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Photonics and LED Lighting News

Self-imaging of structured light in cylindrical systems unveils a new form of space-time duality

Photonics researchers from Tampere University, Finland, and Kastler-Brossel Laboratory, France, have demonstrated how self-imaging of light, a phenomenon known for nearly two centuries, can be applied to cylindrical systems, facilitating unprecedented control of light's structure with great potential for advanced optical communication systems. In addition, a new type of space-time duality was explored for powerful analogies bridging different fields of optics.

Posted on 21 February 2025 | 5:51 pm

Microcomb chips show potential for centimeter-level GPS precision

Optical atomic clocks can increase the precision of time and geographic position a thousandfold in our mobile phones, computers, and GPS systems. However, they are currently too large and complex to be widely used in society.

Posted on 21 February 2025 | 3:59 pm

Microwave-to-optics transduction: Research demonstrates readout technique for superconducting qubits

Joint research demonstrating the ability to readout superconducting qubits with an optical transducer was published in Nature Physics.

Posted on 20 February 2025 | 8:59 pm

Pushing the limits of 'custom-made' microscopy: 3D imaging of light-sensitive samples now 1,000 times faster

EMBL tech developers have made an important leap forward with a novel methodology that adds an important microscopy capability to life scientists' toolbox. The advance represents a 1,000-fold improvement in speed and throughput in Brillouin microscopy and provides a way to view light-sensitive organisms more efficiently.

Posted on 20 February 2025 | 4:19 pm

Dynamic 3D displays: Rare-earth glasses offer vivid, tunable colors

The limitations of two-dimensional (2D) displays in representing the depth of the three-dimensional (3D) world have prompted researchers to explore alternatives that offer a more immersive experience. Volumetric displays (VDs), which generate 3D images using volumetric pixels (voxels), represent a breakthrough in this pursuit.

Posted on 19 February 2025 | 4:28 pm

Laser-based device can scan almost any sample of gas and tell you what's in it

Expert sommeliers can take a whiff of a glass of wine and tell you a lot about what's in your pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon. A team of physicists at CU Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have achieved a similar feat of sensing, only for a much wider range of substances.

Posted on 19 February 2025 | 4:00 pm

Researchers develop first room temperature holmium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride thin disk laser

In a study published in Optics Express, a research group led by Prof. Fu Yuxi from Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed the first room temperature holmium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Ho:YLF) composite thin disk laser, which can achieve high efficiency and quality continuous-wave laser output.

Posted on 18 February 2025 | 9:50 pm

Palm-sized single-shot full-color incoherent digital holographic camera system with white light

In a recent study, researchers developed a portable digital holographic camera system that can obtain full-color digital holograms of objects illuminated with spatially and temporally incoherent light in a single exposure. They employed a deep-learning-based denoising algorithm to suppress random noise in the image-reconstruction procedure, and succeeded in video-rate full-color digital holographic motion-picture imaging using a white LED.

Posted on 18 February 2025 | 7:38 pm

Scalable way to generate and control sound in silicon photonic chips

Researchers at the University of Twente have solved a long-standing problem: trapping optically-generated sound waves in a standard silicon photonic chip. This discovery, published as a featured article in APL Photonics, opens new possibilities for radio technology, quantum communication, and optical computing.

Posted on 18 February 2025 | 7:37 pm

New X-ray experiment could solve major physics puzzles

Researchers have announced results from a new search at the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (European XFEL) Facility at Hamburg for a hypothetical particle that may make up the dark matter of the universe. The experiment is described in a study published in Physical Review Letters.

Posted on 18 February 2025 | 6:37 pm

Quantum-inspired advancement turns crystal gaps into terabyte storage for classical memory

From punch card-operated looms in the 1800s to modern cellphones, if an object has an "on" and an "off" state, it can be used to store information.

Posted on 14 February 2025 | 9:00 pm

A novel technique for identifying magnetic ordering in antiferromagnets

A new trick for illuminating the internal ordering within a special type of magnet could help engineers build better memory-storage devices. Developed by RIKEN physicists, this technique could make memory devices less corruptible.

Posted on 14 February 2025 | 3:15 pm

Simulations reveal Anderson transition for light in 3D disordered systems

The Anderson transition is a phase transition that occurs in disordered systems, which entails a shift from a diffusive state (i.e., in which waves or particles are spread out) to a localized state, in which they are trapped in specific regions. This state was first studied by physicist Philip W. Anderson, who examined the arrangement of electrons in disordered solids, yet it was later found to also apply to the propagation of light and other waves.

Posted on 14 February 2025 | 11:30 am

Greetings from the fourth dimension: Scientists glimpse 4D crystal structure using surface wave patterns

In April 1982, Prof. Dan Shechtman of the Technion–Israel Institute of Technology made the discovery that would later earn him the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: the quasiperiodic crystal. According to diffraction measurements made with an electron microscope, the new material appeared "disorganized" at smaller scales, yet with a distinct order and symmetry apparent at a larger scale.

Posted on 13 February 2025 | 9:00 pm

Fabrication method advances high-performance photon detector technology

From high-speed communication to quantum computing and sensing, the detection, transmission, and manipulation of light (photons) have transformed modern electronics. Central to these systems are photon detectors, which detect and measure photons.

Posted on 13 February 2025 | 5:20 pm

'Water tweezers': New technique generates topological structures with gravity water waves

A team of physicists at Fudan University, working with colleagues from Henan University, both in China, and from Nanyang Technological University, in Singapore and Donostia International Physics Center, in Spain, has developed a way to generate topological structures in surface water using gravity water waves. In their study published in Nature, the group used their technique to generate structures such as wave vortices, skyrmions and Möbius strips.

Posted on 13 February 2025 | 1:20 pm

Measuring invisible light waves via electro-optic cavities

Researchers have developed a novel experimental platform to measure the electric fields of light trapped between two mirrors with a sub-cycle precision.

Posted on 13 February 2025 | 5:44 am

Q&A: Quantum state of photoelectrons measured for the first time

For the first time, researchers have been able to measure the quantum state of electrons ejected from atoms that have absorbed high-energy light pulses. This is thanks to a new measurement technique developed by researchers at Lund University in Sweden. The results can provide a better understanding of the interaction between light and matter.

Posted on 12 February 2025 | 9:23 pm

Atomic arrays enable negative refraction, bypassing metamaterial limitations

For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that negative refraction can be achieved using atomic arrays—without the need for artificially manufactured metamaterials.

Posted on 12 February 2025 | 10:00 am

Researchers provide mathematical solutions to study 2D light interaction in photonic crystal lasers

Laser diodes are semiconductors that generate light and amplify it using repeated reflection or "optical feedback." Once the light has achieved desirable optical gain, laser diodes release it as powerful laser beams.

Posted on 11 February 2025 | 7:50 pm

Exploiting photon colors for a high-performance quantum internet

Data security on the internet is under threat: in the future, quantum computers could decode even encrypted files sent over the internet in no time. Researchers worldwide are, therefore, experimenting with quantum networks that will enable a paradigm shift in the future when globally connected to form the quantum internet.

Posted on 11 February 2025 | 7:10 pm

Innovative target design leads to surprising discovery in laser-plasma acceleration

Scientists have developed a method for generating fast, bright proton beams using a high-repetition-rate laser-plasma accelerator. This work, published in Nature Communications, resolves several long-standing challenges and ushers this technology to the threshold of real-world applications—all thanks to a stream of water.

Posted on 11 February 2025 | 5:32 pm

Physicists achieve fully optical readout of superconducting qubits

Qubits—the fundamental units of quantum information—drive entire tech sectors. Among them, superconducting qubits could be instrumental in building a large-scale quantum computer, but they rely on electrical signals and are difficult to scale.

Posted on 11 February 2025 | 2:03 pm

A promising technique to steer laser-produced THz radiation in air

Terahertz radiation (THz), electromagnetic radiation with frequencies ranging from 0.1 and 10 THz, is central to the functioning of various technologies, including imaging, sensing and spectroscopy tools. While THz radiation waves have been manipulated in different ways over the past decades, controlling their direction in air has so far remained a challenge.

Posted on 11 February 2025 | 1:00 pm

Fiber image transmission technology for minimally invasive endoscope developed

Optical fibers are fundamental components in modern science and technology due to their inherent advantages, providing an efficient and secure medium for applications such as internet communication and big data transmission. Compared with single-mode fibers (SMFs), multimode fibers (MMFs) can support a much larger number of guided modes (~103 to ~104), offering the attractive advantage of high-capacity information and image transportation within the diameter of a hair. This capability has positioned MMFs as a critical tool in fields such as quantum information and micro-endoscopy.

Posted on 7 February 2025 | 4:44 pm

Scientists achieve optical control of phase and group velocities in everyday liquids

The phase and the group velocity of light propagating in conventional optical media cannot exceed the speed of light in vacuum. However, in so-called epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials, light exhibits an infinite phase velocity and a vanishing group velocity for a particular color (frequency).

Posted on 7 February 2025 | 9:38 am

Advance in opto-magnetic technology leads to five-fold increase in torque efficiency

Researchers at Tohoku University have achieved a significant advancement in opto-magnetic technology, observing an opto-magnetic torque approximately five times more efficient than in conventional magnets. This breakthrough, led by Koki Nukui, Assistant Professor Satoshi Iihama, and Professor Shigemi Mizukami, has far-reaching implications for the development of light-based spin memory and storage technologies.

Posted on 6 February 2025 | 4:06 pm

Single-photon LiDAR delivers detailed 3D images at distances up to 1 kilometer

Researchers have designed a single-photon time-of-flight LiDAR system that can acquire a high-resolution 3D image of an object or scene up to 1 kilometer away. The new system could help enhance security, monitoring, and remote sensing by enabling detailed imaging even in challenging environmental conditions or when objects are obscured by foliage or camouflage netting.

Posted on 6 February 2025 | 3:00 pm

Researchers develop first-of-its-kind quantum gate

A recent study led by quantum researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory proved popular among the science community interested in building a more reliable quantum network.

Posted on 5 February 2025 | 8:50 pm

Compact camera can identify objects at the speed of light

Collaboration can be a beautiful thing, especially when people work together to create something new. Take, for example, a longstanding collaboration between Arka Majumdar, a University of Washington (UW) professor of electrical and computer engineering and physics, and Felix Heide, an assistant professor of computer science at Princeton University.

Posted on 5 February 2025 | 3:33 pm

Lighting Design Strategies Help Bridge the Divide between Comfort and Efficiency in Commercial Properties

Explore how the team at BlackRock’s New York City headquarters used lighting, shade, and control strategies to maximize comfort and meet the company’s goals.

Posted on 8 January 2025 | 4:19 pm

INNOVATION | L-Prize Manufacturing & Installation Phase launches, with goal of accessibility to great lighting for all

L-Prize Phase III requirements and bonus points demonstrate DOE’s emphasis on practical advances for people and the planet, writes PNNL’s KATE HICKCOX.

Posted on 15 October 2024 | 8:32 pm

SSL IN ACTION | Acclaim Lighting illuminates high-traffic walkway in Maitland, Florida

Pedestrian bridge features color-changing lighting to help ensure safe passage over busy interstate while adding beacon of radiant light on city skyline.

Posted on 2 October 2024 | 2:49 pm

LIGHT BITES | Lighting, controls, and design firms announce new personnel

New hires demonstrate the breadth of exciting opportunities in the North American lighting and controls market.

Posted on 17 September 2024 | 9:21 pm

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Develop serviceable luminaires with support from Zhaga standards

ZHAGA CONSORTIUM members summarize how replaceable components prolong the useful life of luminaires and contribute to a circular economy.

Posted on 25 July 2024 | 1:34 pm

Thielen & Green Architects Transforms Former Outpatient Clinic into Wow-Worthy Office

By repurposing an old building and emphasizing a modern aesthetic—including industrial undertones, polished concrete, exposed ceilings and dramatic lighting—the firm’s new space reinforces its brand and makes a statement as soon as visitors enter.

Posted on 22 July 2024 | 3:02 pm

STANDARDS | Market transformation and standards groups ally to evolve guidance for energy-efficient lighting products

DLC program director LIESEL WHITNEY-SCHULTE condenses the core industry initiatives in which the DLC participates to inform standards development and product assessment criteria.

Posted on 17 July 2024 | 12:56 pm

Signify to suppliers: Get green

The world’s largest lighting provider will be insisting on eco practices when it negotiates with its vendors.

Posted on 26 June 2024 | 3:23 pm

Remembering Maury Wright: More than an editor — A friend

LEDs Magazine editor-in-chief CARRIE MEADOWS shares with great sadness that former editor Maury Wright has passed, and celebrates his memory.

Posted on 25 June 2024 | 6:13 pm

Helicopter factory avoids upfront LED costs via 10-year service deal

Leonardo UK taps Signify for a decade of “LaaS” including end-of-life provisions. Contracts like this might help Signify spin out of the indoor lighting doldrums, especially in Europe.

Posted on 14 June 2024 | 4:14 pm

BLOG | Fresh drop this summer

LEDs Magazine editor CARRIE MEADOWS shares details on a new podcast launching in June 2024.

Posted on 12 June 2024 | 5:43 pm

ECONOMY | Custom rebates offer alternative path to energy savings

CRAIG DILOUIE makes sense of custom rebates for commercial lighting projects — when to pursue, what to prepare, and how to capitalize on them.

Posted on 12 June 2024 | 4:05 pm

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Report says lighting market should capitalize on these trends

BEI marketing agency AMBI recently analyzed client activities and strategies to pinpoint five areas to strengthen business.

Posted on 4 June 2024 | 9:59 pm

Signify lands a climate control partner for vertical farm lighting

The alliance marks the second in the last two weeks between an LED provider and a controlled environment system specialist.

Posted on 3 June 2024 | 4:41 pm

Glamox sales edge up, but spending on digital development hits bottom line

An early Easter and inflation also contributes to a first quarter loss. Efficiencies are coming, such as a new tool for designing ship lighting that’s already in place.

Posted on 29 May 2024 | 10:25 pm

Sollum teams with horticultural climate control company

In partnership with Damatex, it could offer all-in-one automation for lighting, HVAC, irrigation, and other aspects of greenhouse growing.

Posted on 29 May 2024 | 2:33 pm

BREAKING: LEDs Magazine recognizes more than 50 products with BrightStar Awards

Entries demonstrated progress toward achieving sustainability objectives while improving installation and user experience.

Posted on 20 May 2024 | 1:00 pm

Swedish renewable heat utility greens its lighting with LEDs from Glamox

Some 800 new luminaires also address the European fluorescent ban.

Posted on 13 May 2024 | 6:17 pm

Fagerhult financials dip again, but the eco reward is coming

CEO Bodil Sonesson says the company is well positioned to help users meet ambitious new E.U. carbon mandates. Meanwhile, watch for an acquisition.

Posted on 3 May 2024 | 9:45 pm

PROJECT | Mouser Electronics fuses efficiency and sustainability with PoE lighting architecture

LUIS SUAU and BETSY CONROY detail how a large-scale PoE lighting project helps an electronics distributor save energy, add flexibility to spaces, and reduce materials footprint.

Posted on 30 April 2024 | 12:30 pm

Quarterly net income rises at Signify

That’s something the company hasn’t been able to say since the fall of 2022. There were some surprise downturns, though.

Posted on 26 April 2024 | 8:03 pm

CONTROLS | Bluetooth NLC offers path to interoperability

Full-stack standardization for lighting control devices improves the operation of lighting networks, amplifying prospects for wireless control systems adoption, writes CRAIG DILOUIE.

Posted on 24 April 2024 | 5:01 pm

Quick ship programs: Products, benefits, and future

With increased access to fast turnarounds across consumer markets, the lighting industry has developed quick ship programs to deliver some of the most popular luminaire and controls offerings. JANA MADSEN reports on the strategies and trends.

Posted on 17 April 2024 | 4:14 pm

INTERVIEW | Connected lighting supply chain gets a signal boost across regional markets via expanded Inventronics business

LEDs Magazine recently spoke with leaders at Inventronics about market opportunities and access with the combined Osram and Inventronics digital lighting components business.

Posted on 12 April 2024 | 8:57 pm

L-Prize seeks to advance U.S. lighting manufacturing opportunities, with third phase underway

Final phase incorporates U.S. content sourcing requirements to support domestic assembly capabilities and drive sustainability efforts in lighting industry.

Posted on 10 April 2024 | 7:38 pm