The authors demonstrate optical tweezing of microparticles and cells using an integrated optical phased array for the first time, increasing the standoff distance of integrated optical tweezers by over two orders of magnitude compared to prior work.
Category: futurism – Page 135
From Science Fiction to Reality: Simple Lens Swap Turns Ordinary Cameras Into Hyperspectral Devices
Scientists have created a compact spectral singlet lens that turns standard cameras into hyperspectral ones, reducing system size and complexity. This breakthrough could expand hyperspectral imaging into portable applications, with future improvements underway.
The information we gather shapes our understanding and perspectives of the world. For centuries, optics has sought to interpret the multidimensional data around us through the “toolbox” of light. In the 17th century, Sir Isaac Newton introduced the lens imaging formula and conducted his famous color spectrum experiment, laying foundational insights in the field.
Since then, lenses and spectrometers have been extensively studied as essential optical components for capturing information. Cascading these two components can allow us to acquire more information – both spatial and spectral data. However, such a configuration leads to tradeoffs among device footprint, spectral resolution, and imaging quality, impeding portability and miniaturization of hyperspectral cameras.
Are Nearby Planets Sending Radio Signals to Each Other?
Researchers have developed a new method using the Allen Telescope Array to search for interplanetary radio communication in the TRAPPIST-1 star system.
A new technique allows astronomers to home in on planets beyond our solar system that are in line with each other and with Earth to search for radio signals similar, for example, to ones used to communicate with the rovers on Mars. Penn State astronomers and scientists at the SETI Institute spent 28 hours scanning the TRAPPIST-1 star system for these signs of alien technology with the Allen Telescope Array (ATA). This project marks the longest single-target search for radio signals from TRAPPIST-1. Although the team didn’t find any evidence of extraterrestrial technology, their work introduced a new way to search for signals in the future.
A paper describing the research was accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journal and is available online as a preprint.
Why does our universe have something instead of nothing?
In order to figure out how something came from nothing, we first need to explore the different types of nothing.
Robots chisel out the future of sculpture as some artists embrace change and others push back
Instead of the old-fashioned hammer and chisel, a 13-foot zinc alloy arm with a spinning, diamond-crusted finger is now used by some to cut marble. Robotor CEO Giacomo Massari says it’s ten times faster.
A fleet of marble-sculpting robots is carving out the future of the art world. It’s a move some artists see as cheating, but others are embracing the change.
Shaking felt in Florida after powerful earthquakes strike off Cuba’s coast
MIAMI – Residents in Florida reported feeling the ground move after two powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of Cuba late Sunday morning, prompting brief fears that a tsunami could impact areas closest to the epicenter in the Caribbean.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the two earthquakes were reported within an hour of each other.
6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Off Cuba’s Southern Coast
Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists.
A strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Cuba’s coast, south of Santiago de Cuba around noon local time on Sunday.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was about 24 miles south of Bartolomé Masó which is part of Cuba’s Granma Province.
