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Recent advancements in photonics research


Vibrational Photothermal Microscopy (VIP Microscopy):


Researchers led by Dr. Ji-Xin Cheng at Boston University have developed more advanced techniques to enhance the capabilities of microscopes in visualizing tiny details of samples without the need for special dyes. This innovation, termed vibrational photothermal microscopy or VIP microscopy, enables the visualization of target molecules at very low concentrations in a dye-free manner. By measuring the photothermal effect caused by the dissipation of energy into heat after excitation of chemical bond vibration, this method significantly improves the sensitivity of vibrational imaging compared to conventional fluorescence imaging. This breakthrough, detailed in Nature Communications and Science Advances, marks a significant step forward in life science and material science imaging​​​​. Source



Photonic Chips for Wireless Systems:


In a collaborative study involving Politecnico di Milano, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, the University of Glasgow, and Stanford University, researchers have developed photonic chips capable of calculating the optimal shape of light for next-generation wireless systems. These silicon chips, which act as smart transceivers, can independently determine the most efficient shape for a light beam to pass through various environments. This ability to generate multiple overlapping beams without interference greatly enhances the transmission capacity, a crucial requirement for future wireless systems.


The chips operate as mathematical processors, performing calculations with light efficiently and with minimal energy consumption, offering benefits such as easy processing, high energy efficiency, and bandwidth exceeding 5000 GHz. This research, published in Nature Photonics, represents a significant leap in optical wireless technology​​​​.

These developments highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of photonic research, with implications for various fields, including telecommunications, medical imaging, and materials science. The integration of photonic technology into these areas holds promise for revolutionary changes in how we process information and visualize the microscopic world. Source



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