Photonics/​Optics

Micro-Robots Propelled by Air Bubbles and Ultrasound

A remotely controlled microswimmer could navigate the human body and aid in drug delivery.

Fabrication Method for Large-Scale Production of Perovskite Solar Cells

The sulfolane-additive process yields easy fabrication, low cost, and long operating life.

New Class of Nickel-Based Superalloys Withstands Extreme Heat

Parts remain crack-free and defect-resistant, making them conducive for use in metal-based 3D-printing applications.

Photonic Integrated Chip for Improved Light Control

This combination of technologies could enable developments for many optical applications.

Sub-Pixel Spatial Resolution Interferometry

Applications include aircraft-mounted and space-based interferometers, electronics fabrication, and military optics.

Nanoscale LED Also Functions as a Laser

This new design overcomes a long-standing LED efficiency problem and can also transform it into a laser.

Optical Coating Exhibits the Same Color in Reflection and Transmission

Fano Resonance Optical Coatings can both transmit and reflect the same color simultaneously.

Light Helps Autonomous Vehicles Better Scan for Nearby Fast-Moving Objects

Mechanical control and modulation of light on a silicon chip could enhance LiDAR.

Multi-Shot Lensless Camera

The camera could have uses in faster disease diagnosis and thinner cellphones.

Getting NASA Data to the Ground With Lasers

The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) will usher in a new era of laser communications.

Need for Larger Space Telescope Inspires Lightweight Flexible Holographic Lens

Holographic lenses render visible and infrared starlight into either a focused image or a spectrum.

Cell Labelling Method from Microscopy Adapted for Use in Whole-Body Imaging

A team at the University of Münster is adapting a cell labelling strategy known as "SNAP-tag" technology.

Sixth Mirror Casting Brings Giant Magellan Telescope Closer to Completion

At 3 p.m. on March 5, a gigantic furnace slowly started spinning underneath the stands of Arizona Stadium at the University of Arizona. Fire-engine red, massive in size...

Metasurfaces Control Polarized Light at Will

Researchers from SEAS have found "hidden potential" in metasurfaces.

Automatic Observation Management System, New Tool to Coordinate Telescope Network

The "AOM" performs complex observations with ten observation modes and 175 strategies.

NEID Spectrometer Lights Up Path to Exoplanet Exploration

NASA's NEID tool delivered its first batch of data on the nearest and best-studied star, our Sun.

Ultra-Thin Sensor for Smart Contact Lenses

Engineers have developed a sensor system and manufacturing process for smart contact lenses. The sensor system contains a photodetector for receiving optical information, a temperature sensor for...

Programmable Digital Fiber

The fiber contains memory, temperature sensors, and a trained neural network program for inferring physical activity.

Smart Laser Cutter System Detects Different Materials

SensiCut, a smart material-sensing platform for laser cutters, can differentiate among 30 materials commonly found in makerspaces.

Camera Captures Images of Interior of Solid Objects

The camera combines lasers, computers, and terahertz waves to see “unseen” details.

Multispectral Imaging, Detection, and Active Reflectance (MiDAR)

This is a novel remote sensing instrument with myriad applications.

Luminescent Windows Generate Energy from Inside and Out

Polymer cores redirect light from any source to solar cells.

Compact 3D LiDAR Imaging System

A silicon chip provides a low-cost solution to help machines see the world clearly.

Thermochromic Photovoltaic Windows

The windows reduce the need for air conditioning and simultaneously generate electricity.

Sensors Eliminate Sparking in Hydrogen Vehicles

The optical-based sensor detects the presence of hydrogen without electronics, making the process much safer.

Self-Propelled Nanorobots

The “nanoswimmers” could be used to remediate contaminated soil, improve water filtration, or even deliver drugs to targeted areas of the body.

Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor

Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.

New “Metalens” Shifts Focus Without Tilting or Moving

The design may enable miniature zoom lenses for drones, cellphones, or night-vision goggles.

Nanoscale Machines Convert Light into Work

The optically powered machines self-assemble and could be used for nanoscale manipulation of tiny cargo.