By carefully engineering the geometry of a micrometer-scale, ring-shaped optical resonator, researchers at NIST produced pairs of entangled photons (particles of light) that have two very different colors or wavelengths. Light from a pump laser (purple regions in the resonator) generates one photon in each pair at a visible-light wavelength (red patches in and around resonator); the other photon has a wavelength in the telecommunications (near-infrared) part of the spectrum (blue patches). From the perspective of quantum communication, these pairings combine the best of both worlds in an optical circuit: The visible-light partner can interact with trapped atoms, ions, or other systems that serve as quantum versions of computer memory, while the telecommunications wavelength member of each couple is free to propagate over long distances through an optical fiber network. Credit: S. Kelley/NIST

Optical Resonators: Principles, Types, and Applications in Modern Technology

Optical resonators, sometimes referred to as optical cavities, are essential components in various modern technologies, from lasers and optical sensors to telecommunications systems. By trapping and circulating light within a defined space, these devices can amplify or manipulate light waves, resulting in a wide array of practical applications.
The new polarimetric hardware installed on the MIRC-X optical bench at CHARA. The top panel shows the Air Spaced Waveplates assembly (1) and motor control boxes (2) in relation to the MIRC-X instrument during initial testing in 2019 November, where calibration was conducted with a pair of linear polarizers (3).

Understanding Air Spaced Waveplates: Applications and Principles

The field of optics has seen significant advancements in recent years, and one of the essential components driving these innovations is the air spaced waveplate. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of air spaced waveplates, their principles, applications, and how they differ from other waveplates.
A 3D printer of the laser powder-bed fusion type, in action. Laser powder-bed fusion adds successive layers of metal powder and then uses a laser to melt each layer into place on the part being created. Image: NIST / KTH.

Synchrotron Experiments Illuminate Path to Enhanced Metal 3D Printing

In an exciting development, scientists from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, and several other institutions have announced a breakthrough that could grant an unprecedented level of mastery over metal 3D printing.
Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser Toy & Alexa Built-In

Best Cat Laser Toy In 2023

With so many options available on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one to pick. That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you find the best cat laser toy for your needs.
According to a recent poll, 1 in 8 American adults who have tattoos regret getting one. FDA regulates laser devices used for tattoo removal. Learn safe and effective ways to have your tattoo removed.

How Do Tattoo Removal Lasers Work?

This article will provide an in-depth, educational examination of the science behind tattoo removal lasers, exploring their historical background, fundamental concepts, current research, applications, implications, and future prospects.

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