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Novel Raman technique breaks through 50 years of frustration

A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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