Nanopillared lenses let scientists trap individual atoms with light

“Optical tweezers” – systems that focus light to trap and manipulate individual atoms – could pave the way for powerful quantum devices, but they can be a little cumbersome. Researchers have now developed a simplified, smaller design for optical tweeze… Continue reading Nanopillared lenses let scientists trap individual atoms with light

Film captures wasted wavelengths of light to boost solar cell efficiency

Solar cells are one of the most important technologies in the transition to renewable energy, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Researchers at New York University (NYU) Tandon have now developed a thin film that boosts solar cell effici… Continue reading Film captures wasted wavelengths of light to boost solar cell efficiency

“Quantum flute” gets light moving in way never seen before

Scientists have created a “quantum flute” that can coax photons to move in sync and interact with each other, which they almost never do in nature. The device could help improve future quantum computer designs.Continue ReadingCategory: Physics, Science… Continue reading “Quantum flute” gets light moving in way never seen before

“Ghost imaging” combines human vision with AI to see around corners

X-ray vision has long been a staple power for superheroes, but soon mere mortals could see hidden objects with a little help from AI. Researchers at the University of Glasgow have demonstrated a “ghost imaging” system that reads the brainwaves of a per… Continue reading “Ghost imaging” combines human vision with AI to see around corners

Pyramid lenses catch light from any angle to boost solar cell efficiency

Solar cells are an increasingly important source of renewable energy, but there’s still room for improvement. Stanford engineers have now developed a pyramid-shaped lens that can focus sunlight from any angle onto a solar cell, keeping it collecting po… Continue reading Pyramid lenses catch light from any angle to boost solar cell efficiency

Robotic fireflies light up with every flap of their wings

Engineers at MIT have added a new ability to existing flying robots – they can now glow when they flap their wings. Inspired by fireflies, this fluorescence could help with communication or tracking of the tiny, lightweight robots.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Robotic fireflies light up with every flap of their wings

Light-activated “photoimmunotherapy” kills brain cancer, reduces relapse

Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have developed a new light-activated “photoimmunotherapy” that could help treat brain cancer. The key is a compound that glows under light to guide surgeons to the tumor, while near-infrared ligh… Continue reading Light-activated “photoimmunotherapy” kills brain cancer, reduces relapse

Modular optical computer chip allows stackable swappable functions

Engineers at MIT have developed a modular computer chip with components that can communicate using flashes of light. This could allow for electronics that can easily be upgraded with new sensors or processors, rather than replacing the whole chip.Conti… Continue reading Modular optical computer chip allows stackable swappable functions

Optical brain-like chip processes almost 2 billion images per second

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a powerful new optical chip that can process almost 2 billion images per second. The device is made up of a neural network that processes information as light without needing components that … Continue reading Optical brain-like chip processes almost 2 billion images per second