Photonics/​Optics

Ultra-Thin, Energy-Efficient Photodetector Integrated with Gorilla Glass

This could lead to the commercial development of smart glass, with applications ranging from imaging to advanced robotics.

Light-Based “Tractor Beam” Assembles Materials at the Nanoscale

The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.

Photovoltaic Solar Cell Works at Night

This cell could potentially operate around the clock, balancing the power grid over the day-night cycle.

“Agricomb” Measures Multiple Gas Emissions From ... Cows

After the optical frequency comb made its debut as a ruler for light, spinoffs followed, including the “astrocomb” to measure starlight and a radar-like comb system to...

3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology

The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.

Nanosized Foldable Robots

The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.

New Sensor Paves Way to Low-Cost Sensitive Methane Measurements

Recent advances could make it feasible to deploy networks of methane sensors to detect this greenhouse gas at large facilities.

Monolithic Optical Parametric Oscillator for Laser Spectrometer

Applications include remote sensing, laser spectroscopy, and gas analysis.

Diffraction Grating Provides Wider Angles for Light Input

This technology bends light more efficiently, enabling more immersive augmented reality display systems.

Tiny Light Detectors Record the Incoming Angle of Light

These tiny detectors could record characteristics of light such as color, polarity, and angle.

AI System Discovers New Material

The algorithm identified a new compound potentially useful for photonic devices and biologically inspired computers.

Optical Imaging Technology Sheds Light on Tumors

This tool could help surgeons better treat tumors and brain diseases.

Vision System Sees Through Clouds and Fog

Movements of individual particles of light are reconstructed to see through clouds, fog, and other obstructions.

Facility Focus: University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley’s academic research reflects pressing global challenges in the areas of health, energy, and the environment.

High-Capacity Optical Data Storage Disk

Using gold nanomaterials, this disk can hold data securely for more than 600 years.

Synapse-Like Phototransistor

The technology could help computers process visual information more like the human brain.

Quantum-Dot Infrared Cameras for Electronics and Self-Driving Cars

The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.

Using Neural Networks for Faster X-Ray Imaging

Artificial intelligence is used to decode X-ray images faster, which could aid innovations in medicine, materials, and energy.

Optical Device Fine-Tunes the Color of Light

The new photonic architecture could transform digital communications, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

Options Abound When Selecting a Sensor for Motor Feedback

Designers who must sense motor position, speed, or acceleration have a lot of choices, including resolvers, optical encoders, and Hall-effect devices.

Sensors Eliminate Sparking Risk in Hydrogen Vehicles

One of the final hurdles to hydrogen power is securing a safe method for detecting hydrogen leaks.

A Better Way to Measure Acceleration

Researchers have developed a millimeter-thick accelerometer.

With 'Ghost'-Like Physics, Optical Rectennas Generate Power from Wasted Heat

Researchers from CU Boulder gave their optical "rectennas" a ghost-like way to turn wasted heat into power.

Army-Funded Research Paves Way for Improved Lasers, Communications

Photonics has the potential to transform all manners of electronic devices by storing and transmitting information in the form of light, rather than electricity. Using...

Advanced Quantum-Enhanced Receiver Boosts Fiber Optics Communications

Fiber optic technology is the holy grail of high-speed, long-distance telecommunications. Still, with the continuing exponential growth of internet traffic,...

New Method Measures Super-Fast, Free Electron Laser Pulses

New research shows how to measure the super-short bursts of high-frequency light emitted from free electron lasers (FELs). By using the light-induced ionization itself to create...