In-depth articles written by our editorial team focusing on the latest developments in materials science and technology
Nanomachines constructed of novel ‘optical matter’ could use laser light to perform tasks on the nanoscale, suggests new research.
By Robert Lea
13 Oct 2020
Born out of a Kickstarter campaign, a line of ‘smart’ bike helmets from a company called Lumos could make light-based signaling for cyclists a more common sight on our roads.
By Brett Smith
9 Oct 2020
The rapid detection of oil spills in the marine environment is essential for protecting our nature from extensive damage. This article discusses novel photonic technologies for the detection and monitoring of oil spills.
By Dr. Priyom Bose
9 Oct 2020
Forcite has taken smart helmet safety concerns on board and has developed a display and control system designed to allow motorcyclists to keep their eye on the road at all times, with minimal distraction.
By Ben Pilkington
6 Oct 2020
A team of scientists at North Carolina State University has recently demonstrated how low-energy, visible light can turn pure monomer solutions into polymer gel objects. This advancement in polymer production will likely prove significant in advancing the sector, given the current challenges of producing polymer materials.
By Sarah Moore
25 Sep 2020
To address the need for pervasive and online water quality monitoring, the HYDROPTICS project was established as part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 project.
Many technological and low-tech solutions have been put forward to combat COVID-19 spread. Among these solutions have been thermal infrared cameras. But are these cameras effective at combating the spread of COVID-19?
By Ben Pilkington
14 Aug 2020
Maintaining fluorescence as dyes crystalize to form solids is a problem that has existed in materials for over 100 years. Now, a novel approach to tackling the issue and a revolutionary material could unlock a new age of optics.
By Robert Lea
13 Aug 2020
A new partnership between optics giant SCHOTT and the pioneers of reflective waveguides for augmented reality, Lumus, may be the beginning of the future of augmented reality.
Inspired in part by the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) available during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at the India-based Log 9 Materials have developed a device called the CoronaOven, which is capable of sterilizing common at-work and household items by using UV light disinfection.