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Spectroscopic micro-ellipsometer unveils atomic-level thickness measurements of 2D materials: Hebrew University secures patented technology for revolutionary innovation

Researchers from Hebrew University developed a microscope-integrated ellipsometer that enables fast and precise measurements of thin-film thicknesses in small areas. The Spectroscopic Micro-Ellipsometer successfully maps the thicknesses of diverse 2D material flakes, determining their number of atomic layers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Researchers demonstrate non-invasive method for assessing burn injuries

Researchers developed a neural network model that uses terahertz time-domain spectroscopy data to predict burn healing outcomes with high accuracy. The new approach improves upon existing methods by reducing training data requirements, making it more practical for processing large clinical trials.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJan 30, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Watching the fate of molecular nitrogen with X-rays, when an electron has been kicked out

Researchers at the Max Born Institute have used novel ultrashort soft X-ray spectroscopy to study the fate of molecular nitrogen when an electron is kicked out. They found that the B state has a similar degree of excitation as the X state, contradicting previous models. Instead, a coherent interplay between light fields enables lasing ...

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

SPIE journal Neurophotonics publishes comprehensive status report on optical imaging methods for brain science

The report explores diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). It introduces state-of-the-art technologies and software, exploring their impact on neuroscience and clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateSep 2, 2022

Strength of results consistency and agreement

A team of scientists from Poland, Germany, the USA, and the UK collaborated to measure the intensities of carbon monoxide overtone lines with high accuracy. Their results showed that different measurement methods and laboratories agreed on a promille level for the first time, paving the way for precise spectroscopic analysis in atmosph...

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For the first time, scientists have systematized all the halos discovered over thousands of years of observations

Researchers from Helsinki and Ural Federal Universities group atmospheric halos into commonly observed and rare categories. They identified conditions necessary for seeing optical illusions in the atmosphere, such as temperature and humidity, but still struggle to explain some exotic forms like elliptical halos and Moilanen arc.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer·DateJul 26, 2022

Strain-sensing smart skin ready to deploy

The new system, S4, offers a high-resolution view of stressed specimens comparable to or better than established technologies like DIC. It also overcomes optical challenges posed by cement in concrete, providing a reliable strain measurement technology.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

The ultimate fate of a star shredded by a black hole

Astronomers observe a star's destruction and discover that most of its material forms a spherical cloud, blocking high-energy emissions. The polarization of light from the event reveals symmetry in the cloud.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022
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.

Gemini North spies ultra-faint fossil galaxy discovered on outskirts of Andromeda

A team of astronomers discovered an unusual ultra-faint dwarf galaxy, Pegasus V, on the outer edge of the Andromeda Galaxy using NSF's NOIRLab facilities. The galaxy appears to be extremely deficient in heavier elements, indicating it is very old and likely a fossil of the first galaxies.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 2022

Researchers measure atmospheric water vapor using open-air spectroscopy

A new open-path mid-infrared spectrometer can precisely measure isotopologue ratios in atmospheric water vapor in under 15 minutes, offering improved accuracy for climate change modeling and air quality monitoring. The instrument's dual-comb technique enables spatially resolved studies of water vapor transport over natural ecosystems.

SourceOptica·DateJun 29, 2022

Wearable chemical sensor is as good as gold

Researchers created a wearable sensor that can measure biomarkers and substances using Raman spectroscopy. The sensor is robust and sensitive, with potential applications in glucose monitoring and virus detection.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

Tiny infrared spectral filters for remote thermal sensing and imaging

New research develops a low-index BaF2 thin film-based microspectrometer technology for LWIR spectral sensing. The study demonstrates the use of flat and stress-free free-standing distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) for high-performance wavelength discrimination in the long-wave infrared region.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateMay 23, 2022
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.

Miniaturized reflectors enlarge uses of remote infrared spectroscopy

Researchers have developed miniaturized reflectors that enlarge the uses of remote infrared spectroscopy, allowing for field-ready devices with minimal size, weight, and power requirements. The devices utilize Ge-BaF2 thin films for surface micromachined mid-wave and long-wave infrared reflectors.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateMar 23, 2022

Molecules at a hairdresser’s

Physicists at Nicolaus Copernicus University developed new methods of molecular spectroscopy in optical cavity structures, offering higher precision and sensitivity. The methods were tested using dual-comb cavity ring-down spectroscopy, enabling parallel broadband spectroscopy with limited spectral definition.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Optical sensing for orthopedic surgery

The integration of optical sensing into orthopedic surgical devices has the potential to increase accuracy and improve outcomes in musculoskeletal repair. Researchers explore various types of optical sensing, including spectroscopy and imaging, to address unmet clinical needs in orthopedic surgery.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 6, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New analysis approach could increase the number of usable donor kidneys

Researchers developed a new SERS-based multiplexing technique to detect kidney injury biomarkers SLPI and IL-18, achieving high sensitivity and reliability. The approach shows promise for objectively assessing donor kidney quality, potentially reducing discard rates and recipient complications in clinical practice.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Quantum algorithms bring ions to a standstill

Researchers have successfully cooled a pair of highly charged ions to an unprecedentedly low temperature of 200 µK using quantum algorithms. This achievement brings the team closer to building an optical atomic clock with highly charged ions, which could potentially be more accurate than existing clocks.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

Fiery dragon’s breath may scorch young planets

A supermassive filament eruption has been observed on a Sun-like star, EK Draconis. The filament was large and fast, posing severe impacts on planetary environments. This finding sheds light on the origins of life on Earth and potential life on other planets.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2021

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Electrical control over designer quantum materials

The study introduces a versatile method to tune the interaction strength in 2D heterostructures by applying electrical fields. This allows for the exploration of wide parameter ranges and opens up new perspectives for quantum simulation.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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Need for larger space telescope inspires lightweight flexible holographic lens

Researchers developed a holographic lens that can focus light onto a single point or disperse it into its constituent colors, producing a spectrum of pure colors. The new method uses two sources of light to create a super spectral resolution optical element for detecting exoplanets with high resolution.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021

New technique shows early biochemical changes in tumors

Researchers developed a new technique using Raman spectroscopy to determine the effects and effectiveness of immunotherapy treatment on colon cancer tumors. The study showed that the technique can detect early biochemical changes in tumors, differentiating between responders and non-responders.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Ultra-short or infinitely long: It all looks the same

A new study proves that ultra-short pulses of light can drive transitions to new phases of matter in tungsten disulfide (WS2) atoms, aiding the search for future low-energy electronics. The findings show that even ultrashort pulses are as effective in triggering state changes as continuous illumination.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021
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.

Water as a metal

Researchers produce aqueous solution with metallic properties for the first time by dropping a tiny droplet of liquid alkali metal alloy into water. The resulting 'metallic water' exhibits characteristic spectroscopic properties, including a golden glow and conduction band.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Researchers present concept for a new technique to study superheavy elements

The new LRC approach enables the investigation of superheavy elements with extreme sensitivity, even at low production quantities. By combining laser spectroscopy and ion mobility spectrometry, researchers can unveil element-specific emission spectra, providing valuable insights into the electronic structure of these exotic atoms.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 13, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Improved functional near infrared spectroscopy enables enhanced brain imaging

Researchers developed a new method using frequency domain measurement in functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), improving image quality and spatial resolution. This innovation enables enhanced brain imaging with greater depth sensitivity, paving the way for more accurate neuroimaging applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateAug 21, 2019

Manipulating nanoscale light in nanocavity of scanning tunneling microscope junctions

A research team at the Fritz-Haber Institute in Berlin demonstrated manipulation of nanolight spectrum by shaping plasmonic gold tips with a focused ion beam milling technique. The spectral response was investigated using scanning tunneling luminescence, revealing precise control over Fabry-Pérot type interference of surface plasmon po...

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 6, 2019

How molecules teeter in a laser field

Researchers from MBI report on an experiment using attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to study the interaction of molecules with a laser field. They found that infrared fields affect weak core-to-Rydberg transitions more strongly than core-to-valence transitions, and that Rydberg states dominate XUV absorption.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 17, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New 2D spectroscopy methods

Physicists have developed two novel principles for optical spectroscopy, allowing for the direct observation of excitation-excitation interactions and energy transport in systems. This breakthrough enables the study of dynamic properties such as energy transport in natural light-harvesting systems and artificial dye aggregates.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2018

Joint international research project leads to a breakthrough in terahertz spectroscopy

A joint international research project has led to a breakthrough in terahertz spectroscopy, enabling the analysis of nanocrystals and molecules at extremely low concentrations. Researchers successfully increased technique sensitivity using nanoantennas, allowing for enhanced absorption and spectroscopic signature retrieval.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 28, 2015

Vanishing da Vinci

A team of researchers developed a new approach to identify and quantify chromophores in ancient paper, which contributes to the understanding of visual degradation processes. The study applied this technique to Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait, revealing its degradation state and providing insights into environmental conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·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.

Seeing in color at the nanoscale

Researchers developed a new nanotech tool to probe solar-energy conversion, revealing exquisite chemical details with a resolution thought impossible. The tool combines scan/probe microscopy and optical spectroscopy, enabling scientists to examine nanoscale chemistry and interactions with light.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2012

Nano-FTIR - A new era in modern analytical chemistry

Researchers developed nano-FTIR, combining s-SNOM and FTIR spectroscopy for nanoscale chemical identification and mapping. The technique offers high sensitivity and resolution, making it a unique tool for polymer chemistry, biomedicine, and pharmaceutical industry.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 27, 2012

Laser light may be able to detect diseases on the breath

Researchers have created a new technique using laser light to analyze breath samples, detecting biomarkers for diseases like asthma and cancer. This non-invasive method could provide rapid and reliable health screenings, addressing existing limitations in breath analysis.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 18, 2008

Anatomy of a cosmic bird

Astronomers discover triple merger of galaxies, dubbed 'The Bird', with ESO's VLT. The system reveals two massive spiral galaxies and a third irregular galaxy forming stars at high rates.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 20, 2007
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

UC Santa Cruz researchers achieve atomic spectroscopy on a chip

Researchers at UCSC have achieved atomic spectroscopy on a chip, enabling compact and portable applications in laser frequency stabilization and quantum information processing. The technology has potential implications for gas detection sensors and quantum optics experiments.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 1, 2007

Scenario for high-temperature, cuprate superconductivity proposed

A University of Illinois physicist has proposed a 'midinfrared' scenario that may help explain the mechanism behind high-temperature, cuprate superconductors. The theory suggests that the driving force for superconductivity in cuprates is a saving of Coulomb energy associated with long wavelengths and midinfrared frequencies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 1999