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Trapping versus dropping atoms expands 'interrogation' to 20 seconds

A new approach to atom interferometers allows for highly sensitive measurements of gravity and could be used in tests of general relativity. The trapped atom design greatly enhances sensitivity and precision over previous iterations, improving the signal-to-noise ratio by over 10,000-fold.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Visualizing strong magnetic fields with neutrons

Researchers at PSI have developed a new method to precisely measure strong magnetic fields using polarized neutrons. This allows them to visualize and quantify inhomogeneous and anisotropic magnetic fields, with applications in alternators, MRI systems, and other devices.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

NIST's compact atomic gyroscope displays new twists

The NIST team has upgraded their compact atomic gyroscope to enable simultaneous measurement of rotation, rotation angle and acceleration with a single source of atoms. The instrument's sensitivities for the magnitude and direction of the rotation measurements are approaching those achieved by other research groups using larger atom in...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 11, 2019

First demonstration of antimatter wave interferometry

Researchers at the University of Bern have successfully demonstrated wave behavior in a single positron interference experiment, proving the quantum-mechanical origin of the observed pattern. The experiment used an innovative Talbot-Lau interferometer and nuclear emulsion detector to achieve micrometric resolution.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2019

GRAVITY instrument breaks new ground in exoplanet imaging

The GRAVITY instrument has made the first direct observation of an exoplanet, revealing a complex atmosphere with clouds of iron and silicates swirling in a planet-wide storm. This achievement showcases the unique possibilities for characterising many known exoplanets.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 27, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Pollution: New ammonia emission sources detected from space

Researchers have created a global map of atmospheric ammonia distribution using satellite data from 2008 to 2016. The study identified over 200 new sources, including sites of intensive livestock production and industrial activity, which were previously underestimated.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2018

The big bell test

The BIG Bell Test challenged Einstein's local realism by using human volunteers' unpredictable choices to close a stubborn loophole. Participants contributed over 90 million bits, demonstrating strong disagreement with local realism and introducing new methods in entanglement study.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 9, 2018
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.

Movable silicon 'lenses' enable neutrons to see new range of details inside objects

Researchers at NIST and NIH developed a new method that uses movable silicon gratings to focus neutron beams, allowing for the examination of objects at unprecedented scales. This breakthrough could complement existing scanning techniques, enabling scientists to probe the interiors of materials without damaging them.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2018

New depth sensors could make self-driving cars practical

Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have developed a new approach to time-of-flight imaging that increases depth resolution 1,000-fold. This breakthrough could enable accurate distance measurements through fog, a major obstacle to self-driving cars, and improve the resolution of existing systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateDec 21, 2017

Hot bodies are attractive

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that blackbody radiation from a warm object can attract cesium atoms, with an effect 20 times stronger than gravity. This discovery has implications for precise measurements of fundamental constants and tests of general relativity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 8, 2017

Measuring atoms for better navigation and mineral detection

Physicists at the University of Queensland developed a new technique to reduce errors in atom measurement devices, boosting precision by exploiting quantum entanglement. This improvement enables more flexible design and operation of these quantum sensors, potentially moving experimental physics into real-world applications.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 6, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Best ever image of a star's surface and atmosphere

A team of astronomers has created the first two-dimensional velocity map of a star's atmosphere using ESO's Very Large Telescope Interferometer. The study reveals turbulent, low-density gas much further from the star than predicted, challenging current theories on convection.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017

'Quantum leap' for Liverpool

Physicists from the University of Liverpool have made a significant breakthrough in probing the 'dark content' of the universe using a novel experiment based on quantum interferometry. The experiment relies on ultra-cold atoms and could have far-reaching applications in navigation, gravity scanning, and understanding dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMay 30, 2017
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.

Super sensitive devices work on recycling atoms

Researchers at University of Queensland and University of Sussex have developed a way to recycle atoms, improving the performance of atom interferometers. This technique enables ultra-precise measurements of accelerations, rotations, and gravitational fields, with applications in mineral exploration, hydrology, and navigation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 11, 2017

'Virtual' interferometers may overcome scale issues for optical quantum computers

A team of researchers has devised a new way to implement large-scale interferometers that can dramatically miniaturize optical processing circuitry. By leveraging recent breakthroughs in quantum information, the 'measurement-based linear optics' technique harnesses existing compact methods for generating large-scale cluster states.

SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 3, 2017

National Academy of Sciences honors LIGO researchers

LIGO researcher Gabriela González has received the National Academy of Sciences Award for Scientific Discovery for her work on gravitational wave astronomy. She shares the award with David Howard Reitze and Peter R. Saulson, who have also contributed significantly to the field over 19 years.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateJan 26, 2017

NASA completes Webb Telescope Center of Curvature pre-test

Engineers successfully completed the first Center of Curvature test for the James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror, measuring its shape and alignment with incredible precision. The test will be repeated after launch environment testing to confirm the optics' performance in space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 2, 2016
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.

Russian physicists create a high-precision 'quantum ruler'

Physicists from Russia and France have devised a method to create a quantum entangled state, enabling precise measurement of large distances. This technique could improve the accuracy of optical interferometers used in gravitational wave detection.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2016

Laboratory breakthrough may lead to improved X-ray spectrometers

Swiss researchers improve an interferometry technique to directly exploit fringe interference, acquiring high-resolution images without the need for a G2 grating or small pixel detectors. The new setup increases flux efficiency by a factor of two and reduces overall production costs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 7, 2016

Advance could aid development of nanoscale biosensors

Researchers from Brown University have developed a technique that eliminates the need for highly specialized external light sources, enabling more versatile and compact devices. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of hand-held environmental sensors and biosensors that can perform complete blood workups from single drops.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 16, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Innovative planet-finding technology passes another hurdle

The Visible Nulling Coronagraph (VNC) technology has demonstrated improved sensitivity over a broader spectral range, making it a stronger contender for a future astrophysics mission. The instrument will enable spectroscopy to study exoplanet atmospheres and identify signs of life.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 12, 2015

Twisting neutrons

Scientists at Joint Quantum Institute successfully control orbital angular momentum of neutron waves, a fundamental property of matter waves. The achievement uses a counterintuitive property of neutrons to twist the phase of their wavefunction, enabling potential applications in neutron imaging and quantum information processing.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2015
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.

Smaller, faster, cheaper

A new type of electro-optic modulator is smaller, faster, and cheaper than traditional models, using plasmon-polaritons to enhance its performance. The device consumes much less energy than current commercial devices, making it a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact of data transmission.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 27, 2015

Bistatic/multistatic synthetic aperture radar: Approaching the new era

Researchers have developed a novel deformation monitoring technique using bistatic differential interferometry with GNSS as transmitters, achieving high accuracy and low cost. The method combines DGNSS and D-InSAR for real-time subsidence monitoring, potentially replacing traditional techniques and enhancing national security.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 15, 2015

Viewing deeper into the quantum world

Researchers at ICFO have demonstrated a nonlinear interferometer that can measure tiny magnetization with improved sensitivity. This breakthrough confirms theoretical predictions and paves the way for more accurate quantum measurements.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 11, 2014

Progress on detecting glucose levels in saliva

The new sensor uses dye chemistry and plasmonic interferometry to selectively measure glucose concentrations in complex solutions like human saliva. It can detect changes in glucose concentration of 0.1 micromoles per liter, which is 10 times more sensitive than previous methods.

SourceBrown University·JournalNanophotonics·DateJun 3, 2014
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.

Improving measurements by reducing quantum noise

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology developed a new Mach-Zehnder interferometer using Bose-Einstein condensates, reducing quantum noise by three times. This resulted in improved precision and measurement time, multiplying the original value by three.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2013

Invisible tool enables new quantum experiments

Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed a novel way to manipulate massive particles using nanosecond long flashes of laser light, enabling precise measurements of small forces and fields. This breakthrough allows for the investigation of quantum wave nature in both single molecules and clusters of molecules.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 11, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A rock is a clock: Physicist uses matter to tell time

Holger Müller's Compton clock measures time using the oscillations of a cesium atom's matter wave, which has a frequency 10 billion times higher than visible light. The clock is accurate to within 7 parts per billion and could potentially rival atomic clocks with further improvements.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

NASA pursues atom optics to detect the imperceptible

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing atom-optics technology to directly detect gravitational waves, which could revolutionize astrophysics. The technology uses atomic interferometry to measure minute changes in space-time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 18, 2012

Developing the next generation of microsensors

Researchers at Caltech engineer a new class of microsensors using laser light, enabling detection of motions in tens of microseconds. The sensors can measure both extremely small and large accelerations, making them valuable for various applications including oil and gas exploration and biomedical uses.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 17, 2012
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.

Splitting the unsplittable

Researchers have successfully split a single atom into its two halves, pulled them apart and reunited them again. This achievement showcases the potential of quantum mechanics in simulating complex systems, such as topological isolators and photo¬synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2012

High-contrast, high-resolution CT scans now possible at reduced dose

Scientists have developed a new X-ray imaging method that improves contrast in computed tomography scans without increasing radiation dose. The technique, called grating interferometry, uses microstructures to enhance contrast and can be combined with clinical CT scanners.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2012

Tiny planet-finding mirrors borrow from Webb Telescope playbook

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing an infinitely smaller segmented mirror, called the Multiple Mirror Array (MMA), that will revolutionize space-based telescopes. The MMA promises to detect, image, and characterize planets beyond our solar system from a high-altitude balloon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 24, 2012

Galileo to image objects in geosynchronous orbit faster

The Galileo program seeks to bridge the precision fiber optic controls and long-baseline astronomical interferometry technical communities to enable faster imaging of objects in geosynchronous orbit. By harnessing the power of flexible fiber optics, researchers aim to create a new means of better, faster imaging of objects in GEO.

SourceDefense Advanced Research Projects Agency·DateJan 17, 2012
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

NIST sensor improvement brings analysis method into mainstream

Researchers at NIST have developed a new device that can perform neutron interferometry in a much smaller space, increasing its sensitivity and speed. This innovation could enable the technique to be used in industries such as materials science and manufacturing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2011

U of T scientist leads international team in quantum physics first

A team of researchers led by University of Toronto physicist Aephraim Steinberg successfully reconstructed the full trajectories of light particles moving through a two-slit interferometer, a historic experiment that has puzzled physicists for decades. This achievement provides new insights into quantum mechanics and its interpretations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2011

Zoom-up star photos poke holes in century-old astronomical theory

Researchers used interferometry to take close-up pictures of the winter star Regulus, finding that the actual temperature difference between its equator and poles is much less than previously thought. The study's findings challenge a century-old theory, highlighting the importance of accurate measurements in astronomy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 18, 2011

The 'new' kilogram is approaching

The Avogadro project has achieved a milestone in measuring the Avogadro constant with unprecedented precision, using a highly enriched single crystal of silicon-28. The measurement uncertainty has been reduced to 3 × 10^(-22), enabling a more accurate definition of the kilogram based on fundamental constants.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2011

Seeing moire in graphene

Researchers at NIST and Georgia Tech have developed a new technique to analyze multilayer graphene, revealing the rotational orientation of graphene sheets and mapping stress fields. The method uses atomic scale moiré patterns to measure strain in graphene layers with high sensitivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateApr 28, 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.

NIST researchers holding steady in an atomic-scale tug-of-war

The NIST team has built an ultra-stable instrument for tugging on chains of atoms, achieving results that require heroic efforts at vibration isolation. The new instrument enables the direct measurement of force between two gold atoms, giving researchers a direct method to calibrate their equipment.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 1, 2010

LIGO listens for gravitational echoes of the birth of the universe

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration and Virgo Collaboration have set the most stringent limits yet on the amount of gravitational waves that could have come from the Big Bang. The analysis of data taken over a two-year period has constrained current theories about universe formation, including models of cosmic strings and superstrings.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2009

Gravitational Wave Observatory listens for echoes of universe's birth

A new analysis by LIGO and Virgo Collaborations has set the most stringent limits yet on gravitational waves from the Big Bang, offering insight into the universe's earliest history. The study constrains models of cosmic strings and provides new constraints on the behavior of the infant universe.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2009
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Red giant star Betelgeuse is mysteriously shrinking

UC Berkeley researchers have found that Betelgeuse, the bright reddish star in the constellation Orion, has steadily shrunk over the past 15 years. The star's diameter has decreased by more than 15% since 1993, a change that is striking to observe.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 9, 2009

NRL's SHIMMER successfully observes Earth's highest clouds

SHIMMER successfully observed Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) during the northern season of 2008, measuring diurnal variation with a single peak per day. The observation is unique among satellites that have studied PMCs and has important implications for inferring long-term trends from historical space-based observations.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·DateNov 13, 2008