Photonics/​Optics

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Laser Spark Distribution and Ignition System

Traditional spark plugs are replaced by an optical pumping source.

Briefs: Communications

Combined Optical Transmitter and Receiver

The tiny unit is significant for the miniaturization of optoelectronic systems.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Measuring Optical Null Lens Aberrations

This method can be used in astronomy, surveillance, and optics manufacturing.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Nanocardboard Aircraft with No Moving Parts

Tiny aircraft that weigh as much as a fruit fly could serve as Martian atmospheric probes.

Products: Sensors/Data Acquisition

New Products: October 2020 Motion Design

Accelerometers, actuators, hexapods, and more.

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Products of Tomorrow: October 2020

Nanowire masks, underwater imaging, and tiny 3D-printed block that repair bone breaks.

INSIDER: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Researchers Have Developed the World’s Smallest Ultrasound Detector

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed the world’s smallest ultrasound detector. Based on...

INSIDER: Motion Control

Precision Landing Without a Pilot

For planned robotic and crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, NASA is developing and testing precise landing and hazard-avoidance technologies. A combination of laser sensors, a camera, a high-speed...

INSIDER: Energy

Perovskite and Organic Solar cells Prove Successful in Space

Almost all satellites are powered by solar cells – but solar cells are heavy. While conventional high-performance cells reach up to three watts of electricity per gram,...

INSIDER: Imaging

Scientists Use Photons as Threads to Weave Novel Forms of Matter

New research from the University of Southampton has discovered a way to bind two negatively charged electron-like particles which could create opportunities to form novel...

INSIDER: Materials

Researcher Gets Navy Grant to Develop Flexible, Printed Solar Cells

University of North Texas professor Anupama Kaul straddles the line between electrical engineering and materials science, which puts her in the perfect place to develop...

INSIDER Product: Imaging

New Products: September 2020 Photonics & Imaging Insider

Machine Vision Cameras

Teledyne DALSA (Waterloo, Canada) announced its new Falcon4-CLHS M4480 and M4400 cameras, based on the Teledyne e2v Lince 11.2M monochrome sensors. The...

Blog: Photonics/Optics

With a Flash of a Laser, Microscopic Robots Move

A Cornell team developed paramecium-sized robots that can be controlled with lasers.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Laser Technology Assesses Cancer Cells

Laser light induces ultrasonic vibrations in a sample that can be used to image cells, blood vessels, and tissues.

Products: Electronics & Computers

New Products: September 2020 Photonics & Imaging Technology

High-temp infrared emitter, single-frequency SWIR lasers, hazard testing systems, and more.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Comb-on-a-Chip Optical Ruler Measures Colors of Light Waves

The newest version of these combs could revolutionize clocks, telescopes, and telecommunications.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Electronically Controlled 2D Reflector Improves Microwave Communications

Flat-panel technology could transform antennas, wireless, and cellphone communications.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Tunable, Chip-Based, Vortex Microlaser and Detector

This system encodes information in twisting beams of light.

Briefs: Internet of Things

Smart Windows Self-Illuminate on Rainy Days

Self-powering, color-changing humidity sensors are applicable to various fields including smart windows, health care, and safety management.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Acoustic Monitoring of Laser Welds

Empa researchers were able to demonstrate real-time acoustic monitoring of laser weld seams.

Application Briefs: Photonics/Optics

USB and GigE Connectivity for Modern Machine Vision

Learn the USB3 and GigE vision standards, how they keep pace with imaging technologies, and how augmenting the cabling is critical for optimal performance.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Markerless Motion Capture Technology Could Help Skeleton Athletes’ Training

A new type of motion capture technology accurately tracks an athlete during the push start phase of performance.

Briefs: Data Acquisition

Geoscientists Create Deeper Look at Processes Below Earth’s Surface with 3D Images

Researchers tackled the problem using a geophysical measurement called seismic anisotropy.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Spider Silk Can Create Lenses Useful for Biological Imaging

One unexpected application for spider silk is its use in the creation of biocompatible lenses.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Leap in Lidar Could Improve Safety and Security of New Technology

University of Colorado researchers have described a new silicon chip that improves the resolution and scanning speed needed for a lidar system.