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The dynamics of chaotic lasers can be harnessed to create a random-number generator that works at an astonishing rate. Such a generator could be implemented to make storage and transfer of data more secure at very high speeds.
Coupled optical microresonators are one way of slowing down light. A new record has now been set for the length of these slow-light waveguides using an array of more than 100 photonic-crystal cavities.
The effect of spin on the trajectories of polarized light beams has now been experimentally observed, with results that agree with the predictions of Berry phase theory.
Researchers have demonstrated the first photonic-crystal system with light emitters that experience three-dimensional photonic and electronic confinement.
By introducing a radial chirp in the dimension of the cells surrounding the central core, researchers now demonstrate a low-dispersion photonic-crystal fibre that could overcome the long-standing problem of ultrashort-pulse delivery.
A bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell that can efficiently generate electricity when illuminated from either side may help bring down the cost of solar energy production.
The ability of Airy light beams to transport microparticles along curved, self-healed paths may lead to useful applications in biology and colloidal science.
Focusing ultrashort red and blue laser pulses into a gas generates terahertz pulses with unprecedented pulse energies. Such pulses enable nonlinear terahertz spectroscopy and the time-resolved study of field-induced effects.
The photonics applications of engineered liquid crystals extend far beyond their use in displays. High-density optical data storage, tunable lasers and metamaterials are just a few of the other opportunities.
Researchers demonstrate fast optical focusing using an oscillating liquid lens. The method could lead to the development of three-dimensional imaging instruments with rapid data collection.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Lasing in the extreme UV from a prototype compact free-electron-laser design is reported, continuing the push towards X-ray wavelengths.
Researchers at Hamamatsu report an indium-free laser diode operating at 342 nm, the shortest wavelength so far for an electrically pumped semiconductor laser diode.
Laser beams have an intrinsic spread. Normally this spread is overcome using lenses or curved mirrors to focus the light, but this typically involves meticulous optical alignment. Researchers have now shown that a surface-plasmon technique can reduce the beam spread.
Laser-based accelerator technology has been given a boost thanks to researchers based in Korea, Japan and the USA. Their latest research could lead the way towards compact accelerators that can deliver brilliant electron and X-ray beams.
