| Image Credit: European XFEL |
The kilometer-sized installations known as X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) accelerate electrons to very high energies to produce exceptionally bright and brief flashes of X-ray light. Since the first of these remarkable machines was turned on in the late 2000s, they have consistently exceeded expectations, allowing researchers to explore the workings of matter on molecular, atomic and even electronic length and time scales.
Now, researchers are further pushing the boundaries of XFELs, exploiting superconducting cavities to increase their firing rate and working to reduce the scale of the massive machines. The cover feature in the May 2024 issue of Optica's Optics and Photonics News (OPN) looks at the latest developments in X-ray lasers and the variety of approaches being taken at the XFEL facilities around the world. |
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| Image Credit: Getty Images |
| In the April issue of OPN, Tom Hausken, a senior science advisor at Optica, wrote about how optics technologies are used in both patient care and medical research—and the opportunities that research in these areas presents for optics to help underserved populations. |
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The images show a comparison of ground truth, low-quality images, and neural network outputs for four test images. The first row represents simulation results, and the second row represents the experimental results. The blue, red and yellow boxes show close ups of details in the images.
Image Credit: Ji Chen, Southeast University |
| A recent news release featuring work published in Optics Letters, shows how researchers used a type of machine learning known as a multi-scale convolutional neural network to improve resolution, contrast and distortion in images from a small camera. This technology plays an important role in the future development of highly portable consumer imaging electronics and can also be used in specialized imaging applications such as microscopy. |
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The movie demonstrates how contour-tracking optical tweezers can trap irregular shaped particles by extracting the target particle's shape from images and then automatically changing the scanning light pattern used for trapping. The blue dots show illumination points while the red dots depict the contours extracted by the new method.
Image Credit: Takahashi-Michihata Lab, The University of Tokyo |
| In this recent article from Optics Letters, researchers describe what they call contour-tracking optical tweezers. These tweezers use imaging processing to extract the contour of the target particle from microscope camera images and then automatically shape the scanning light pattern that is used for trapping to match the extracted contour in real time. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| In a recent Optica blog, discover how all around us, a hidden world exists that remains invisible to the naked eye. The adult human body has between 28 and 36 trillion cells spread over 400 cell types, all too small to be seen, except for egg cells. |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| The candidates for Optica's Vice President and Director at Large have been announced. Visit optica.org/vote to learn who will be on the ballot for the 2024 Optica Elections. Ballots will be distributed to current members in June, so ensure that you can fully participate by renewing your membership and confirming your contact information in your member profile. Don't miss your opportunity to determine the leadership of your society. |
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| Image Credit: Jennifer Dionne |
| Skeptical at first that the topic of nanoscience for on-chip optical communications would be her next passion, Jennifer Dionne entered the group with an open mind and curiosity. The project proved successful, and Jen learned the importance of fundamental research: "you never know where things are going to lead." |
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| Image Credit: Optica |
| Join us in Incheon, Korea from 4–9 August for CLEO-PR. The conference covers all significant areas in lasers and optoelectronics, and features Plenary talks from Optica President, Gerd Leuchs, Past-President Tony F. Heinz, Optica Fellows Jungsang Kim, Chang Hee Nam, and Jesper Mørk. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Register Now |
| Quantum 2.0 promotes the development of mature quantum technologies to build Q2 systems. Register by 29 May for the best rate. |
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 Image Credit: Optica |
| Call For Papers |
| This congress provides a comprehensive view of the latest in solid state laser development and the newest applications. Submit a paper for consideration to present. |
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