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Photonic Processors Speed Up Tasks in the Field of Machine Learning

The exponential growth of data traffic in our digital age poses some real challenges on processing power. And with the advent of machine learning and AI in, for example, self-driving vehicles and speech recognition, the upward trend is set to continue. All this places a heavy burden on the ability of current computer processors to keep up with demand.

7 Jan 2021

$Speciality Prisms for Cryogenic Measurements of Refractive Index for ESO ELT’s Spectrograph - HARMONI$

Speciality Prisms for Cryogenic Measurements of Refractive Index for ESO ELT’s Spectrograph - HARMONI

From Optical Surfaces Ltd. 7 Jan 2021

Researchers Develop a Light-Sensitive 3D-Printed Smart Gel

Inspired by the color-changing skin of cuttlefish, octopuses and squids, Rutgers engineers have created a 3D-printed smart gel that changes shape when exposed to light, becomes "artificial muscle" and may lead to new military camouflage, soft robotics and flexible displays.

6 Jan 2021

Linked Color Imaging Improves Detection of Upper GI Tract Tumors

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) describe an endoscopic modality for detecting upper gastrointestinal tract neoplasms by Linked Color Imaging that innovatively mixes light of different wavelengths to better depict mucosal changes

6 Jan 2021

A Novel Solution for Making High-Performance, Lightweight Solar Cells

Improving solar cell design is integral for improving energy consumption. Scientists have lately focused on making solar cells more efficient, flexible, and portable to enable their integration into everyday applications.

5 Jan 2021

Moiré Metalenses Show Wide Focal Length Tunability

The odd, wavy pattern that results from viewing certain phone or computer screens through polarized glasses has led researchers to take a step toward thinner, lighter-weight lenses. Called moiré, the pattern is made by laying one material with opaque and translucent parts at an angle over another material of similar contrast.

5 Jan 2021

A Novel Approach to Overcome a Major Challenge Facing Displays Using OLEDs

Using a new combination of emitter molecules, researchers in Japan have demonstrated the promise of a novel approach to finally overcome a major challenge facing displays using organic light-emitting diodes: a blue light source matching the excellent performance of the red and green ones.

5 Jan 2021

Microscopy Technique Increases Image Clarity by Expanding Dynamic Range

A new technique has been developed by optical physics experts to view inside living cells in more detail by employing present microscopy technology and without the need to add fluorescent dyes or stains.

4 Jan 2021

Novel Fluorescence "Lifetime" Microscopy Technique Uses Frequency Combs

Fluorescence microscopy is widely used in biochemistry and life sciences because it allows scientists to directly observe cells and certain compounds in and around them.

4 Jan 2021

Study May Pave Way to Wireless Technologies Similar to Fiber Optics

Despite significant advances in wireless technology, the manufacturing industry continues to turn to wired forms of communication such as Ethernet or fibre optics for its most critical tasks.

24 Dec 2020

New Microscopy Method Helps Visualize the Building Blocks of "Smart" Materials”

Northwestern researchers have developed a new microscopy method that allows scientists to see the building blocks of 'smart' materials being formed at the nanoscale.

24 Dec 2020

Researchers Examine Concepts Surrounding the Origins of Light

Light travels at a speed of about 300,000,000 meters per second as light particles, photons, or equivalently as electromagnetic field waves.

24 Dec 2020

Using Light to Turn Gut Bacteria Genes On and Off

Baylor College of Medicine researcher Meng Wang had already shown that bacteria that make a metabolite called colanic acid (CA) could extend the lifespan of worms in her lab by as much as 50%, but her collaboration with Rice University synthetic biologist Jeffrey Tabor is providing tools to answer the bigger question of how the metabolite imparts longer life.

23 Dec 2020

Pressure-Quenched Silica Glass Reduces Signal Loss in Fiber Optic Cables

Rapid, accurate communication worldwide is possible via fiber optic cables, but as good as they are, they are not perfect. Now, researchers from Penn State and AGC Inc. in Japan suggest that the silica glass used for these cables would have less signal loss if it were manufactured under high pressure.

23 Dec 2020

Novel Synthetic Aperture Microscopy with High Spatial and Temporal Resolution

Microscopy is an essential tool in multiple research fields and industries, such as biology, medicine, materials science, and quality control, to name a few. Although many microscopy techniques exist, each has pros and cons, mostly in terms of spatial resolution, speed (images per second), and applicability.

22 Dec 2020