infrared

Quantum dots may lead to cost-effective mid-infrared light sources and sensors

By Lisa McDonald / October 6, 2023

Quantum dots are emerging as a cost-effective materials system for both emitting and detecting mid-infrared light. Philippe Guyot-Sionnest’s group at the University of Chicago is working on developing this technology, and their latest paper describes a quantum-dot-based light source that is as efficient as current commercial devices.

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Video: Tracking the moon with laser beams

By Lisa McDonald / August 19, 2020

For more than 50 years, the Apollo-era Laser Ranging Retroreflector experiment helped scientists track the moon’s orbit and distance from Earth. The efficiency of the moon-based reflectors decreased over time, though, so NASA scientists looked to reflect light from a spacecraft-based reflector instead—a feat they recently achieved for the first time.

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Identify molecular ‘fingerprints’: Proposed graphene-based nanofocused sensor may improve molecular analysis

By Lisa McDonald / July 24, 2020

Mid-infrared spectroscopy is an important tool for nondestructive analysis of molecules, but it cannot analyze nanometric volumes very well. One way to improve nanometric analysis is through a technique called nanofocusing, and researchers in Spain and Russia proposed an improved nanofocusing technique using graphene.

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To infrared and beyond: Proposed quantum-based photodetector may expand spectral operating range

By Lisa McDonald / May 1, 2020

Since 2000, infrared photodetector technology has experienced rapid development—particularly quantum-based detectors. Now, researchers in Russia, Japan, and the United States developed a model for a detector that could operate in the far-infrared and even terahertz spectral ranges.

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Under Armour’s bioceramic pajamas heal Tom Brady’s body while he sleeps

By April Gocha / January 19, 2017

Athletic apparel maker Under Armor unveiled a bioceramic-laden line of sleepwear at CES 2017, touting the line’s endorsement by famed football player Tom Brady.

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Light-powered 3-D printing technique creates new terahertz lens for better security imaging

By Stephanie Liverani / May 3, 2016

Engineers at Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering (Evanston, Ill.) are working on a new lens that could be used for biomedical research and security imaging: a terhertz lens created by a light-powered 3-D printer.

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Ceramics and glass business news of the week

By April Gocha / December 4, 2015

UK announces new manufacturing hubs, Rochester and Raytheon developing next-gen infrared detectors, and more ceramics and glass business news of the week for December 4, 2015.

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Graphene could be key in development of new flexible, low-cost infrared vision system

By Stephanie Liverani / November 4, 2015

Driven by the mission to develop a more practical, lower-cost solution to infrared vision technology, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are turning to a trendy material: graphene.

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Infrared LEDs and retro-reflective materials make for invisibility glasses that give facial recognition the slip

By Jessica McMathis / March 12, 2015

For those who want to give cameras and facial recognition technology the slip, anti-virus software company AVG has developed a pair of invisibility glasses designed to protect your visual identity online.

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Multilayered oxide mirror heats up space to help cool buildings

By April Gocha / January 9, 2015

Stanford researchers have developed a multilayered material that reflects visible and infrared light away from buildings, a finding that they hope will someday heat up deep space and cool down rooftops.

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