric materials, allowing for faster data transmission.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Controlling how fast graphene cools down

Researchers have demonstrated control of graphene's relaxation time, allowing for novel functionalities in devices such as light detectors and modulators. This work paves the way for the development of ultrafast optical devices with potential applications in photonics and telecommunications.

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.

Tiny probes could sail to outer planets with the help of low-power lasers

Researchers calculate that low-power lasers on Earth could launch and maneuver small probes equipped with silicon or boron nitride sails, propelling them to much faster speeds than rocket engines. The lasers could propel tiny sailed probes on interplanetary or interstellar missions without requiring large amounts of fuel.

Illuminating a biological light switch

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine developed a new imaging technique to capture bacteriorhodopsin's motions in response to light on a millisecond time scale. This study reveals the protein's kinetics, including the speed of transitions between open and closed states, which informs optogenetics research.

UCF develops the world’s first optical oscilloscope

A team from UCF created an optical oscilloscope that can measure the electric field of light, allowing for faster data transmission in fiber optic communications. The device converts light oscillations into electrical signals at speeds of up to gigahertz frequencies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Meter-scale plasma waveguides push the particle accelerator envelope

Researchers have made a significant advance in shrinking the size of particle accelerators by using intense lasers and plasmas. They demonstrated functional equivalent of a confining metal tube waveguide, generating plasma waveguiding of up to 300-terawatt laser pulses, and accelerating electrons up to 5 GeV over a distance of only 20 cm.

Revolutionary identity verification technique offers robust solution to hacking

A team of computer scientists has developed a secure identity verification method based on zero-knowledge proof, ensuring that information cannot be replicated by hackers. The new method uses two physically separated prover-verifier pairs to confirm identities, eliminating the possibility of collusion and increasing security.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Quantum mechanics affects light emission

Researchers found that quantum mechanics' influence on particles affects light emission, demonstrating wavefunction collapse and altering interference patterns. The study sheds new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon, revealing a direct connection between light emission and quantum entanglement.