Tag Archives: Optics

Unpolarized Light Could Separate Chiral Molecules

Posted on May 4, 2022 by rberkowitz

Numerical simulations suggest that unpolarized light with a twisted phase could help sort left- and right-handed molecules into separate ring-shaped traps. Continue reading →

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Laser Breaks Liquid into Uniform Droplets

Posted on December 11, 2021 by rberkowitz

A laser beam hitting a column of liquid controls the droplet pinch-off at the bottom of the stream. Continue reading →

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Ricocheting Waves Pinpoint an Object’s Location

Posted on July 23, 2021 by rberkowitz

An echo chamber captures small-scale information about an object without the need for up-close probing. Read more in APS Physics…

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Optical Fiber Modes Resist Deformations

Posted on June 21, 2021 by rberkowitz

A machine-learning approach quickly characterizes an optical fiber, identifying transmission channels that aren’t affected by deformation. Continue reading →

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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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