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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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

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...

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalAPL Photonics·DateNov 29, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2024

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJul 11, 2024
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.

Three-terminal light emitter boosts speed and functions in optoelectronic chips

A breakthrough innovation introduces a multifunctional three-terminal diode, revolutionizing optoelectronic integrated chip technology. The integration of traditional photodiodes with a metal-oxide-semiconductor structure enables effective control over carrier transport during light emission or detection processes.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 19, 2024

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.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Parity-time symmetry: Unlocking faster and stronger optical signal processing

Researchers have developed a method that enhances efficiency and speed of nonlinear optical signal processing (NOSP) using parity-time symmetry. This approach enables high-speed data processing exceeding 38 gigabits per second, reducing power consumption and increasing network capacity.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateMay 14, 2024
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.

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2024

Gigahertz-rate switchable wavefront shaping by LNOI-empowered metasurface

A team of researchers has successfully integrated a metasurface with photonic integrated circuits, enabling fast and tunable control over light manipulation. The device can shape any wavefront in reconfigurable arbitrary polarization states at speeds of up to 1.4 gigahertz.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 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.

‘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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2024

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 5, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2024

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 26, 2024

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers develop a new method for path-following performance of autonomous ships

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers have developed a new method for assessing the path-following performance of autonomous ships in adverse weather conditions. The computational fluid dynamics model can provide more accurate predictions of path-following performance and enhance safety in autonomous marine navigation.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2024
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.

Orbital-angular-momentum-encoded diffractive networks for object classification tasks

Researchers developed three diffractive deep neural networks using orbital angular momentum to recognize objects in images, achieving accuracy comparable to wavelength and polarization-based models. The technology has potential for real-time processing applications like image recognition and data-intensive tasks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateNov 27, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 30, 2023

Revolutionizing radar: Integrated THz emitter for precise rotating target detection

Researchers have developed an integrated THz vortex beam emitter to detect rotating targets with remarkable precision. The system uses spiraling electromagnetic waves with orbital angular momentum to accurately measure the speed of a rotating object, with a maximum margin of error of just around 2 percent.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 20, 2023
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.

New metamaterial-based strategy to combine and transmit multiple light modes

A new approach for coupling different light modes enables unprecedented data transfer rates in an MDM system. By using a gradient-index metamaterial waveguide, researchers achieved a high coupling coefficient and created a 16-channel MDM communication system with a data transfer rate of 2.162 Tbit/s.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateSep 15, 2023

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 ...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateSep 12, 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.

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 15, 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.

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 20, 2023

Photonic time crystals could open the door to a new branch of optics

Researchers have successfully created photonic time crystals with fast oscillations in refractive index, faster than current theories can explain. This breakthrough has profound implications for the science of light and could enable truly disruptive applications.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

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.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·DateJun 29, 2023
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.

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateJun 21, 2023

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.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 22, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 9, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalClassical and Quantum Gravity·DateDec 22, 2022

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateNov 2, 2022

Hubble spots ultra-speedy jet blasting from star crash

Astronomers use Hubble data combined with radio observations to measure a jet propelled by a neutron star collision, revealing it moved at an apparent velocity of seven times the speed of light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2022
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.

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.

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

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...

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 29, 2022

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

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.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Tiny magnets could hold the secret to new quantum computers

Scientists have achieved efficient quantum coupling between two distant magnetic devices, which can host magnons and exchange energy and information. This achievement may be useful for creating new quantum information technology devices.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 2022

Intensity control of projectors in parallel – a doorway to an augmented reality future

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel method to calculate pixel intensity in parallel, reducing latency and enabling efficient dynamic projection mapping. This breakthrough technology has the potential to advance spatial AR applications and bring us closer to a more immersive AR-centric future.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022
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.

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.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalACS Nano·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 23, 2022

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.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2022
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 13, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2021

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Jet from giant galaxy M87: Computer modelling explains black hole observations

Theoretical physicists modelled the region around M87's supermassive black hole, confirming that gravity plays a key role in accelerating particles out to thousands of light years. The findings provide further evidence for Einstein's theory of general relativity and its application to astrophysical phenomena.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2021

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.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2021