Photonics/​Optics

Thermochromic Photovoltaic Windows

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

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.

Multispectral Imaging, Detection, and Active Reflectance (MiDAR)

This is a novel remote sensing instrument with myriad applications.

New on the Market: December 2021

Rugged laptops, DC-DC converters, CMOS sensors, and more.

Sensors Eliminate Sparking in Hydrogen Vehicles

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

2021 OEM Photonics & Imaging Directory

See top suppliers and manufacturers in over 20 categories, including high-speed cameras, sensors, and optical components.

Metal-Halide Perovskite Semiconductors Compete with SilicMetal-Halide Perovskite Semiconductors Compete with Silicon Counterparts for Solar Cells, LEDson Counterparts for Solar Cells, LEDs

Climate change and its consequences are becoming...

NASA’s Webb Will Join Forces with Event Horizon Telescope to Reveal Milky Way’s Supermassive Black Hole

On isolated mountaintops across the planet, scientists await word that tonight is the night. The complex coordination between...

New Products: November 2021 Photonics & Imaging Insider

Time-of-Flight Camera

LUCID Vision Labs, Inc. (Richmond, BC, Canada) recently announced its new Helios™2+ 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera offering two new on-camera depth...

Seeing the World Through Different Eyes

Infrared (IR) light is invisible to humans. However, some animals, such as rattlesnakes or bloodsucking bats, can perceive IR radiation and use it to find food. But even for humans, the ability to...

Laser Jolts Microscopic Electronic Robots into Motion

Incorporating semiconductor components, microscopic robots are made to walk with standard electronic signals.

Nanosheets of Borophane are Stronger Than Steel

The 2D materials boost device performance for electronic devices, solar cells, batteries, and medical equipment.

New on the Market: November 2021

Power supply ICs, temperature sensors, DC-DC converters, and more.

Designing Advanced IR Optical Assemblies for UAVs

Unmanned aircraft present a range of optics challenges.

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.

New Products: November 2021 Photonics & Imaging Technology

Infrared lens testers, fiber optic transceivers, spectral radiometers, and more.

Silicon Carbide Optics for High-Energy Applications

Silicon Carbide (SiC) optics are becoming more and more prevalent in high-energy laser (HEL) designs, and manufacturers must be aware of the potential risks

Illumination Design Considerations for Robotic Surgery Vision Systems

To have a successful product, one must consider all the required sub-systems to deliver high-quality illumination.

Unique Amplifier Could Change Optical Communication

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an optical amplifier that they expect will revolutionize both space and fiber communication.

Let’s Get Small: New Argonne Method Greatly Improves X-Ray Nanotomography Resolution

Scientists are working to improve the image resolution of X-ray techniques.

Thermal Imaging — Making Hidden Details Visible

When even your iPhone can easily become a thermal imager, today's top cameras offer better sensitivity and measurement accuracy.

Making Measurements with a Fine-Toothed Comb

The comb detects even the smallest amounts of greenhouse gases in the air or look for disease in human breath.

UpFront: November 2021 Tech Briefs

How to be a NASA intern; a new ideas for moon fabrics; and NASA's need for a better rover.