Light-Science & Applications最新文献

{"title":"Sub-2W tunable laser based on silicon photonics power amplifier","authors":"Neetesh Singh, Jan Lorenzen, Muharrem Kilinc, Kai Wang, Milan Sinobad, Henry Francis, Jose Carreira, Michael Geiselmann, Umit Demirbas, Mikhail Pergament, Sonia M. Garcia-Blanco, Franz X. Kärtner","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01681-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01681-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p>High-power tunable lasers are intensely pursued due to their vast application potential such as in telecom, ranging, and molecular sensing. Integrated photonics, however, is usually considered not suitable for high-power applications mainly due to its small size which limits the energy storage capacity and, therefore, the output power. In the late 90s, to improve the beam quality and increase the stored energy, large-mode-area (LMA) fibers were introduced in which the optical mode area is substantially large. Such LMA fibers have transformed the high-power capability of fiber systems ever since. Introducing such an LMA technology at the chip-scale can play an equally disruptive role with high power signal generation from an integrated photonics system. To this end, in this work we demonstrate such a technology, and show a very high-power tunable laser with the help of a silicon photonics based LMA power amplifier. We show output power reaching 1.8 W over a tunability range of 60 nm, spanning from 1.83 µm to 1.89 µm, limited only by the seed laser. Such an integrated LMA device can be used to substantially increase the power of the existing integrated tunable lasers currently limited to a few tens of milliwatts. The power levels demonstrated here reach and surpass that of many benchtop systems which truly makes the silicon photonics based integrated LMA device poised towards mass deployment for high power applications without relying on benchtop systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"340 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142911846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Membrane-targeted push-pull azobenzenes for the optical modulation of membrane potential","authors":"Valentina Sesti, Arianna Magni, Matteo Moschetta, Chiara Florindi, Marlene E. Pfeffer, Mattia Lorenzo DiFrancesco, Michele Guizzardi, Giulia Folpini, Luca Sala, Alessandra Gilda Ritacca, Beatrice Campanelli, Paola Moretti, Giuseppe Maria Paternò, Luca Maragliano, Matteo Tommasini, Francesco Lodola, Elisabetta Colombo, Fabio Benfenati, Chiara Bertarelli, Guglielmo Lanzani","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01669-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01669-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We introduce a family of membrane-targeted azobenzenes (MTs) with a push-pull character as a new tool for cell stimulation. These molecules are water soluble and spontaneously partition in the cell membrane. Upon light irradiation, they isomerize from <i>trans</i> to <i>cis</i>, changing the local charge distribution and thus stimulating the cell response. Specifically, MTs photoisomerization induces clear and reproducible depolarization. The most promising species, MTP2, was extensively studied. Time-resolved spectroscopy techniques provide insights into the excited state evolution and a complete understanding of its isomerization reaction. Molecular Dynamics simulations reveal the spontaneous and stable partitioning of the compound into the cellular membrane, without significant alterations to the bilayer thickness. MTP2 was tested in different cell types, including HEK293T cells, primary neurons, and cardiomyocytes, and a steady depolarization is always recorded. The observed membrane potential modulation in in-vitro models is attributed to the variation in membrane surface charge, resulting from the light-driven modulation of the MT dipole moment within the cell membrane. Additionally, a developed mathematical model successfully captures the temporal evolution of the membrane potential upon photostimulation. Despite being insufficient for triggering action potentials, the rapid light-induced depolarization holds potential applications, particularly in cardiac electrophysiology. Low-intensity optical stimulation with these modulators could influence cardiac electrical activity, demonstrating potential efficacy in destabilizing and terminating cardiac arrhythmias. We anticipate the MTs approach to find applications in neuroscience, biomedicine, and biophotonics, providing a tool for modulating cell physiology without genetic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Monocular meta-imaging camera sees depth","authors":"Yujin Liu, Xueli Chen","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01666-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01666-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A novel monocular depth-sensing camera based on meta-imaging sensor technology has been developed, offering more precise depth sensing with millimeter-level accuracy and enhanced robustness compared to conventional 2D and light-field cameras.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Near-infrared germanium PIN-photodiodes with >1A/W responsivity","authors":"Hanchen Liu, Toni P. Pasanen, Tsun Hang Fung, Joonas Isometsä, Antti Haarahiltunen, Steven Hesse, Lutz Werner, Ville Vähänissi, Hele Savin","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01670-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01670-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Even though efficient near-infrared (NIR) detection is critical for numerous applications, state-of-the-art NIR detectors either suffer from limited capability of detecting incoming photons, i.e., have poor spectral responsivity, or are made of expensive group III-V non-CMOS compatible materials. Here we present a nanoengineered PIN-photodiode made of CMOS-compatible germanium (Ge) that achieves a verified external quantum efficiency (EQE) above 90% over a wide wavelength range (1.2–1.6 µm) at zero bias voltage at room temperature. For instance, at 1.55 µm, this corresponds to a responsivity of 1.15 A/W. In addition to the excellent spectral responsivity at NIR, the performance at visible and ultraviolet wavelengths remains high (EQE exceeds even 100% below 300 nm) resulting in an exceptionally wide spectral response range. The high performance is achieved by minimizing optical losses using surface nanostructures and electrical losses using both conformal atomic-layer-deposited aluminum oxide surface passivation and dielectric induced electric field -based carrier collection instead of conventional pn-junction. The dark current density of 76 µA/cm² measured at a reverse bias of 5 V is lower than previously reported for Ge photodiodes. The presented results should have an immediate impact on the design and manufacturing of Ge photodiodes and NIR detection in general.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Linear and nonlinear record high optical birefringence in anisotropic van der Waals crystals","authors":"Luca Sortino","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01662-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01662-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Multilayered van der Waals (vdW) materials are semiconductors composed of atomically thin crystal layers, held together by weak vdW forces. They offer unique crystal structures and electronic properties, distinct from conventional semiconductors, making them a promising platform for linear and nonlinear optics. In this context, the large refractive indexes given by highly polarizable transition metals, combined with excitonic resonances and unconventional crystalline structures, provides a toolbox for exploring non-linear physics and strong light–matter interactions with unprecedented opportunities for nanoscale optics. Recent reports highlight novel vdW materials, particularly PdPSe, a pentagonal crystal with strong nonlinear responses, and As₂S₃, a record high birefringence crystal, as favorable candidates to engineer nonlinear responses and miniaturization of optical components, owing to the combination of high refractive index and strong optical anisotropy of the underlying crystal structures. While still in its infancy, research on vdW materials promise a florid ground for fundamental studies, bridging the gap between material science and nanoscale optics.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"180 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optical sectioning methods in three-dimensional bioimaging","authors":"Jing Zhang, Wei Qiao, Rui Jin, Hongjin Li, Hui Gong, Shih-Chi Chen, Qingming Luo, Jing Yuan","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01677-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01677-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In recent advancements in life sciences, optical microscopy has played a crucial role in acquiring high-quality three-dimensional structural and functional information. However, the quality of 3D images is often compromised due to the intense scattering effect in biological tissues, compounded by several issues such as limited spatiotemporal resolution, low signal-to-noise ratio, inadequate depth of penetration, and high phototoxicity. Although various optical sectioning techniques have been developed to address these challenges, each method adheres to distinct imaging principles for specific applications. As a result, the effective selection of suitable optical sectioning techniques across diverse imaging scenarios has become crucial yet challenging. This paper comprehensively overviews existing optical sectioning techniques and selection guidance under different imaging scenarios. Specifically, we categorize the microscope design based on the spatial relationship between the illumination and detection axis, i.e., on-axis and off-axis. This classification provides a unique perspective to compare the implementation and performances of various optical sectioning approaches. Lastly, we integrate selected optical sectioning methods on a custom-built off-axis imaging system and present a unique perspective for the future development of optical sectioning techniques.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strongly absorbing molecules make tissue transparent: a new insight for understanding tissue optical clearing","authors":"Tingting Yu, Dan Zhu","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01675-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01675-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Optical imaging plays a central role in the field of biomedicine, but it suffers from the light scattering of tissues. The research group from Stanford University has reported a counterintuitive observation that strongly absorbing molecules could achieve optical transparency in live animals, providing a new insight for understanding tissue optical clearing. It empowers scientists to leverage optical imaging techniques for in vivo observation of a wide range of deep-seated structures and activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"54 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-resolution analysis for high-fidelity deconvolution microscopy","authors":"Baolei Liu, Fan Wang","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01654-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01654-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A fidelity-ensured multi-resolution analysis deconvolution algorithm significantly enhances fluorescence microscopy’s resolution and noise control, enabling more accurate and detailed imaging for advanced biological research applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"33 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sub-terahertz transmissive reconfigurable intelligent surface for integrated beam steering and self-OOK-modulation","authors":"Dongfang Shen, Feng Lan, Luyang Wang, Tianyang Song, Munan Yang, Tianyu Hu, Yueting Li, Xiaolei Nie, Jiayao Yang, Shixiong Liang, Hongxin Zeng, Hui-Fang Zhang, Pinaki Mazumder, Ziqiang Yang, Yaxin Zhang, Tie Jun Cui","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01690-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01690-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Boasting superior flexibility in beam manipulation and a simpler framework than traditional phased arrays, terahertz metasurface-based phased arrays show great promise for 5G-A/6G communication networks. Compared with the reflective reconfigurable intelligent surface (reflective RIS), the transmissive RIS (TRIS) offers more feasibility for transceiver multiplexing systems to meet the growing demand for high-performance beam tracking in terahertz communication and radar systems. However, the terahertz TRIS encounters greater challenges in phase shift, beam efficiency, and complex circuitry. Here, we propose a sub-terahertz TRIS based on the phase shift via Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) metasurface and self-on-off keying (OOK) modulation via Schottky diodes. The electrically reconfigurable unit cell consists of a column-wise phase resonator and a rectangular slot. An experimental retrieved equivalent lumped-element circuit model is implemented in joint field-circuit simulations and is validated by experiments. A fabricated prototype demonstrates excellent performance of TRIS with the minimum insertion loss of 2.8 dB for operational states, large bandwidth nearly covering the entire W-band for 1-bit phase shift, deep OOK amplitude modulation of 12 dB, and wide scanning range of ±60° with low specular transmission. We further implement an integrated platform combining high-speed beam steering and spatial-light modulation, verifying the point-to-point signal transmissions in different directions using the TRIS platform. The proposed TRIS with high-performance and cost-effective fabrication makes it a promising solution to terahertz minimalist communication systems, radar, and satellite communication systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Light People: Prof. Henry Snaith’s (FRS) perovskite optoelectronics journey","authors":"Ruidong Xia, Ying Hu","doi":"10.1038/s41377-024-01668-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01668-y","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;In 2012, Prof. Henry Snaith demonstrated the first solid-state perovskite solar cell (PSC) with an efficiency of 10.9%, igniting a surge of interest and research into perovskite materials for their potential to revolutionize the photovoltaic (PV) industry. Over the past two decades, perovskite optoelectronics have made remarkable progress, with significant improvements in efficiency, stability, and commercial viability, which has transformed these materials from a scientific curiosity into a leading platform for a wide range of applications, particularly in PVs and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Prof. Henry Snaith’s election as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) credits to his groundbreaking discovery of the use of perovskites in efficient solar cells. In addition to his academic role, Henry co-founded and served as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of two spin-off companies, Oxford PV Ltd. and Helio Display Materials Ltd., which focus on commercializing metal halide perovskite PVs and light-emitting applications, respectively. His team has led the global R&amp;D community in advancing the fundamental understanding and practical use of perovskites since 2012. On 5th September 2024, Oxford PV announced the world’s first commercial sale of next-generation perovskite tandem solar panels, which generate up to 20% more energy than a standard silicon panel. In an insightful conversation with &lt;i&gt;Light: Science &amp; Applications&lt;/i&gt;, Prof. Henry Snaith, a pioneer of metal halide perovskite optoelectronics, shared his story on how scientific curiosity, close observation to unexpected results, and serendipity led to the discovery of perovskite as a solid light absorber, as well as the key findings and breakthroughs to achieve the remarkable efficiency of PSCs. He highlighted the significant contribution of his team to the progress of PSC technology from its initial discovery to its current exciting commercialization status; this includes the development of tandem solar cells and the exploration of p-i-n configurations for better stability. Moreover, he expressed his views on the future of perovskite LEDs and environmental and safety concerns related to perovskite optoelectronics technology. The interviews further explored Henry’s journey from an undergraduate physics student to a renowned scientist. His career success is undoubtedly driven by his ambition for immediate real-world impact and his relentless pursuit of more efficient, low-cost, and sustainable energy solutions to address global environmental challenges. When asked about the potential for a Nobel Prize, Henry acknowledged that PSC technology could be worthy of such recognition, given its scientific advancements and significant contributions to addressing the global challenge of climate change. Looking ahead, Henry has expressed an interest in contributing to public policy, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and education reform, with an emphasis on the creation of an inclusive ","PeriodicalId":18069,"journal":{"name":"Light-Science & Applications","volume":"93 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}