Photonics

An experimental demonstration of light scattering controlled by silicon nanoparticles augurs well for the development of integrated optical circuits

A technique that reduces the time to simulate the operation of active optical devices aids the design of nanoscale lasers

A novel material shows its credentials to facilitate the integration of photonic and electronic components in practical devices

A flexible design approach for nanosensors that overcomes practicality and reliability issues is now available

The ability to miniaturize photonics devices to sizes compatible with computer chips inches closer

Development of an ultrafast photodetector that shows promise for integration with silicon chips could lead to increased fiber optical broadband speeds

Theoretical calculations show graphene’s potential for controlling nanoscale light propagation on a chip

A thin liquid crystal film on gold sheets makes an ultra-compact color filter

Hollow optical fibers containing light-emitting liquids hold big promises for biological sensing applications

Molecular sensors based on nanoholes in metallic films are shown to be ideal for medical diagnosis

Waveguides that combine metallic and semiconductor structures can be made more compact

‘Tractor beams’ of light that pull objects towards them are no longer science fiction