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Inverted fluorescence

Researchers have discovered a new class of fluorescent dyes that can convert visible light into ultraviolet light, overcoming one of the biggest challenges to harnessing sunlight for energy. This breakthrough could enable more efficient solar-powered water splitting and other high-energy reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 2020

Researchers control multiple wavelengths of light from a single source

KAIST researchers have synthesized nanoparticles that emit multiple wavelengths of light from a single particle, allowing for the control of these particles' properties and creation of environmentally responsible displays and lighting. The discovery also sheds new light on the mechanisms governing the optical properties of carbon dots.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 11, 2020

Self-imaging of a molecule by its own electrons

Researchers at the Max Born Institute have developed a method to record high-resolution movies of molecular dynamics using electrons ejected from a molecule by an intense laser field. This technique allows for the observation of ultrafast nuclear rearrangement with both high temporal and spatial resolution.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 2020

New ultrafast yellow laser poised to benefit biomedical applications

Researchers created a compact and ultrafast high-power yellow laser with excellent beam quality, filling the need for practical yellow light source emitting ultrafast pulses. The laser's wavelength range is highly absorbed by hemoglobin in blood, making it useful for medical treatments, dermatology, and eye surgery.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateSep 9, 2020

Highest peak power and excellent stability

Researchers have developed a new system delivering few-ps pulses at 2 μm wavelength with peak power of 17 GW, exceeding previous records. The system features excellent stability and brilliant beam quality, making it suitable for applications in nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, and materials processing.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 6, 2020

Scientists grow optical chips in a petri dish

A team of scientists from ITMO University developed a method to create optical chips in a Petri dish using gallium phosphide as a material for the waveguides. The new chip elements are three times smaller than those working in the IR spectral range, enabling compact and affordable production of lasers and waveguides.

SourceITMO University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 16, 2020

Stretchable variable color sheet that changes color with expansion and contraction

Researchers have created a variable color sheet using elastomer nanosheets that change color in response to strain, achieving reversible wavelength control of transmitted light. The developed sheets utilize surface plasmon to produce extraordinary optical transmission and can be used for flexible displays and sensors.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 2, 2020

Battling disease with ultraviolet light

The study aims to develop optical radiation products used in large-scale sanitation processes and create a lamp with both germicidal and lighting elements. Researchers will test different wavelengths of ultraviolet light against coronaviruses like COVID-19.

Efficient generation of relativistic near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses in plasmas

Scientists have developed a new scheme to generate near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses in plasmas, achieving conversion efficiencies of up to 30%. The method uses two terawatt-level short-pulse lasers incident into an underdense plasma channel, producing a tunable mid-infrared pulse with millijoules of energy.

X-ray vision through the water window

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a high-repetition-rate laser source producing coherent soft x-rays spanning the entire 'water window', enabling new applications in chemistry and biology. The system, capable of 100 kHz repetition rates, demonstrates a significant improvement over existing sources.

Compact beam steering studies to revolutionize autonomous navigation, AR, neuroscience

Researchers have developed a low-power beam steering platform that enables scalable optical systems for ultra-small LiDAR on autonomous vehicles, AR/VR displays, trapped-ion quantum computers, and optogenetics. The technology reduces power consumption while maintaining operation speed and broadband low loss.

Show me the methane

A team of researchers from UC Santa Barbara has developed a system using hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to detect methane leaks, achieving an 87% success rate. This method can differentiate between methane and other hydrocarbons, pinpointing the location of emissions.

Tailoring spontaneous infrared emission of HgTe quantum dots with laser-printed plasmonic arrays

Scientists have developed a novel plasmonic platform to tailor the spontaneous near-to-mid IR emission of HgTe quantum dots, achieving a 5-fold enhancement of PL quantum yield and reducing non-radiative decay. The study demonstrates the potential for precise tuning of IR-emitting QDs' emission, improving device performance.

Record-breaking terahertz laser beam

Scientists at TU Wien have created a record-breaking terahertz laser beam that produces extremely efficient and high-intensity terahertz radiation. The technology generates a broad spectrum of terahertz radiation, enabling the creation of short pulses with extremely high radiation intensity.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2020

On-chip light source produces versatile range of wavelengths

Researchers have designed a silicon-based chip-integrated light source that can transform infrared wavelengths into visible wavelengths, enabling highly miniaturized photonic instrumentation. The new optical parametric oscillator (OPO) light source simultaneously generates near-infrared wavelengths for telecommunication applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 19, 2019

UCF researchers work to create infrared detectors for viper-like night vision

UCF researchers have created an infrared detector that can enhance night vision capabilities by detecting different wavelengths of infrared light. The technology has implications for improving what can be seen in space, chemical and biological disaster areas, and on the battlefield. The detector operates faster than existing cameras an...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2019

Tunable optical chip paves way for new quantum devices

Scientists demonstrate a new type of quantum device using a silicon carbide photonic integrated chip that can be tunable, paving the way for next-generation quantum information processing devices. The approach overcomes some of the fragility drawbacks of previously reported SiC platforms.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 2, 2019

A new member in AIE family

Researchers have designed a new member of the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) family using 1,1,2,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene derivatives. These TPB derivatives exhibit strong fluorescence in aggregates and variable emission wavelengths due to conformational sensitivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateSep 24, 2019

Secret messages hidden in light-sensitive polymers

Scientists at CNRS have created polymers that can change information stored on a molecular level using specific wavelengths of light. This technology allows for the storage and decoding of secret messages, with potential applications in designing new materials.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2019