Tag Archives: Optics

Light Pulses Change Speed in a Plasma

Posted on May 24, 2021 by rberkowitz

Interactions between two laser beams in a plasma allow for precise
control over the light’s velocity. Continue reading →

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A tabletop waveguide delivers coherent x rays

Posted on April 1, 2021 by rberkowitz

The layered anode emits bright, directed beams without the need for mirrors or large-scale accelerators. Continue reading →

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Femtosecond Probe Catches Electrons Relaxing

Posted on February 11, 2021 by rberkowitz

Pump-probe experiments measure the time it takes for electrons to thermalize and cool after photoexcitation. Continue reading →

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Pulses of Light Accelerate in Free Space

Posted on December 6, 2020 by rberkowitz

A recipe for greatly accelerating a light pulse involves sculpting its
spectrum in space and time. Continue reading →

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Real-Time Measurements of Earth’s Spin and Tilt

Posted on July 17, 2020 by rberkowitz

An array of ring lasers provides the first continuous measurement of Earth’s motion from a single location.  Continue reading →

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Excited Molecules Escape Their Trap

Posted on April 24, 2020 by rberkowitz

The loss of ultracold molecules from an optical trap comes from optical excitation of the complexes that form when two of the molecules collide.  Continue reading →

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Physics Technique Reveals Hidden Bugs to Bats

Posted on November 20, 2019 by rberkowitz

Strategic angles help bats hunt stationary bugs on leaves. Continue reading →

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A glimpse of a planetary system’s final stages

Posted on April 19, 2019 by rberkowitz

Detailed spectroscopy measurements may help astronomers discover bodies orbiting white dwarfs. Continue reading →

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Mars smiles for InSight’s cameras

Posted on December 7, 2018 by rberkowitz

We look forward to learning more about Mars as InSight’s scientific operations commence. Continue reading →

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Father of optical trapping awarded a share of the Nobel Prize in Physics

Posted on December 2, 2018 by rberkowitz

Optical tweezers have endured as an invaluable laboratory tool for manipulating molecules and other small particles. Continue reading →

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