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  • Volume 61, Issue 02

    • Volume 61, Issue 02

    (Photo credit: Quantum Science and Engineering Centre, NTU)
    Photo of the quantum photonic chip that predicts the chemical properties of molecules.
    Quantum

    Light-based technologies at Nanyang Technological University ‘illuminate’ quantum computing

    Daphne Ng
    Jan. 27, 2025
    In this Q&A, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) researchers Professor Baile Zhang and Professor Leong Chuan Kwek share the inspiration and concepts behind...
    Maintenance of a laser cutting unit ensures performance and prevents costly repairs.
    Laser Processing

    Zero downtime goal: A preventative maintenance guide for CNC lasers

    Tom Eldin
    Jan. 20, 2025
    Regular equipment maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate to extending the overall lifespan of your computer numeric controlled (CNC) laser...
    (Image credit: USGS)
    Estimated net decrease in U.S. gross domestic product at different levels of restrictions of China's net exports of gallium (a) or germanium (b) by industry.
    Optics

    Germanium and gallium supply chain disruption escalates for U.S.

    Sally Cole Johnson
    Jan. 20, 2025
    China bans exports of gallium and germanium, critical materials for optics and photonics, to the U.S.
    FIGURE 1. Time-of-flight (left): Blooming after treatment shows points removed near retro reflective vs. FMCW (right): No treatment; the raw data point shows no blooming impact.
    Test & Measurement

    The battle of LiDAR sensor technologies: FMCW vs. ToF

    Clement Kong
    Jan. 17, 2025
    Among the various light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technologies, frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) LiDAR has emerged as a powerful alternative to time-of-flight (ToF...
    FIGURE 1. Cooling laser diode in a TOSA package.
    Software & Accessories

    Optical transceivers can beat the heat in the era of high-speed data centers

    Andrew Dereka
    Jan. 16, 2025
    Optical transceivers designed for longer ranges require precise temperature control to maintain laser stability and performance—and thermoelectric coolers provide a solution.

    More content from Volume 61, Issue 02

    (Photo credit: Konstantin Vodopyanov/CREOL)
    The team’s dual-comb spectroscopy system produces precise and stable frequencies.
    Lasers & Sources

    Ultrabroadband UV frequency combs show promise for high-res atomic and molecular spectroscopy

    Sally Cole Johnson
    Jan. 15, 2025
    High-res dual-comb spectroscopy system generates light across two ultrabroadband ultraviolet (UV) spectral regions.
    (Image credit: M. Krůs and M. Londesborough, Czech Academy of Sciences, 2024)
    FIGURE 1. Anti-Octadecaborane isomer: blue = hydrogen, green = boron.
    Lasers & Sources

    The quest for laser fusion fuel intensifies

    Vittorio Lippay
    Jan. 10, 2025
    To create abundant clean energy and help save the planet, the race is on to find an optimal laser fusion fuel.
    (Image credit: INNOCISE)
    INNOCISE's gripper technology features special polymers that can be integrated into different automation units with varying handling needs in both micro- and macro-handling.
    Executive Forum

    Geckos inspire gripping systems

    Jose Pozo
    Jan. 10, 2025
    Marc Schöneich, CEO and co-founder of INNOCISE, discusses his career path, business mindset, and shares advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
    (Image credit: Xuchen Wang)
    FIGURE 1. A time-varying resonant metasurface: The meta-atom is described by time-modulated surface capacitance and a constant surface inductance. A red arrow depicts a surface eigenmode with amplitude growing in time because its wavenumber is within the metasurface’s momentum bandgap.
    Optics

    Photonic time crystals reimagined

    Sally Cole Johnson
    Jan. 9, 2025
    By expanding the momentum bandgap of photonic time crystals via resonant structures, researchers make a crucial advance toward practical photonic time crystals at optical frequencies...
    Rivada's Outernet: an independent, fully meshed network via laser links.
    Executive Forum

    New space race: Photonics is revolutionizing satellite networks

    Jérémy Picot-Clémente
    Jan. 8, 2025
    A new space race is being driven by unprecedented advancements in photonic technologies, which is revolutionizing satellite networks and redefining global communication infrastructure...
    (Image credit: Andreas Mischok)
    2502lfw_sal_1_web
    Optics

    Thin-film polariton filters for better displays, sensors, and optical imaging?

    Sally Cole Johnson
    Jan. 6, 2025
    By tapping into the quantum mechanical principle of strong light-matter coupling, researchers manage to outmaneuver the problem of angular dependence within optical systems.
    (Image credit: Kuva Space)
    Kuva Space’s Hyperfield-1 microsatellite in the lab.
    Detectors & Imaging

    Why should New Space companies custom-build their imaging technology?

    Tuomas Tikka
    Dec. 26, 2024
    Imaging technology defines your advantage in New Space—the emerging commercial space industry—and customization can provide long-term competitive advantages.
    (Image credit: DELO)
    FIGURE 1. Black epoxy coatings can have an absorption factor exceeding OD1/µm (left), which leads to excellent light blocking properties over a broad spectral range within the thinnest coating layers (right).
    Optics

    Screen-printable black epoxy coatings offer a balanced solution for versatile and cost-effective optical systems

    Stephan Prinz
    Dec. 23, 2024
    Black epoxy coatings enable designers to achieve high optical performance within compact, durable systems, which makes them suitable for optical technologies ranging from scientific...
    (Image credit: Wei Wei and Mei Xueting)
    Depiction of the adaptive sampling scheme, in which a laser beam patterned by a digital micromirror device selectively illuminates neurons and their activity in brain tissue.
    Bio&Life Sciences

    Two-photon microscope cracks neural networks code

    Justine Murphy
    Dec. 13, 2024
    A novel fluorescence microscope offers enhanced insight into how different neurons in the brain communicate and interact.