Optics & Photonics Focus News Updates

A New Twist to Optical Detectors

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A new arrival in the family of optical detectors gives a new twist to the detection of the orbital angular momentum of light. This could make classical and quantum optical communications even easier.

Hot Science Below Absolute Zero

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Ultracold atoms afford scientists incredible control over the behavior of gas particles. And near impossible physics, in the form of negative absolute temperatures, for example, ensues!

Optically Unbalanced

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Out-of-equilibrium phenomena can be the source of many a novel discovery. They are wondrous to work with, yet tough at the same time. And their very complexity is what makes them an interesting, albeit exacting challenge. The interaction between Brownian motion and optical forces now comes to provide us with new insights into these phenomena.

Close up on DNA

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We know quite a bit about our genetic code, the DNA. We know its composition, its structure, and also its function. However, we have not yet been able to look at the famous double-helix directly. Using some powerful microscopy techniques it is now possible to actually look at the primary windings of a DNA bundle.

Imaging through Scattering Media

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to recent advances in Optics, looking trough turbid materials is no longer just a simple dream of few. In the following interview, Allard Mosk from the University of Twente takes us through a backstage tour of this fast emerging research field.

Quantum Randomness on a Chip

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Online banking, e-commerce and data protection are currently secured by pseudo-random numbers which could, eventually, one day be cracked due to the fact that they are not truly random. A new approach based on quantum optics may soon allow for safer operations by efficiently generating truly random numbers.

Your Eyes Can Write

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Our eyes perceive our surroundings, convey emotion and, some may say, that they can even speak, loud and clear. Now, with the help of an optical illusion, our eyes can also write.

Peeking Around Corners

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Until now cameras have only been able to see what is in front of them. Thanks to recent developments in ultra-fast imaging and computational photography, they may also soon be able to see objects out of the line of sight.

Outclassing Superheroes

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Superheroes, watch out! A new rival, such as you have never come up against before, is in town. Progress is the name! And the exclusivity of your superpowers may well be at stake.

A Wind Tunnel for Quantum Physics

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Simulating quantum phenomena on today�s computers can be extremely challenging. Yet, just like the wind tunnel changed the trajectory of modern aviation, new specially built quantum simulators may soon guide the design of tailor-made quantum materials.