Physics: An ultrafast glimpse of the photochemistry of the atmosphere
Researchers have explored the initial consequences of the interaction of light with molecules on the surface of nanoscopic aerosols.
Read moreOptics
Engineers solve 50-year-old puzzle in signal processing
Engineers have solved a 50-year-old puzzle in signal processing. They've formulated the 'inverse chirp z-transform,' an algorithm related to one that's running on your cell phone right now. It took some computing power and some math expertise to do it.
Read moreWatching energy transport through biomimetic nanotubes
Scientists have investigated a simple biomimetic light-harvesting system using advanced spectroscopy combined with a microfluidic platform. The double-walled nanotubes work very efficiently at low light intensities, while they are able to get rid of excess energy at high intensities. These properties are useful in the design of novel materials for the harvesting and transport of photon energy.
Read moreSunlight degrades polystyrene faster than expected
Researchers show that polystyrene, one of the world's most ubiquitous plastics, may degrade in decades or centuries when exposed to sunlight, rather than thousands of years as previously thought.
Read moreSingle-particle spectroscopy of CsPbBr3 perovskite reveals the origin low electrolumine
Researchers have used the method of single-particle spectroscopy to study electroluminescence in light-emitting devices. They discovered that efficient charge funneling between individual perovskite nanocrystals and the phenomenon of emission blinking are responsible for the low efficiencies of perovskite light-emitting devices.
Read morePhysicists couple key components of quantum technologies
Researchers are engaged in intensive work on the components of quantum technologies – these include circuits processing information using single photons instead of electricity, as well as light sources producing such quanta of light. Coupling these components to produce integrated quantum optical circuits on chips presents a challenge. Researchers have developed an interface that couples light sources for single photons with nanophotonic networks consisting of photonic crystals which can be replicated by using established nanofabrication processes.
Read moreEngineers develop thin, lightweight lens that could produce slimmer camera phones, longer-flying drones
Electrical and computer engineering researchers have developed a new kind of optical lens that is much thinner and lighter than conventional camera lenses that also works with night imaging, a future boon for smartphones that could flatten those unsightly 'camera bumps' as well as for drones and night vision cameras for soldiers.
Read moreHypersonic research spotlights future flight challenges
Engineers are advancing what researchers know about hypersonic flight. A new study describes a series of tests that elucidate the conditions a future aircraft may experience traveling faster than 10 times the speed of sound.
Read moreCompact infrared spectrometer
Researchers have developed a compact infrared spectrometer. It's small enough to fit on a computer chip but can still open up interesting possibilities — in space and in everyday life.
Read moreNext-generation single-photon source for quantum information science
Researchers have built what they believe is 'the world's most efficient single-photon source.' And they are still improving it. With planned upgrades, the apparatus could generate upwards of 30 photons at unprecedented efficiencies. Sources of that caliber are precisely what's needed for optical quantum information applications.
Read more