Sub-wavelength diffractive meta-optics have emerged as a versatile platform to manipulate light fields at will, due to their ultra-small form factor and flexible multifunctionalities. However, miniaturization and multimodality are typically compromised by a reduction in imaging performance; thus, meta-optics often yield lower resolution and stronger aberration compared to traditional refractive optics

Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) have been studied as basic components for optical computing with phase encoding and Ising machines. Integrated photonics offers a scalable solution to incorporate a progressively larger number of devices towards a functional computing module. Among the available platforms, lithium niobate on insulator is an excellent candidate for this goal thanks to its large

Ultrafast laser pulses that are both tunable in wavelength and very short in duration are essential tools in fields ranging from biomedical imaging to ultrafast spectroscopy. While resonant dispersive-wave emission in gas-filled hollow-core fibers is a powerful technique for generating such pulses, it has traditionally required complex and expensive pump laser systems. In this work, we present a more

When a spatially partially coherent optical field is transmitted by a grating, its two-point correlation function is found to show an intriguing behavior: it propagates along discrete diffraction orders and, with increasing coherence, gradually weaves a “coherence carpet” with an intricate fractional structure. Additionally, a low-coherence input field produces a “non-diffracting coherence needle”:

Control over thermal emission has garnered increasing attention, driven by the long-standing objective of achieving the theoretical limits of thermal emissivity in devices. However, conventional thermal emitters either approach the thermal emissivity limit at the cost of substantial thickness, or are ultrathin but fail to approach this limit due to impedance mismatch. In this work, we demonstrate that

Time and space envelope, frequency and wavelength distributions, polarization, and phase are quantities that define the properties of laser light. Controlling them opens up strategies for manipulating the properties of atoms in various media. At relativistic intensity, matter is rapidly transformed into a plasma state, which is modifying the laser’s propagation, its absorption enabling the generation

Soliton microcombs are a cornerstone of integrated frequency comb technologies, with applications spanning photonic computing, ranging, microwave synthesis, optical communications, and quantum light generation. In nearly all such applications, electro-optic (EO) components play a critical role in generating, monitoring, stabilizing, and modulating solitons. Toward building photonic integrated circuits

Overcoming the spatial mixing of reflection and scattering from rough surfaces to see a hidden scene is a difficult challenge with a wide range of applications. Existing methods counter the mixing effect using active time-of-flight or coherence-based measurements but at the cost of expensive and dedicated optical systems. Here, we derive a model to accurately describe the microscale scattering properties

Modulation conditioned on measurements on entangled photonic quantum states is a cornerstone technology of optical quantum information processing. Performing this task with low latency requires combining single-photon-level detectors with both electronic logic processing and optical modulation in close proximity. Here, we demonstrate low-latency feedforward using a quasi-photon-number-resolved measurement

In optical diffraction tomography (ODT), a sample’s 3D refractive index (RI) is often reconstructed after illuminating it from multiple angles, with the assumption that the sample remains static throughout data collection. When the sample undergoes dynamic motion during this data-collection process, significant artifacts and distortions compromise the fidelity of the reconstructed images. In this study

Revealing the structural and functional organization of biological samples at submicrometer scales requires high-resolution imaging techniques that provide real-time, quantitative information. However, resolving and analyzing unlabeled biological structures at the subcellular level from a single-shot image remain challenging. We introduce a novel incoherent quantitative phase imaging technique based

Traditional cell imaging is limited to 3D surface imaging and has a relatively low resolution. A phase microscopy technique based on transmission matrix has been proposed for high-resolution tomographic imaging within cells. This method requires only a single measurement with the phase microscope to obtain the phase information from the cell and construct a transmission matrix. By analyzing the singular

Optically transparent photodetectors are becoming essential components in next-generation photonic technologies such as augmented reality and light-field imaging. While transparent photodetectors have been extensively developed for the visible spectrum, extending this capability to the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) regime remains a significant challenge. This is primarily due to the lack of suitable

Structured light and high-intensity ultrafast lasers are two rapidly advancing frontiers in photonics, yet their intersection remains largely unexplored. While ultrafast lasers continue to push the boundaries of peak intensities, structured light has enabled unprecedented control over light’s spatial, temporal, and polarization properties. However, the lack of robust optical devices, capable of bridging

Single-photon lidar (SPL) can accurately measure distances to targets from extremely weak reflections. However, the conventional wisdom holds that pulsed lidar cannot directly measure velocity, unlike other forms of lidar. We present a detection model for SPL that explicitly includes a target’s radial velocity, manifesting as a Doppler shift in the repetition frequency of the received laser pulse train

Volumetric fluorescence imaging techniques, such as confocal, multiphoton, light sheet, and light field microscopy, have become indispensable tools across a wide range of cellular, developmental, and neurobiological applications. However, it is difficult to scale such techniques to the large 3D fields of view (FOV), volume rates, and synchronicity requirements for high-resolution 4D imaging of freely

Optical diffraction tomography (ODT) has emerged as a powerful tool for imaging biological cells in a non-invasive and label-free manner. However, conventional approaches using ODT by varying the illumination are plagued by the missing cone problem, which introduces ambiguity and deteriorates the axial resolution in the reconstruction. Although utilizing object rotation has the potential to yield an

Atomic and trapped-ion systems are the backbone of an emerging generation of quantum-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies. The miniaturization of such quantum systems offers tremendous technological advantages, especially the reduction of system size, weight, and power consumption. Yet this has been limited by the absence of compact, standalone photonic integrated circuits (PICs)

Photonic skyrmion and meron lattices are structured light fields with topologically protected textures, analogous to magnetic skyrmions and merons. Here, we report the theoretical existence of mixed skyrmion and meron quasicrystals in an evanescent optical field. Topological quasiperiodic tilings of even and odd point group symmetries are demonstrated in both the electric field and spin angular momentum

Full characterization of electric-field waveforms in amplitude and phase is achieved across the terahertz to visible spectral range through interaction with an optical pulse shorter than a half-cycle period via the Pockels (linear electro-optic) effect. This technique of electro-optic sampling has become an indispensable tool in various areas, including ultrafast pump-probe, time-domain and frequency-comb

Optical phase stabilization, tracking, and locking in long fiber links are pivotal for the functionality of many communication protocols and distributed sensors. However, conventional phase stabilization methods use strong optical probe signals that may contaminate and destroy fragile quantum signals propagating in the same fiber link. Here, we experimentally demonstrate phase locking of fiber spools

Deep sub-diffraction exoplanet discovery currently lies beyond the reach of state-of-the-art direct imaging coronagraphs, which typically have an inner working angle larger than the diffraction scale. We present an experimental demonstration of a direct imaging coronagraph design capable of achieving the quantum limits of exoplanet detection and localization below the Rayleigh diffraction limit. Our

A femtosecond pump–probe technique, capable of probing transient changes in intense X-ray-excited matter with monochromatic X-ray pulses and accessing data for both positive and negative delay times, is proposed. The application of this technique to single-crystal silicon revealed ultrafast X-ray-induced electron excitation occurring on a timescale of 10 fs, along with the delayed onset of atomic disordering

Metasurfaces can precisely control electromagnetic (EM) waves by fine-tuning the geometry of their internal meta-atom structures. The emergence of deep neural networks solves the time-consuming and inaccurate problems of traditional empirical design processes and opens up new paths for pixel-level design of complex structured metasurfaces. However, existing neural network models are often used to design

Exciting advances in spatiotemporal wavepackets have shown great potential in a range of applications, including particle manipulation, time-resolved imaging, and unique light–matter interactions. In particular, spatiotemporal optical vortice (STOV) pulse beams characterized by a helical phase structure in space and time are a recently emerging type of complex structured ultrashort pulse. However,

The ability to rapidly image mesoscopic samples is critically important for many areas of biological research. Owing to its high throughput and gentle, volumetric imaging nature, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) is an attractive modality to image such samples. However, the orthogonal dual-objective geometry of LSFM makes sample mounting challenging. Oblique plane microscopy (OPM) circumvents

Attosecond science and frequency metrology rely on the precise measurement and control of the laser pulse waveform, a feat traditionally achieved using optoelectronic techniques. In this study, we conducted a laser-induced acoustic experiment in air ionized by carrier-envelope phase (CEP)-stabilized sub-4 fs pulses. Our results reveal that the acoustic signal exhibits CEP dependence in few-cycle pulses

Raman flow cytometry offers chemically sensitive, label-free measurement of cells and particles; however, the technique suffers from low cell throughput due to the weak Raman signal. Here, we demonstrate the use of time-delay integration (TDI) to achieve Raman flow cytometry combined with dual-sided line illumination. The use of line illumination from both sides of the cell flow capillary kept the

We present a photonically driven on-chip millimeter wave (mmWave) source enabled by the heterogeneous integration of a high-speed InGaAs/InP photodiode and silicon nitride (Si3N4) microcavity solitons. The chip delivers mmWaves with −18dBm of electrical power at a frequency of 98 GHz with kHz-class linewidth and low phase noise and marks a significant advancement in on-chip photonic mmWave source performance

Optical single-sideband (SSB) modulation features high spectral efficiency, substantial dispersion tolerance, and straightforward detection, making it a versatile technology for applications in optical communications, microwave photonics, optical sensing, satellite communication, etc. However, conventional SSB generators typically require two radio-frequency (RF) signals with a 90° phase difference

Reaching high-resolution imaging of delicate samples at a low-intensity level is a major challenge in microscopy. Here, we present and experimentally implement an advanced quantum super-resolution imaging technique based on photon statistics measurement. Our reconstruction algorithm adapts to any kind of non-Poissonian emitters, outperforming the corresponding classical SOFI method, in particular in

The Keldysh theory of photoionization for bulk dielectrics is generalized to atomically thin two-dimensional semiconductors. We derive closed-form formulas and their asymptotic forms for a two-band model with a Kane dispersion, without and with the corrected multiphoton-order-dependent phase in the transition amplitude. We also derive selection rules related to the parity of multiphoton orders near

The need for high-resolution MeV x-ray tomography to observe the three-dimensional structure of dense, large-sized objects is rapidly increasing for the non-destructive evaluation of critical additively manufactured parts, national security, and other applications. We report a demonstration of high-resolution MeV computed tomography of a dense, large object with a laser-driven x-ray source. A record

On-chip nonlinear photonic conversion functions with wide and precise tunability, as well as high conversion efficiency, are highly desirable for a wide range of applications. Photonic crystal micro-ring resonators facilitate efficient nonlinear conversion and enable wavenumber-accurate selection of converted optical modes, but they do not support post-fabrication reconfiguration of these operational

The optical lever is a precision displacement sensor with broad applications. In principle, it can track the motion of a mechanical oscillator with added noise at the standard quantum limit (SQL); however, demonstrating this performance requires an oscillator with exceptionally high torque sensitivity or, equivalently, zero-point angular displacement spectral density. Here, we describe optical lever

With the exponential growth in information transmission and the escalating demand for multi-band joint detection, high-speed ultra-broadband detectors play a crucial role in aerospace technology, national security, etc. The interfacial work function internal photoemission (IWIP) detector employs the multiple absorption mechanism comprehensively across different wavelength bands to achieve complete

Accurate and fast 3D imaging of specular surfaces still poses major challenges for state-of-the-art optical measurement principles. Frequently used methods, such as phase-measuring deflectometry (PMD) or shape-from-polarization (SfP), rely on strong assumptions about the measured objects, limiting their generalizability in broader application areas such as medical imaging, industrial inspection, virtual

Experimental tests of gravity’s fundamental nature call for mechanical systems in the quantum regime while being sensitive to gravity. Torsion pendula, historically vital in studies of classical gravity, are ideal for extending gravitational tests into the quantum realm due to their inherently high mechanical quality factor, even when mass-loaded. Here, we demonstrate laser cooling of a centimeter-scale

Hearing impairment has long been a significant challenge, and the ability to perform non-destructive detection of the cochlea’s internal structure with sufficient spatial resolution remains a key obstacle. To address this issue effectively, in this study, non-destructive terahertz (THz) imaging of a mouse cochlea was successfully performed to visualize its internal structure using a THz near-field

Temporal photon correlations have been a crucial resource for quantum and quantum-enabled optical science for over half a century. However, attaining non-classical information through these correlations has typically been limited to a single point (or, at best, a few points) at a time. Here, we perform a massively multiplexed wide-field photon correlation measurement using a large single-photon avalanche

Stereoscopic imaging reveals the 3D morphology of objects by collecting dense optical data from multiple views. However, traditional active methods rely on structured light illumination, while passive methods require substantial bulky optical components, hindering the development of portable, real-time stereoimaging systems. Here, we demonstrate miniaturized passive snapshot polarimetric stereoscopic

In the fields of biomedical and astronomical imaging, large numerical aperture (NA) and large aperture metalenses have demonstrated remarkable performance and extensive applications. However, characterizing the phase of these metalenses, which have small phase periods and large apertures, has been challenging due to the high space–bandwidth product (SBP) requirements. To characterize these metalenses

High-power ultrafast laser sources in the short-wave infrared region are of great interest for numerous applications, including secondary sources of radiation and processing of materials commonly opaque in the near-infrared region. In this wavelength region, direct laser amplification around 2.1 µm wavelength within the atmospheric transparency window is particularly attractive for realizing compact

We introduce a reflection-mode diffraction tomography technique that enables the simultaneous recovery of forward- and backward-scattering information for high-resolution 3D refractive index reconstruction. Our technique works by imaging a sample on a highly reflective substrate and employing a multiple-scattering model and a reconstruction algorithm. It combines the modified Born series as the forward

The canalization effect of phonon polaritons (PhPs) shows highly directional and diffraction-less propagation characteristics in van der Waals (vdW) materials, offering new opportunities to mold the light flow at nanoscale for near-field energy, information, and thermal management. Previously, canalized PhPs have only been experimentally realized in the hexagonal boron nitride metasurface, heterostructures

The existing non-interferometric phase imaging methods are unable to retrieve quantitative phase up to microsecond temporal resolution due to the lack of a suitable parallel recording strategy. Therefore, we propose an ultra-high-speed non-interferometric method for phase and multi-plane imaging using partially coherent light sources. The method uses space division multiplexing to record two or more

The ability to control light structures in all dimensions is crucial for a wide range of fundamental and advanced photonics applications, including microscopy, imaging, sensing, communications, and quantum information processing. However, existing chip-based solutions cannot achieve simultaneous manipulation of spatial and polarization distributions, and often exhibit limited emission efficiency and

Many uses of lasers place the highest importance on access to specific wavelength bands. For example, mobilizing optical-atomic clocks for a leap in sensing requires compact lasers at frequencies spread across the visible and near-infrared. Integrated photonics enables high-performance, scalable laser platforms. However, customizing laser-gain media to support wholly new bands is challenging and often

Automatically detecting bacteria from pathological sections is of great significance in clinical practice, providing precious information for accurate decision-making in disease diagnosis and treatment. However, traditional bacterial identification methods require professional medical equipment and operations, making them costly and time-consuming. Learning-based methods can detect bacteria through

Entanglement swapping (ES) between memory repeater links is critical for establishing quantum networks via quantum repeaters. So far, ES with atomic-ensemble-based memories has not been achieved. Here, we experimentally demonstrate ES between different spatial modes for a cold-atom-ensemble quantum memory via the Duan-Lukin-Cirac-Zoller scheme. With a cloud of cold atoms inserted in a cavity, we produce

Electromagnetic fields at terahertz frequencies open a window to multiple applications, such as wireless communication, sensing, and medical imaging. Yet the challenge remains to efficiently generate, receive and process such high frequencies. In this work, we investigate plasmonic modulators to bring THz frequencies to photonic integrated circuits (PICs). We demonstrate a frequency response beyond

Distributed fiber optic sensors are used to monitor civil infrastructures and detect earthquakes and for energy transport surveillance. Over the past 20 years, various technological and numerical advances have pushed back the limits of these sensors and diversified their applications. However, the maximum range of distributed fiber optic sensors such as Brillouin optical time domain reflectometers

Traditional silicon photonic platforms offer powerful capabilities for light manipulation and detection but cannot realize an integrated light source. This results in systems with increased cost and complexity due to the need for external light generation and coupling. In this work we overcome this limitation and experimentally demonstrate the generation, manipulation, and detection of waveguide-coupled

The optical memory effect (ME) is a physical phenomenon that enables imaging through scattering media. Here we report an extended optical ME known as vortex ME (VME) in a continuous orbital angular momentum (OAM) space. When the azimuthal phase mode index ℓ carried by a vortex beam shifts slightly with Δℓ, the scattering medium (SM)-encoded optical speckles will remain spatially correlated, and the

Biomimetic skin has garnered significant attention owing to its potential applications in wearable devices and intelligent robotics. Drawing inspiration from the signal processing mechanisms of human skin, this paper introduces a flexible tactile sensor utilizing fiber optics, which can be employed in the development of sensitive artificial skin. The random forest algorithm is utilized to decode the

Non-diffracting beams, propagating with unchanged transverse profiles and intensity, have been extensively studied in past decades. More recently, self-similar beams with scaling transverse profiles during propagation were proposed as a generalization of non-diffracting beams. Here, we present a type of beam that can be regarded as an intermediate mode between traditional self-similar beams and non-diffracting

Squeezed light, with its quantum noise reduction capabilities, has emerged as a powerful resource in quantum information processing and precision metrology. To reach noise reduction levels such that a quantum advantage is achieved, off-chip squeezers are typically used. The development of on-chip squeezed light sources, particularly in nanophotonic platforms, has been challenging. We report 3.7±0.2dB

Fiber shape sensing is a fascinating field that has been gaining attention over the past decade. However, its widespread utilization is hindered by the requirement of complex detection systems connected to either several cores in a multi-core fiber, or to multiple single-core fibers. In this work, we propose a technique able to recover fiber shape information, such as wounded and straight segments

Free-electron laser (FEL) is a powerful tool that provides high-brightness radiation across a wide range of frequencies up to the x-ray spectrum. However, the large size and high cost of FEL facilities have limited their accessibility and widespread adoption. To address this challenge, researchers have explored the possibility of replicating FEL physics using lasers instead of magnetic undulators,

Flashlamp-pumped Nd:glass is used as a power amplifier in many high energy laser facilities. Despite the problems of this old technology, flashlamps are still being considered for the next generation of lasers as diode laser pumping is far from being ready. This work presents an alternative for pumping high energy lasers: LEDs combined with luminescence concentrators. Using a pump head consisting of