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Metalens imaging simulation in Synopsys BeamProp BPM tool. Credit: Synopsys

optical design software
Scaling challenges of metasurfaces
05 April 2022

Greg Blackman explores the optical design approaches for modelling metasurfaces

PureLiFi has launched a LiFi system for the home. LiFi at Home has a downlighter that fits into standard GU10 lightbulb fittings. Credit: PureLiFi

Optical communications
LiFi comes to life
04 April 2022

Laser-based technology and sophisticated modulation schemes could help deliver on future demands for high data volumes, finds Andy Extance

Laser guide star for tracking space junk, developed by Electro Optic Systems together with the Australian National University. Credit: Electro Optic Systems

Space science
Illuminating the space junk problem
01 March 2022

Benjamin Skuse explores photonics-based efforts to track, and possibly even remove, debris from the very crowded region of near-Earth space

Fluidically assembled full colour RGB microLED display demonstrated by the eLux and development partners. Credit: eLux

DISPLAYS
Mass movement for microLEDs
01 March 2022

From compelling augmented reality experiences to jaw-droppingly vivid TVs, affordable microLED displays could be closer than you think. Rebecca Pool reports

Image: Shutterstock.com

LIDAR, Silicon photonics
Lidar scales up thanks to silicon photonics
01 March 2022

Katherine Skipper investigates the chip-scale lidar devices starting to surface, and whether they’ll find their way into vehicles

The technology for optical systems generation is becoming increasingly diversified, while each stage of the fabrication chain is becoming deeper and more specialised. (Image: PanDao)

Do you speak optica? Streamlining optics fabrication
14 February 2022

Matthew Dale reports on efforts to modulate and streamline in softwareoptical system design and fabrication

Canadian start-up Xanadu has built a series of small-scale quantum chips, available in 8- and 12-qubit versions, along with a 24-qubit processor, and a 40-qubit chip now at the fabrication stage. Credit: Xanadu

Quantum photonics
Quantum computing gets photonics spin
24 January 2022

Susan Curtis speaks to start-ups building quantum processors based on the photon

An infrared beam from a quantum cascade laser excites glucose molecules in skin, which are then detected via DiaMonTech’s photothermal deflection technique. Credit: DiaMonTech

SPECTROSCOPY
Glucose monitoring gains from MIR sensing
24 January 2022

David Stuart on the health benefits of mid-infrared spectroscopy

Image credit: bogdanhoda/Shutterstock.com

MICROSCOPY
Diamonds are forever
11 January 2022

Tiny nanodiamonds are being used to dramatically optimise the calibration of optical microscopes, Matthew Dale finds

 

After the test disk is placed inside the chamber, some fine tuning is required to ensure they are horizontal and perfectly centred (credit: Caltech)

OPTICAL COATINGS
Making waves in cosmic ripple detection
07 January 2022

LIGO scientists have developed a new mirror coating that could dramatically increase the observatory's detection rate of gravitational waves

(Image: BigPixelPhotos/Shutterstock.com)

Sourcing skills for next-gen factories
06 December 2021

Manufacturing firms must help inspire young engineers as production plants embrace digital technologies, Matthew Dale finds

The future of LEDS lies some way beyond the humble LED bulb. (Image: LariBat/shutterstock.com)

 

LEDs: filling the world with white light
06 December 2021

As nations turn to LED lighting to save energy and cut emissions, industry players are still chasing efficiencies and searching for the elusive, right light, reports Rebecca Pool

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