Photonics/​Optics

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...

New Products: May 2021 Photonics & Imaging Insider

Uncooled Thermal Lens

British threat detection specialist Silent Sentinel (Hertfordshire, UK) has expanded its Aeron Ranger suite of cameras to include a brand-new 25-150mm Long...

New Products: May 2021 Photonics & Imaging Technology

Fiber coatings measurement, single-frequency laser, optical filters, and more.

Harnessing SWIR Line Scan Imaging Technology

Learn about the benefits of SWIR imaging, from food inspection to surveillance.

Novel Flexible Terahertz Camera Can Inspect Objects with Diverse Shapes

A flexible, free-standing THz sensor array images blind ends of irregularly shaped objects.

Preventing Heat-Induced Image Warping in Machine Vision Line Scan Cameras

A heat source near the optical path can introduce image warping that locally shifts the position of the image content. Learn how to fix the flaw.

Micro Molding and Micro-Optics

Learn about tooling challenges and other considerations when designing micro-optics, including metrology equipment capabilities, and post-molding assembly.

Designing Large Diameter Aspheres

What you need to know before you incorporate large diameter aspheres into your optical systems.

New Electron Microscopy Technique Offers First Look at Previously Hidden Processes

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

Making Laser Processes More Sustainable

Thanks to new innovations in measurement technologies, manufacturers and users now have a wide range of options for proactively measuring the laser beam.

Imaging Space Debris in High Resolution

A team has introduced a new method for taking high-res images of fast-moving and rotating objects in space, such as satellites or debris in low-Earth orbit.

Testing 800G Direct Modulated Optical Signaling

Test technologies are available as technologies evolve to 800Gbps and 1.6Tbps for next-generation data center architectures.

Turning Diamond into Metal

Normally an insulator, diamond becomes a metallic conductor when subjected to large strain.

Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Medium Entropy Alloy

This additively manufactured alloy is tailored for high-temperature applications.

System Helps Drones Detect and Avoid Power Lines

This technology provides drones sufficient time and distance to react, avoid wires, and navigate follow-on maneuvers.

Hot Water on Demand

With a clever design by NASA, waiting for hot water could be a thing of the past.

A Photonic 'Sunflower' Offers New Ideas for Light-Driven Systems

Taking inspiration from the insect, Tufts researchers created light-activated composite devices that execute precise, visible movements and form complex three-dimensional shapes, like a "photonic sunflower. "

High-Torque Light-Powered Actuator

These actuators can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems.

Fast-Tunable Laser System

The system provides high tuning capability and extreme simplicity.

High-Power, Portable Terahertz Laser

The instrument could bring powerful sensing and imaging capabilities into hospitals, airports, or other settings.

Optical Phased Array Technology On-Chip at Near Infrared and Blue Wavelength

This compact beam steering technology has applications in autonomous navigation, AR, and neuroscience.

Optimized Wavelength-Tuned, Nonlinear, Frequency Conversion Using a Liquid Crystal Clad Waveguide

Applications include spectroscopy and LiDAR.

Active Photonic Wireless System Powers Medical Implants

The device recharges the internal battery of implants without invasive surgery.