Scientists created an ultra-thin dynamic amplifier for electromagnetic radiation using a parametric metasurface. A parametric metasurface is a thin composite material with a small-scale surface structure that changes periodically over time. The design provides extensive control over freely propagating input radiation, including amplifying up to 10 dB. Amplification is essential for long-distance transmission via air [..]

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in generating high-quality microwave signals using a tiny photonic chip. This new device can produce low-noise signals using a single laser, overcoming a major hurdle in previous methods requiring multiple lasers and bulky setups. The photonic chip is miniscule, paving the way for its integration into future communication devices. [..]

Researchers developed a new technique for laser cooling ytterbium-doped silica by 67 K from ambient temperature. This technique has the potential for solid-state optical refrigeration. The researchers achieved a net cooling of 67 K by pumping a 5 cm long, 1 mm diameter ytterbium-doped silica rod with a 100 W ytterbium fiber amplifier. The experiment [..]

Spatial omics is a field that allows scientists to study biological samples at a single-cell level. These techniques, which combine genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics information, enable researchers to see how genes, RNA, and proteins are arranged within a tissue. This field is still new but can potentially revolutionize our understanding of biology and disease. Since [..]

Metal halide perovskites are gaining popularity due to their superior optoelectronic features, which include a high photoluminescence quantum yield (QY), absorption coefficient, tunable band gaps, long carrier diffusion lengths, and defect tolerance. Direct laser writing (DLW) is an efficient, contactless, mask-free, and depth-resolved micro-patterning technology that involves linking a laser beam to a high-resolution microscope. [..]

Crafting exceptionally thin silver films presents a significant challenge for flexible optoelectronic devices. Conventional techniques often yield films that are both discontinuous and suffer from poor conductivity. This roadblock hinders the development of next-generation flexible displays and other optoelectronic applications. Researchers have recently proposed a groundbreaking approach to generating ultrathin silver films with exceptional continuity [..]

Ultraviolet spectroscopy is critical for researching electronic transitions in atoms and rovibronic transitions in molecules, which are required for testing fundamental physics, quantum-electrodynamics theory, and precision measurements. Researchers have successfully implemented high-resolution linear-absorption dual-comb spectroscopy in the ultraviolet spectral range, enabling new experiments under low-light conditions and paving the way for novel applications in various [..]

Early cancer diagnosis is critical for improving treatment outcomes and lowering mortality rates. However, prompt diagnosis is common for people who need access to healthcare, such as those with limited income or living in remote areas. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is a promising method for early cancer diagnosis since it may be conducted rapidly and [..]

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in manipulating light signals using liquid crystals. This new technique integrates femtosecond laser writing with liquid crystals embedded in waveguides. This enables electro-optical control of light polarization, paving the way for novel photonic devices. Previously, femtosecond lasers were used for writing waveguides, but they could not modulate the light [..]

In the realm of photonics, miniaturized, high-performance devices are crucial for various applications. With their unique optical and electronic properties, inorganic perovskites have emerged as a promising material for such devices. Researchers have developed an inorganic perovskite-based integrated photonic devices. The researchers detail a method for fabricating these devices using focused ion beam etching and [..]

Researchers are developing a new technique for 3D printing ceramics that could revolutionize the field of micro-optics. This technique can create intricate structures that generate and store light, paving the way for new applications like lasers, sensors, and optical communication. The ability to manipulate light at the micro-scale is crucial for many photonic devices. Traditionally, [..]

Machine vision is crucial in various industrial tasks, from quality control to robot guidance. However, traditional lighting systems often struggle to keep pace with the demands of high-speed imaging, leading to blurred images, inaccurate measurements, and safety concerns. Hidden strobe hardware offers a game-changing solution by utilizing rapid pulses of light invisible to the human [..]

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a powerful tool for imaging biological samples at high resolution. However, using the right fixation methods is important to preserve the sample’s structure and prevent artifacts. Researchers discuss a new method for fixing blood samples for SEM analysis using the May-Grünwald solution. This method is less toxic than traditional methods [..]

Fascinating new development in room-temperature quantum optomechanics! A recent study has achieved quantum control of solid-state mechanical oscillators at room temperature. This is a significant breakthrough as it paves the way for miniaturized and integrated quantum devices. Traditionally, controlling the quantum state of mechanical oscillators has been limited to cryogenic temperatures due to the thermal [..]

Researchers have developed an organic optoelectronics device that combines organic photovoltaic (OPV) and organic photodetector (OPD) functionalities. Organic photovoltaic and organic photodetector devices efficiently use ambient, unused, and low light to generate electricity and detect light to capture images. OPVs can harvest indoor energy, while OPDs are like cameras using indoor light for imaging. The [..]

LiDAR, or light detection and ranging, is a crucial technology for self-driving cars, robotics, and other applications that require precise depth sensing. However, conventional LiDAR systems face challenges like bulky designs and limited range. Researchers introduce a promising new approach: antireflective vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (Antireflective VCSELs). The Problem with Conventional VCSELs: Traditional LiDAR systems often [..]

Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) is a powerful technique for analyzing materials’ composition and electronic structure. However, current assumptions about the process often ignore important time-dependent effects, leading to inaccurate and limited results. A new computational approach developed has the potential to unlock AES’s full potential, especially in optics and photonics. One of the key strengths [..]

A new invention has been created that mimics the image processing power of the human eye. This invention uses a metasurface to transform images before a camera captures them. This allows computers to process images with less power and data. The invention has many potential applications, including target tracking and surveillance. The human eye is [..]

A physicist is developing a new method for skin cancer screening and diagnosis using Terahertz Imaging System. Terahertz waves are safe and can detect changes in skin hydration, which can indicate cancer. The researcher is building a handheld device that can be used in clinical settings. The researchers discuss the potential of terahertz waves for [..]

Metasurfaces are a new class of optical components that can potentially revolutionize the field of imaging. They are essentially thin layers of nanostructures that can manipulate light in various ways. In this article, researchers discuss how metasurfaces can be used for infrared edge detection. Edge detection is a fundamental task in image processing to identify [..]