Researchers have developed a tiny new machine that converts laser light into work. These optically powered machines self-assemble and could be used for nanoscale manipulation of tiny cargo for applications such as nanofluidics and particle sorting.

“We thought we knew almost everything about photoreceptors, but we have proved that is not the case.” With these words, Vincent Torre, Professor of neurobiology of SISSA – Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, comments the results of a new study that, thanks to a multidisciplinary approach and to the use of optical tweezers, reveals for the first time the sensitivity of nerve cells present on the retina to mechanical stimuli and opens up new questions on how they function.

Nanoparticles are tiny. At just 1/1000th of a millimeter, they’re impossible to see with the naked eye. But, despite being small, they’re extremely important in many ways. If scientists want to take a close look at DNA, proteins, or viruses, then being able to isolate and monitor nanoparticles is essential.

Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University jointly with a team of the V.E. Zuev Institute of Atmospheric Optics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have discovered a method to increase the operation range of optical traps also known as optical tweezers.

Spectroscopy is the use of light to analyze physical objects and biological samples. Different kinds of light can provide different kinds of information. Vacuum ultraviolet light is useful as it can aid people in a broad range of research fields, but generation of that light has been difficult and expensive.

Researchers at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, used the liquid crystal elastomer technology to demonstrate a series of micro-tools grown on optical fibers.

With high-resolution microscopy, it is theoretically possible to image cell structures with a resolution of a few nanometres. However, this has not yet been possible in practice.

Rising demand for electronic components -- driven by the automotive, defense, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing industries -- could create supply challenges like price volatility, counterfeiting, relabeling, selling out-of-date parts, and double- or triple-booking orders

A new experimental method permits the X-ray analysis of amyloids, a class of large, filamentous biomolecules which are an important hallmark of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. An international team of researchers headed by DESY scientists has used a powerful X-ray laser to gain insights into the structure of different amyloid samples.

Researchers have developed a process for creating ultrathin, self-assembling sheets of synthetic materials that can function like designer flypaper in selectively binding with viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Lenses are no longer necessary for some microscopes, according to Rice University engineers developing FlatScope, a thin fluorescent microscope whose abilities promise to surpass those of old-school devices.

Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke, and almost 90 percent of those are ischemic strokes in which a clot cuts off blood flow to part of the brain. To prevent further injury, blood flow to the brain must be restored as quickly as possible.

Scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have worked with an international research team to jointly develop a novel approach for deep brain stimulation.

After feasting on a full day of insight from some of the most prominent names in altered and virtual reality technologies, attendees were treated to a panel discussion that assembled pioneers in the space, asking them to muse on its past, present, and future.

On our last day here at Photonics West 2019, Dr. Scott Metzler from PCO presents the enhanced capabilities that bi sCMOS sensors have to offer, including up to 95% quantum efficiency and a broader spectral response than previous generations. Check out the video for more information.

Marco Snikkers wrapped up our Photonics West 2016 coverage by introducing us to a pixel sensor that acts as an 8-channel spectrometer for biomedical, fluorescence marking, and colorimeter applications, as well as a multi-spectral camera that can monitor specific wavelengths in real-time.

This year at Photonics West, Jason Palidwar with Iridian Spectral Technologies gave us insight into the three optical filtering solutions his company is focusing on in 2016.

The new Fiber-Q^TM Fiber is a fiber coupled acousto-optic modulator (FCAOM) solution for fiber laser modulation and frequency shifting. These devices can directly control the timing, intensity, and temporal characteristics of the active output from a fiber laser, offering a wider variety of pulse shapes.

At this year’s exhibition, Leonardo DRS’ business development director, Doug VanDover, introduced us to the newest entry in the Tamarisk thermal IR camera family — the Tamarisk precision series

This year at Photonics West, we had the pleasure of speaking with both Chuck Gerlowski and Richard Cyr of Precision Optics Corporation. Watch the video for information on their micro-optics capabilities, micro-optic components, sub-assemblies, and finished devices.

On the last day of the MD&M East exhibition, Chuck Gerlowski with Precision Optics Corporation discussed their micro lenses, micro prisms, and more. These components can be used to design CMOS sensors for imaging systems and illumination systems in medical devices.

Jay Schell of Leonardo DRS tells us about the unique features of the Tamarisk thermal cameras, and how they're used in applications involving integration into UAVs, medical imaging equipment, analytic devices, man-portable imaging devices, robotic ground vehicles, unmanned sensors, security and surveillance, and more.

In this video, Justin Turner from Zygo introduces the ZeGage optical profiler. The system measures precision surfaces of implantable medical devices that require non-contact metrology, such as bone screws and dental implants. 

In this video, Precision Optics Corp president Joe Forkey gives us a brief overview of his company and then gives us a closer look at some of the things they featured at their Photonics West booth. 

This video gives insight on a dental medical device’s journey from the prototype phase to production. The device needed to be small enough to image rear teeth, robust enough to replace physical impressions, and had to make precision measurements for prosthetics. The process involved complex optics, steps to ensure hygienic sterilization, high resolution 3D imaging, and more. Download the video to see how it was done.

In this video, Chris Bainter introduces the FLIR A6700SC IR (infrared) camera. This camera is ideal for electronics inspection, medical thermography, manufacturing, and non-destructive testing applications. Watch the video to learn about its unique features and specifications.

Piezo electronic drives from Physik Instrumente are ideal for meeting the equipment needs for therapy diagnosis and the administration of medication which impairs the patient as little as possible.

Ross Overstreet of FLIR Systems gives us an introduction to several different cameras. We see a megapixel infrared camera for demanding applications that require high sensitivity, high frame rate, and the optics flexibility; a high performance NIR camera for solar cell testing, medical research, and astronomy; and a low-cost microbolometer camera for entry-level applications.