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Inside the Milky Way

Researchers analyzed images from the Russian spacecraft RadioAstron and found small spots in the overall image, which they call substructure. This phenomenon can be used to infer the actual size of the underlying source, including the black hole's emission region.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 13, 2014

New technology illuminates colder objects in deep space

A Northwestern University team has developed a new technology using indium arsenide/indium arsenide antimonide (InAs/InAsSb) for stable infrared detection, enabling the observation of cooler objects in deep space. This advancement paves the way for enhanced exploration and unlocking the mysteries of these cooler objects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 9, 2014

A million times better

Researchers at TUM and UT Austin developed nonlinear mirrors that reflect frequency-doubled output using input light intensity as small as a laser pointer. The new materials produce approximately one million times higher intensity of frequency-doubled output compared to traditional materials.

NIST technique could make sub-wavelength images at radio frequencies

Researchers at NIST and University of Michigan develop a new method to image electric fields at resolutions far below RF wavelengths using laser light and rubidium atoms. The technique maps RF field strength as a function of position at resolutions as low as one-hundredth of an RF wavelength, far below normal antenna limits.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 17, 2014

Marine algae can sense the rainbow

A new study revealed that marine algae can detect a range of colors beyond red light, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This innovation has significant implications for understanding photosynthetic life and potentially improving food production by teaching crops to grow in various light conditions.

SourceCIFAR·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

Whales viewed from space

High-resolution satellite images successfully counted southern right whales off the Argentinian coast, using automatic detection methods that outperformed traditional manual detection. The study's findings suggest this new approach could be applied to other whale species and marine mammal populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2014

Understanding secondary light emission by plasmonic nanostructures may improve medical imaging

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that modeling secondary light emission as Raman scattering can predict its dependence on laser power and wavelength, leading to improved biological and medical imaging modalities. This breakthrough has significant implications for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

Sharpening the focus in quantum photolithography

A new quantum lithography protocol developed by George Miroshnichenko improves the resolution of photolithography technology. The protocol addresses physical limitations caused by light diffraction, allowing for narrower stripes and higher-contrast edges on semiconductors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 17, 2013

Light as medicine?

Researchers at UWM have discovered that near-infrared (NIR) and blue light can repair tissue in dramatically different ways, but both act on the same enzyme in the cell's energy supply center: the mitochondria. NIR light has been shown to improve MS symptoms in rodent models, while blue light kills bacteria that cause infection.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateOct 21, 2013

Counting the twists in a helical light beam

Researchers at Harvard University have created a new device that can detect and distinguish between different types of twisted light waves, which can add an extra level of multiplexing to communication systems. This could potentially increase the rate of data transmission over limited bandwidth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2013

First-ever hyperspectral images of Earth's auroras

A new hyperspectral camera has captured the first-ever images of auroras, revealing a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon. The camera's unprecedented capabilities have enabled scientists to study auroras in unprecedented clarity, revealing subtle changes in atmospheric behavior.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 29, 2012

Flat lens offers a perfect image

Researchers at Harvard University have created an ultrathin flat lens that focuses light without imparting distortions, approaching the physical limit set by diffraction laws. The device is scalable and simple to manufacture, making it a promising new technology for fiber-optic communications.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 23, 2012

SACLA draws acclaim for unique XFEL design

SACLA boasts the shortest wavelength in the world, an extremely broad wavelength range, and a high peak output of 10 GW. Its unique design and original Japanese technologies enable its remarkable performance despite a compact size of only 700 meters.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 29, 2012