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A dash of gold improves microlasers

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a new type of microlaser that uses gold nanoparticles to improve frequency comb technology. This innovation enables the creation of smaller, more efficient systems for applications such as portable chemical spectroscopy and cybersecurity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 6, 2017

Ultraviolet light from superluminous supernova key to revealing explosion mechanism

A team of researchers discovered a way to use ultraviolet light observations to determine characteristics of superluminous supernovae previously unknown. They found that Gaia16apd was most likely an shock-interacting supernova, and their technique could help identify the explosion mechanism of future supernovae.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 7, 2017

Nanostructures taste the rainbow

Researchers created nanostructures with varying widths that absorb different wavelengths of light, generating an electric current corresponding to the absorbed wavelength. The new detectors operate faster and detect a wider range of electromagnetic spectrum than traditional devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 28, 2017

When gold turns invisible

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a gold compound that turns invisible when ground into a fine powder, emitting only infrared light. The substance's unique property has significant implications for bioimaging and the creation of invisible security inks.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 31, 2017

A fast, non-destructive test for 2-dimensional materials

Researchers at Penn State have developed a fast, non-destructive optical method for analyzing defects in 2D materials. This new technique uses fluorescent microscopy to identify defects and correlates the results with visual confirmation under transmission electron microscopy.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 2, 2017

Putting a spin on logic gates

Researchers have developed a prototype for a spin-wave majority logic gate that utilizes wave interference to process information. This innovation uses spin waves instead of classical currents or voltages, enabling the creation of nanoscale devices with improved efficiency and reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 10, 2017

Thin, flexible, light-absorbent material for energy and stealth applications

A new material developed by UC San Diego engineers can absorb a broad range of infrared wavelengths, enabling potential applications in cooling buildings and cars, enhancing solar cell efficiencies, and blocking thermal detection. The material's unique properties allow it to be customized for specific absorption ranges.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2017

A big nano boost for solar cells

Researchers have developed a new nano-sized semiconductor that concentrates visible light energy, increasing the efficiency of solar cells. This breakthrough doubles current efficiencies to at least 40%, offering benefits in energy efficiency and design.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2017

Murky Amazon waters cloud fish vision

Researchers found that three Amazonian species have lost or disabled genes for detecting short wavelengths of light, allowing them to thrive in the murky environment. The study reveals a unique genetic adaptation that enables these fish to perceive their surroundings differently.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 4, 2017

Graphene plasmons reach the infrared

Researchers at Technical University of Denmark have demonstrated efficient absorption enhancement at a wavelength of 2 micrometers by graphene plasmons. This breakthrough brings graphene into the regime of telecommunication applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 14, 2016

On-chip observation of THz graphene plasmons

Scientists developed a technique to image THz photocurrents with nanoscale resolution, visualizing strongly compressed THz waves in a graphene photodetector. The imaging technique, called THz photocurrent nanoscopy, provides unprecedented possibilities for characterizing optoelectronic properties at THz frequencies.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 4, 2016

Flexible optical design method for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors

Researchers at NICT have developed a flexible optical design method for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, enabling high detection efficiency over a precise spectral range while rejecting other wavelengths. This technique has potential applications in quantum cryptography, fluorescence spectroscopy, and remote sensing.

A sharper focus for plasmonic lasers

Plasmonic lasers use metal films to confine light energy and have potential applications in integrated optics and ultrafast digital processing. The researchers developed a scheme that emits radiation at extremely long wavelengths with a narrow beam divergence angle of just 4 degrees, the narrowest achieved for such terahertz lasers.

SourceLehigh University·JournalOptica·DateJul 6, 2016