Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Meta-lens works in the visible spectrum, sees smaller than a wavelength of light

Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have demonstrated the first planar lens that works with high efficiency within the visible spectrum of light. The lens can resolve nanoscale features separated by distances smaller than the wavelength of light.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2016
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 technique for turning sunlight into hydrogen

A new multilayered photoelectrode boosts the ability of solar water-splitting to produce hydrogen by absorbing visible light from the sun. The two-dimensional hybrid metal-dielectric structure shows significant enhancement in photo-catalytic applications, making it a promising technology for efficient hydrogen production.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateFeb 15, 2016

'Seeing' black holes with a home-use telescope

A Kyoto-led team reports that black hole activity can be observed through visible light during outbursts, and that optical rays provide reliable data for black hole activity. The study used a 20 cm telescope to observe V404 Cygni, detecting repetitive patterns with timescales of several minutes to a few hours.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2016
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.

Nanomachines: Pirouetting in the spotlight

Researchers have created a new class of molecular motors that rotate unidirectionally at speeds of up to 1 kHz when exposed to sunlight at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the development of more versatile and precise nanomachines with unprecedented control over mechanical motion.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2015

Making 3-D objects disappear

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have devised an ultra-thin invisibility 'skin' cloak that can conform to the shape of an object and conceal it from detection with visible light. The cloak, made of gold nanoantennas, reroutes reflected light waves to render the object invisible to optical detection.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015

Making hydrogen fuel from water and visible light highly efficient

A new technique mimics photosynthesis by harnessing the power of catalysts, light, and sacrificial molecules to boost hydrogen production efficiency. By solving the bottleneck of converting visible light into energy, researchers create a sustainable method for producing hydrogen fuels.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateAug 20, 2015

Smarter window materials can control light and energy

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed smart window materials that can control light and energy efficiency, allowing for precise indoor climate control. The new materials enable 90% NIR and 80% visible light blocking, reducing energy costs for cooling buildings and homes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 22, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Degrading BPA with visible light and a new hybrid photocatalyst

Researchers have developed a hybrid photocatalyst using titanium dioxide nanoparticles, silver, and reduced graphene oxide that can break down BPA under visible light. This new material has significantly improved photocatalytic activity compared to traditional TiO2 nanoparticles.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateJul 21, 2015

World's thinnest lightbulb -- graphene gets bright!

Researchers at Columbia University have successfully demonstrated an on-chip visible light source using graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms. The graphene-based light emitter can be integrated into chips and is expected to revolutionize the development of photonic circuits and displays.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 15, 2015

NASA sees Extra-Tropical Storm Dolphin moving toward Sea of Okhotsk

Extra-Tropical Storm Dolphin is moving northeast towards the Sea of Okhotsk, interacting with westerlies that pushed clouds and showers east of its center. The storm has weakened, but still retains hurricane-force winds and is expected to turn northwards, passing south of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 20, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Switching superconductivity by light

A novel superconducting transistor can be switched reversibly between ON and OFF by light-irradiation, opening a way to new high-speed devices. The device uses a photo-active electric double layer and can be controlled by both gate-voltage and light-irradiation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

Dartmouth researchers create 'green' process to reduce molecular switching waste

Researchers at Dartmouth College have created a 'green' process that reduces molecular switching waste by harnessing visible light. The new method efficiently modulates molecular switches without generating waste, opening up potential for industrial applications in fields like anti-cancer drug delivery and LCD displays.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 15, 2014

New NIST metamaterial gives light a one-way ticket

Researchers at NIST have created a silver-glass metamaterial that enables one-way transmission of visible light, with around 30 times more light passing through in the forward direction than in reverse. The device has potential applications in optical information processing and biosensing devices.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 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.

Lighting the way to graphene-based devices

Berkeley Lab researchers have developed a technique to modify graphene boron nitride heterostructures using visible light, preserving high electron mobility. This method enables p–n junctions and flexible doping profiles without sacrificing material quality.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 16, 2014

Going beyond the surface

Researchers developed a new technology that can generate visible light deep within the body, activating drugs and destroying tumors. This approach could greatly expand photodynamic therapy's effectiveness, offering fewer side effects and precise targeting of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 15, 2014

Shockwave findings set to rewrite scientific theories

Research by Dr Klaas Wiersema's team has discovered that Gamma-Ray Bursts behave differently than previously thought, challenging existing theoretical predictions. The study used observations of a GRB to rule out most existing theories and instead found evidence for circular polarisation in visible light.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2014

Raising the IQ of smart windows

Researchers have designed a new material that can dynamically modify sunlight as it passes through a window, maximizing both energy savings and occupant comfort. The coating provides selective control over visible light and heat-producing near-infrared (NIR) light.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2013

California's Powerhouse Fire at night

The NASA-NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite captured an image of the Powerhouse Fire in California at night. The high-sensitivity instrument detected the fire using illumination from natural and man-made sources, revealing its large impact on city lights and surrounding landscape.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 4, 2013
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.

NASA gets eyeballed from Cyclone Claudia

NASA's Aqua satellite captured clear images of Cyclone Claudia's eye, showing a 10 nautical mile wide storm surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm's eye was characterized by high cloud top temperatures and intense rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 10, 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.

Almost perfect: A breakthrough in superlens development

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have made a major step toward creating superlenses that can see objects as small as 100 nanometers across using metamaterials and plasmons. This could enable ultra-high-resolution microscopes and cell phone cameras, making high-powered microscopy accessible to the public.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 9, 2012

A single cell endoscope

Researchers developed a nanowire-based optical probe for single-cell endoscopy, overcoming the diffraction barrier in visible light microscopy. The endoscope can deliver genes, proteins, or therapeutic drugs into cells without damaging them.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 20, 2011

Bimetallic nanoantenna separates colors of light

Researchers have created a simple nanoantenna that directs red and blue colours in opposite directions, defying wavelength size limitations. This discovery can lead to the development of optical nanosensors for detecting very low concentrations of gases or biomolecules.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2011

Scientists crack the spiders' web code

Researchers observed that spiders increase decorating activity in response to severe web damage but not light damage, suggesting the purpose of silk decorations is to make webs more visible to predators. This study helps unravel the mystery of why orb-weaving spiders decorate their webs.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 31, 2011
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.

UMD advance lights possible path to creating next-gen computer chips

University of Maryland researchers introduce a technique called RAPID lithography that uses visible light to create tiny integrated circuits comparable to shorter wavelength radiation. This breakthrough could lead to substantial savings in cost and ease of production for companies like Intel.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 2, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hyperspectral imaging speeds detection of Campylobacter

A new hyperspectral imaging technique allows for rapid detection of Campylobacter in food samples, reducing the time needed for isolation and identification from days to just 24 hours.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalSensing and Instrumentation for Food Quality and Safety·DateAug 25, 2010

Light controls matter, matter controls X-rays

Researchers successfully controlled x-ray pulses using laser light, enabling new possibilities for quantum information storage and processing. This breakthrough has the potential to shape x-ray pulses on a femtosecond time scale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 24, 2010

Asking 'what would nature do?' leads to a way to break down a greenhouse gas

Researchers develop method to efficiently turn carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using visible light, a process similar to what organisms naturally do. The technique has potential applications in producing electricity or hydrogen and could be scaled up with mass production of the catalyst.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 7, 2010

New visible light photocatalyst kills bacteria, even after light turned off

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new visible light photocatalyst that can kill bacteria and viruses, even after the light is turned off. The catalyst's unique catalytic memory effect allows it to continue killing pathogens for up to 24 hours.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateJan 19, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New nanolaser key to future optical computers and technologies

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully created a nanolaser called spaser, which emits visible light and could revolutionize future technologies based on nanophotonic circuitry. The device overcomes the limitation of current lasers being too large to integrate into electronic chips.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2009

Keck study sheds new light on 'dark' gamma-ray bursts

Most dark gamma-ray bursts are found in normal galaxies that can be detected by large ground-based optical telescopes, contradicting previous theories. The study suggests that dark bursts may represent stars that never drifted far from the dusty clouds that formed them.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 8, 2009
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.

Improved spectrometer based on nonlinear optics

A new highly sensitive infrared spectrometer has been developed using nonlinear optics, offering 100 times higher sensitivity than current commercial devices. The device eliminates the need for cryogenic cooling, making it practical for various industrial applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 12, 2008

VLT and Rossi XTE satellite probe violently variable black holes

Astronomers have found that magnetic fields are essential for black holes to swallow matter. The variations in visible light and X-rays were found to follow a repeated pattern, indicating that strong magnetic fields store energy near the black hole.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 15, 2008

Light sheds on new fiber's potential to change technology

Researchers at the University of Bath discovered how photonic crystal fibre creates a broad spectrum of light, allowing for more efficient telecommunications and precise optical clocks. By understanding this mechanism, scientists can now manipulate the supercontinuum with greater precision.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 10, 2007

Japanese and NASA satellites unveil new type of active galaxy

An international team of astronomers has discovered a new type of active galaxy that was previously overlooked due to its heavy shrouding in gas and dust. The newly found galaxies are thought to comprise around 20% of the X-ray background, providing insight into supermassive black holes and their role in controlling galaxy formation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 30, 2007
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.

Engineers create 'optical cloaking' design for invisibility

Engineers at Purdue University developed a theoretical design for an optical cloaking device that guides light around objects, making them invisible. The device works only for specific wavelengths and has limitations, but the researchers believe it's possible to create a cloak for all colors of visible light.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 2, 2007

VISTA camera takes to the air

The VISTA camera, Europe's largest infrared camera, will survey large areas of the southern sky at near-infrared wavelengths, studying cool objects, dust, and high-redshift galaxies. The camera's 67 million pixels will enable it to map the infrared sky faster than any previous telescope.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateJan 17, 2007

BC physicists transmit visible light through miniature cable

Physicists at Boston College have successfully transmitted visible light through a cable hundreds of times smaller than a human hair, defying a key principle in optics. This breakthrough could lead to the development of high-efficiency solar cells and microscopic light-based switching devices.

SourceBoston College·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 8, 2007
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.

Astronomers see inside a quasar for the first time

For the first time, astronomers have looked inside quasars and seen evidence of black holes. They measured the size of the accretion disk around a smaller area emitting X-rays, providing further confirmation that quasars are made up of super-massive black holes and heated disks.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 5, 2006

Switchable lotus effect

A new compound in the diarylethene family is synthesized and produces a microcrystalline film that becomes super-water-repellent when exposed to UV light, and returns to its original state with visible light. The material's surface undergoes changes in molecular structure, leading to reversible formation of microfibrils.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 5, 2006

Sea coral's trick helps scientists tag proteins

Scientists have developed a new fluorescent tag called Dendra that allows for precise labeling and tracking of proteins in living cells. This innovation enables researchers to study protein and organelle dynamics, cell migration, inflammation, and other biological processes with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2006

Colour profile exposes stolen gems

Researchers use microspectrometry to map the unique color patterns of individual gems, revealing differences even among same-type stones. This technique could provide valuable information for gemstone authentication and potential recovery of stolen stones.

SourceNew Scientist·DateMar 9, 2005
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.

Light turns on anticancer agents

Virginia Tech researchers have developed light-activated therapy agents that are oxygen independent, overcoming a limitation in photodynamic therapy. The new agents are activated by visible light and have been studied in cell cultures, showing promising results.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 24, 2004

Seeing the universe in a brand new light

Researchers at Northwestern University have created a novel device that detects ultraviolet light 10 times more efficiently than the Hubble Space Telescope. The innovative detector uses gallium nitride material to block visible and infrared light, allowing astronomers to study important objects in the universe for the first time.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 12, 2002

Nanoclusters of 2-8 silver atoms may be basis for new optical storage technique

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have demonstrated binary optical storage using nanoclusters of 2-8 silver atoms. The clusters can fluoresce when exposed to blue light, allowing for nondestructive reading with green light. This technique has the potential for high-density storage and parallel reading.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2001