Physicists have achieved a significant milestone in integrated photonics with the creation of an on-chip compact laser capable of generating exceptionally bright, short pulses of light in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectrum. This wavelength range is highly valuable for applications such as gas sensing and spectroscopy but has historically been challenging to access with integrated devices. [..]

Researchers have pioneered a novel terahertz (THz) imaging technique that offers an unprecedented ability to non-destructively visualize and analyze the internal structures and properties of layered materials with remarkable clarity. This terahertz light breakthrough in THz photonics overcomes limitations of conventional imaging methods, opening up new avenues for quality control, material science research, and the [..]

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and optics is ushering in a new era of enhanced digital security, offering innovative solutions to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. By integrating AI algorithms with advanced optical technologies, researchers and developers are creating powerful defense mechanisms that operate at the physical layer, providing a robust and often undetectable [..]

Dual-chirped comb LiDAR represents a significant advancement in distance measurement technology, offering unprecedented accuracy and range for a variety of applications. This innovative approach leverages the unique properties of frequency combs, specifically dual-chirped frequency combs, to achieve high-resolution measurements over extended distances. Unlike traditional LiDAR systems, which rely on pulsed lasers, dual-comb LiDAR utilizes two [..]

A novel metasurface optical element promises to significantly advance our understanding of atmospheric aerosols. This innovative technology offers a compact, lightweight, and highly efficient alternative to traditional optical components, enabling more precise and detailed measurements of these tiny airborne particles. Atmospheric aerosols play a crucial role in Earth’s climate system, influencing cloud formation, precipitation patterns, [..]

A significant advancement in thermal imaging technology has been developed, offering a non-contact and highly accurate method for tracking vital signs. Researchers have engineered a phasor thermography system that, through sophisticated image processing, can reliably extract physiological data such as body temperature, respiration rate, and heart rate from thermal images. This innovation holds immense potential [..]

Data centers, the backbone of our digital infrastructure, face increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption. Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO) has emerged as a promising solution to address this challenge, offering a more efficient way to move data within server racks. Unlike its predecessor, Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), which integrates optical components directly into the electrical package, [..]

A significant advancement has been achieved in the field of medical imaging, specifically targeting the intricate realm of intravascular analysis. Researchers have successfully engineered a miniaturized optical device that promises to revolutionize the way we visualize and understand the inner workings of blood vessels. This intravascular imaging development centers around the creation of a tiny [..]

Direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communication is emerging as a transformative technology, poised to revolutionize how we connect to the internet and communicate globally. It aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling seamless connectivity in areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable or unreliable. This technology allows everyday devices like smartphones to connect directly to satellites, [..]

In the ever-evolving landscape of biometric authentication, a groundbreaking development has emerged, pushing the boundaries of security and potential applications. Researchers have pioneered a novel method utilizing hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify individuals based on the intricate network of blood vessels within their palms – palm vein biometrics. What sets this approach [..]

A breakthrough in volumetric 3D printing, HoloVAM, promises to revolutionize optics and photonics applications, particularly in bioprinting. Researchers have developed a holographic technique that significantly boosts efficiency and speed compared to traditional Tomographic Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (TVAM). Conventional TVAM, while capable of rapid, single-shot 3D printing by solidifying resin with light patterns, suffers from low [..]

Ecological disasters demand rapid and precise toxin analysis to safeguard public health. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a powerful label-free technique, offers sensitive detection of low-concentration toxins. However, the inherent variability of SERS spectra across different substrates has hindered its widespread application. Researchers have unveiled a machine-learning approach that significantly streamlines SERS analysis, enabling accurate toxin [..]

A team of researchers has developed a new method for diagnosing bacterial infections. The method uses nanomotion detection and machine learning to classify bacteria as virulent, avirulent, or dead. It is faster and more accurate than traditional methods and can also be used to test the effectiveness of different antibiotics. The researchers used nanomotion detection [..]

Physicist Antonio Fiore, previously focused on the physics of optical instrument design, transitioned to biological applications at Janelia three years ago.  Seeking a different impact, he joined the Pedram Lab to develop tools for unexplored areas of biology, maintaining his connection to light microscopy.  This shift has proven fruitful in developing Rhobo6, a novel light [..]

Silicon photonic circuits are revolutionizing various applications, from data centers to biosensors and lidar.  However, integrating lasers directly onto silicon chips has been challenging due to material incompatibility.  Silicon cannot efficiently generate laser light, and traditional laser materials like gallium arsenide (GaAs) suffer from crystal defects when grown on silicon. Researchers have developed a novel [..]

Researchers have developed a quantum-enhanced time-domain spectroscopy technique that doubles the sensitivity of current methods.  This breakthrough utilizes quantum light to overcome limitations imposed by classical light sources. Time-domain spectroscopy, crucial for analyzing molecular composition, relies on ultrashort laser pulses. While effective, its resolution is hampered by “shot noise,” an inherent limitation of classical light.  [..]

Coupled semiconductor ring lasers (Coupled lasers) can generate unique optical patterns, paving the way for advancements in spectroscopy and on-chip laser systems.  Researchers demonstrated this by coupling two racetrack quantum cascade lasers (QCLs).  Building on previous work with single racetrack QCLs exhibiting “dark” light pulses (Nozaki-Bekki solitons), the team investigated the effects of strong coupling [..]