Category Physics

Speeding up Long-Range Coherent LiDAR

Johann Riemensberger, Anton Lukashchuk, Maxim Karpov, Wenle Weng, Erwan Lucas, Junqiu Liu, Tobias J. Kippenberg. Massively parallel coherent laser ranging using soliton microcombs, Nature 13 May 2020. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2239-3

LiDAR is a technique used for measuring distances with laser light. Researchers now show a new way to speedup a type of LiDAR engine by using photonic circuits. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) comprised an array of techniques using laser light to measure distances by multiplying the time delay between transmitted and received optical signals with the speed of light. Modern 3D LiDAR sensors combine high lateral/vertical and radial resolution, and are key components in the ongoing revolution of level 4 and 5 self-driving cars.

The prominence of 3D LiDAR...

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Durable, Washable Textile Coating can Repel Viruses

An illustration shows the treated textile’s ability to repel fluids.

New research could lead to safely reusable PPE. Researchers have created a textile coating that can not only repel liquids like blood and saliva but can also prevent viruses from adhering to the surface. Masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for protecting healthcare workers. However, the textiles and materials used in such items can absorb and carry viruses and bacteria, inadvertently spreading the disease the wearer sought to contain.

When the coronavirus spread amongst healthcare professionals and left PPE in short supply, finding a way to provide better protection while allowing for the safe reuse of these items became paramount.

Research from the LAMP Lab at the Universit...

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Powerful new AI Technique Detects and Classifies Galaxies in Astronomy image data

A Hubble Space Telescope image of a region in the Hubble Legacy Fields includes a large disk galaxy (above). The image next to it shows the Morpheus morphological classification results for the same region. (Image credits: NASA/STScI and Ryan Hausen)

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a powerful new computer program called Morpheus that can analyze astronomical image data pixel by pixel to identify and classify all of the galaxies and stars in large data sets from astronomy surveys.

Morpheus is a deep-learning framework that incorporates a variety of artificial intelligence technologies developed for applications such as image and speech recognition...

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Scientists demonstrate Quantum Radar Prototype

Illustration of a quantum radar prototype. © IST Austria/Philip Krantz
Illustration of a quantum radar prototype. © IST Austria/Philip Krantz

Physicists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) have invented a new radar prototype that utilizes quantum entanglement as a method of object detection. This successful integration of quantum mechanics into our everyday devices could significantly impact the biomedical and security industries. The research is published in the journal Science Advances.

Quantum entanglement is a physical phenomenon where two particles remain inter-connected, sharing physical traits regardless of how far apart they are from one another...

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