Military & Defense News

81. Bright Ideas — Congressional Researchers Question U.S. Pursuit Of Hypersonic Weapons, ISS To Test Space 'Nodes' For Quantum Communications 3/23/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, a Congressional Research Service report raises the question of why the U.S. is ramping up hypersonic weapons R&D and whether it's the right move. Plus, the International Space Station will soon host a set of self-healing space "nodes" that will be tested in connecting quantum data transmitters and receivers. 

82. Bright Ideas — James Webb Telescope Is Ready, Intel Opens Photonics Center, First-Ever Optical Oscilloscope Developed 12/20/2021

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, NASA updates its launch time for the James Webb telescope, Intel opens a new photonics research center, a first-of-its-kind optical oscilloscope is created, and one scientist thinks mouse fur might have heat-sensing properties. 

83. Bright Ideas — Defense Contractors Tasked With Taking Down Hypersonic Missiles, Record-Breaking Quantum Computer Tops 256 Qubits 11/24/2021

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, the Military Defense Agency picked three contractors to design a Glide Phase Interceptor prototype, a startup claimed its quantum computer has the most qubits (and the best platform), and an electro-topics grad student developed an optical filter that allows sensors and cameras to operate seamlessly in low and bright light situations. 

84. Bright Ideas — U.S. & Russia Pursue HEL Technology, Fiber Optics "Father" Honored With Google Doodle 11/10/2021

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, high energy lasers (HEL) are the hot topic among academicians and world leaders alike, the "father" of fiber optics is honored by Google, and plenty of photonics firms are making gains with mergers and acquisitions. 

85. Bright Ideas: Rubin Observatory Telescope Has World's Highest Resolution Camera, Low-Cost Underwater Microscope Could Save Seaweed 10/26/2021

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. In this week's edition, acquisitions by Ouster and Jenoptik are expanding each's portfolio, the University of Arkansas is pursuing low-cost, high-performance IR camera development, and imec is introducing a breathalyzer to test for COVID-19.

86. Bright Ideas: 10/13/21 — U.S. Gets First Open-Access Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility, Light Produced From "Nothing" 10/13/2021

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, L3Harris landed an $18.4 million contract to continue providing its electro-optical sensor systems to the U.S. military, chalcogenide glasses became useful in the visible and UV spectrum, and a more practical, less harmful phosphorescent material is found in wood. 

87. Bright Ideas: 10/6/21 — 3D Hologram Display For Sub Warfare, UV LED Could Kill COVID-19 On Skin 10/6/2021

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, a UK-based firm claims it has made the world's smallest quantum computer at just four qubits, scientists are using terahertz radiation to measure ice thickness on prawns, and laser-interference structuring (LIS) could be a viable alternative to existing and environmentally-unfriendly corrosion protection methods. 

88. Bright Ideas: 9/15/21 — DoD Gives $7.5M To HBCU, Lasers Used To Zap Bugs & Bird Poop 9/15/2021

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, scientists invented a clock 30 times more precise than an atomic clock (and split a $3 million prize for the feat), three new photonics institutes opened up, and rainbow road signs could one day hit the streets.

89. Army Researchers Detect Broadest Frequencies Ever With Quantum Receiver 2/5/2021

    A new quantum sensor can analyze the full spectrum of radio frequency and real-world signals, unleashing new potentials for Soldier communications, spectrum awareness and electronic warfare.

90. MKS' Ophir Optics Receives Leonardo DRS 2020 Supplier Recognition Award for Responsiveness, Quality, And Ability To Meet Surge Demand 1/27/2021

    MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, is pleased to announce that the Ophir® Optics Group has been honored with a 2020 Supplier Recognition Award from Leonardo DRS. Leonardo DRS is a technology innovator and prime conractor specializing in ground combat systems integration, mission command and network computing, naval and maritime systems, avionics systems, and intelligence and security solutions.