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Structural color just got glossy, durable and 3D-ready

The Kobe University team demonstrates glossy, non-iridescent, and protection-coated structural color coatings for 3D objects, reducing diffuse reflectance and increasing color brightness. The coatings are lightweight, making them ideal for aircraft and other applications where weight reduction is crucial.

SourceKobe University·JournalSmall Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

World record: 450 Tb/s transmission over a metropolitan link using legacy optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a record-breaking 450 terabits per second optical transmission over a field-deployed legacy fiber in London, UK. The achievement uses new optical-amplifier technologies to support ultra-wideband signals, exceeding previous records and unlocking previously untapped capacity in standard optical fibers.

“A new security technology that locks information with light color and distance” — unhackable metasurface holograms

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a secure hologram platform that stores information using the wavelength of light and spacing between metasurface layers. The technology enables information processing using light alone, without electrical power or electronic chips.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 3, 2026

Novel transmission technique enables world record 430 Tb/s in a commercially available, international-standard-compliant optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a record-breaking 430 terabits per second (Tb/s) optical transmission using a novel approach that triples the capacity of standard-compliant cutoff-shifted optical fibers. The technology offers high throughput with reduced complexity, while utilizing existing optical fiber infrastructure.

IEEE study improves design of avalanche photodiodes for photodetection in the ultraviolet wavelength

Researchers have developed a numerical model to optimize avalanche photodiodes for detecting photons in ultraviolet wavelengths. The study improved the design of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, resulting in high single-photon detection efficiencies up to 71% for photons with a wavelength of 340 nm.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2025

Performance enhancement of terahertz communication devices achieved through mechanical tuning technology

The study successfully demonstrated impedance tuning of a 250 GHz waveguide transition, validating the effectiveness of mechanical tuning as a method to compensate for fabrication-induced performance variation. Terahertz frequencies above 100 GHz offer extremely wide bandwidths suitable for next-generation wireless communications.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

World record achieved in transmission capacity and distance: With 19-core optical fiber with standard cladding diameter 1,808 km transmission of 1.02 petabits per second

A new world record has been set for petabit-class transmission over a distance of 1,808 km using a 19-core optical fiber with low loss across multiple wavelength bands. The demonstration marks a major step forward in developing scalable, high-capacity networks and addressing the world's growing demand for data.

UV light activation of peracetic acid: new insights into radical generation based on excited states

Researchers developed an in-situ EPR setup to accurately identify radicals generated by PAA activation under different UV wavelengths, revealing distinct radical generation pathways. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of radical formation and transformation using density functional theory calculations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

'Hidden galaxies' could be smoking gun in universe riddle

Researchers have found evidence of a new population of faint galaxies hidden in the far-infrared sky, which could break current models of galaxy numbers and evolution. The discovery was made using data from the Herschel Space Observatory, which revealed a deeper image of the universe than ever before.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2025

A unique sound alleviates motion sickness

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique sound stimulation technology that alleviates motion sickness, reducing symptoms by up to a minute of stimulation. The device stimulates the inner ear with a specific wavelength of sound, activating the vestibular system and improving balance.

SourceNagoya University·JournalEnvironmental Health and Preventive Medicine·DateApr 4, 2025

Conformal radiation-type programmable metasurface for agile millimeter-wave OAM generation

Researchers developed a conformal programmable metasurface that generates Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) waves at millimeter-wave frequencies without external spatial excitation. The design mitigates feed leakage radiation and realizes low-profile configuration, enabling next-generation wireless communication and space-based applications.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 30, 2025

Security veins: Advanced biometric authentication through AI and infrared

A new method of biometric authentication has been developed using hyperspectral imaging and AI to identify individuals through the unique patterns in their blood vessels on the palm of their hand. The technology shows great promise for secure personal identification and could potentially be used as a key to unlock homes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 7, 2025

UESTC researchers unveil ultra-wideband, low-profile antenna for airborne applications

The study introduced an omnidirectional circular ring antenna that operates across a broad frequency range (150 MHz–600 MHz) while maintaining a low profile. The antenna features a compact design, achieving an impedance bandwidth of 12:1 and a lateral diameter of 0.19 times the wavelength.

SourceJournal of Electronic Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Electronic Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Building better infrared sensors

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new type of infrared photodiode that is 35% more responsive at 1.55 µm than existing germanium-based components. The new device can be manufactured using current production techniques, making it highly practical for adoption in various technologies.

SourceAalto University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 2, 2025

SNU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's Optical Engineering and Quantum Electronics Laboratory develops ultra-compact camera technology optimized for VR/AR devices

Researchers at Seoul National University's Optical Engineering and Quantum Electronics Laboratory developed an optical design technology that dramatically reduces the volume of cameras with a folded lens system utilizing metasurfaces. The new lens system achieves a thickness of 0.7mm, making it suitable for ultra-compact devices such a...

How immune cells “sniff out” pathogens

Researchers from the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study immune receptors using a label-free biosensor assay. This approach allows for the detection of specific chemical signals that activate Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which are found on the surface of immune cells and play a crucial role in detecting infections. T...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2024

Enhanced wavelength conversion to advance quantum information networks

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University develop a novel method for broadband frequency conversion using X-cut thin film lithium niobate, achieving a bandwidth of up to 13 nanometers. This breakthrough enables on-chip tunable frequency conversion, opening the door to enhanced quantum light sources and larger capacity multiplexing.

Quantum research paves the way toward efficient, ultra-high-density optical memory storage

A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has proposed a new type of optical memory that uses quantum defects to store data. By embedding rare-earth emitters in a solid material and transferring energy between them, the researchers aim to create an ultra-high-density storage method that could potentially exceed current limits.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 2, 2024

Novel method enhances size-controlled production of luminescent quantum dots

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a novel approach to monitoring quantum dot formation, enabling real-time control over nanoparticle growth and precise emission color. This technique has several advantages over conventional synthesis strategies, including reduced waste and improved equipment efficiency.

Fundamental spatial limits of all-optical magnetization switching

A team of researchers has determined a fundamental spatial limit for light-driven magnetization reversal in nanometer-scale materials. They found that the minimum size for all-optical switching is around 25 nm due to ultrafast lateral electron diffusion, which rapidly cools illuminated regions.

World record 402 Tb/s transmission in a standard commercially available optical fiber

A team at NICT set a new world record for data-rate transmission in a standard optical fiber, reaching 402 Tb/s and increasing the aggregate bandwidth to 37.6 THz. The demonstration used novel technologies to access new wavelength regions, enabling future optical communication infrastructure to meet growing demands.

Omnidirectional color wavelength tuning of stretchable chiral liquid crystal elastomers

Scientists have developed a method for achieving omnidirectional wavelength control, enabling simultaneous and multidirectional structural color tuning with highly flexible wavelength control. This breakthrough innovation promises to revolutionize tunable photonic applications, including electronic skin and optical sensing.

Hyperspectral dark-field microscopy for rapid and accurate identification of cancerous tissues

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that rapidly and accurately identifies cancerous tissues in breast samples. The method uses machine learning algorithms trained on hyperspectral dark-field microscopy data to pinpoint regions of invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive mucinous carcinoma.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 8, 2024