Lifeboat Foundation

UCLAs new unidirectional imaging technology enables image formation in a single direction, preventing image capture in the reverse direction.

This novel technology, which operates effectively under partially coherent light, offers significant advancements in optical communication and visual information processing by providing selective, high-quality imaging.

Unidirectional Imaging

In space exploration, long-distance optical links now enable the transmission of images, videos, and data from space probes to Earth using light.

However, for these signals to travel the entire distance undisturbed, hypersensitive receivers and noise-free amplifiers are essential. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have now developed a system featuring a silent amplifier and an ultra-sensitive receiver, opening up possibilities for faster and more reliable space communication.

Space communication systems are increasingly relying on optical laser beams instead of traditional radio waves, as light experiences less signal loss over vast distances. However, even light-based signals weaken as they travel, meaning that optical systems need highly sensitive receivers to detect these faint signals by the time they reach Earth. Researchers at Chalmers have developed an innovative approach to optical space communication that could unlock new opportunities—and discoveries—in space.

Imagine that instead of viewing an image through a lens, you look through a kaleidoscope that focuses invisible light to obtain a new range of colors. The photon, the ephemeral messenger of light, usually appears alone, but here it appears in a duet, which is the basis of two-photon vision. This is an extraordinary phenomenon in which the human eye, instead of perceiving traditional light, receives pulses of infrared lasers, the gateway to the invisible world.

However, the key to this is measuring the brightness of two-photon stimuli, which until now was only possible for visible light. ICTER scientists have made a breakthrough and determined the luminance value for infrared using photometric units (cd/m²). Thanks to this approach, it is possible to link the luminance of two-photon stimuli to a new physical quantity related to perceived brightness: the two-photon retinal illumination.

Research—conducted by scientists from the International Centre for Eye Research (ICTER) with the participation of Ph.D. student Oliwia Kaczkoś, Ph.D. Eng. Katarzyna Komar and Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski—has shown that the luminance of a two-photon stimulus can reach almost 670 cd/m² in the safe range of laser power for the eye.

Edge computing devices, devices located in proximity to the source of data instead of in large data centers, could perform computations locally. This could reduce latency, particularly in real-time applications, as it would minimize the need to transfer data from the cloud.

Swedish scientists report a new breakthrough in technology that could transform optical communication in deep space, according to recently published research.

In a study led by a team at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, researchers have developed a silent amplifier and ultra-sensitive receiver that can facilitate high-fidelity transmissions over vast distances, showing promise for long-distance space communication.

Optica l Communication Through Deep Space

Reducing the energy demand of the amorphization process takes us one step closer to phase-change memory-based data storage systems in the future.

Award-winning architect Lenka Petráková is pioneering a new way to tackle ocean pollution with an ambitious project named “The 8th Continent.” Her innovative design aims to recycle ocean plastic while functioning as a completely self-sustaining floating structure. If realized, it could mark a significant advancement in global conservation efforts.

“The 8th Continent” is an intricate, five-part structure designed to float on the ocean, equipped with greenhouses, living quarters, and biodegradable waste collectors. It represents more than just a plastic-collection unit; it’s a potential catalyst for restoring damaged marine ecosystems.

Continue reading “Majestic ‘8th continent’ collects and recycles plastic from the ocean” »

More than paying lip service, the cells may offer new opportunities to research and treat various lip conditions.

Researchers at Cornell have engineered a groundbreaking porous crystal using a unique fusion of macrocycle and molecular cage structures, enhancing lithium-ion transport in solid-state batteries.

This new crystal design features one-dimensional nanochannels that significantly increase ion conductivity, a development that promises safer batteries and has potential applications in water purification and bioelectronics.

By fusing two contorted molecular structures, Cornell researchers have developed a porous crystal capable of absorbing lithium-ion electrolytes and smoothly transporting them through one-dimensional nanochannels. This innovative design has the potential to enhance the safety of solid-state lithium-ion batteries.