Optical Lattice Atomic Clock

Scientists have developed a new method of timekeeping called an optical lattice atomic clock that is three times more accurate than current atomic clocks, measuring oscillations from strontium atoms excited by a laser rather than microwave-based cesium fountains with an accuracy of losing only one second every 300 million years.

Channel-type Nanostructure Laser

Inspired by the structure of bright, iridescent bird feathers, researchers have constructed a new type of laser with a channel-type nanostructure that will allow them to self-assemble, making their fabrication easier, cheaper and faster.

Laser Produced by Living Cell

Using a light-emitting protein obtained from a jellyfish, scientists have engineered human kidney cells that produce a focused and intense green light when bathed in blue light between two microscopic mirrors that act as a "laser cavity."

Neutral Atom Isolated

Researchers have successfully slowed a group of charge-neutral rubidium-85 atoms using laser cooling techniques and then selected out and held a single atom with a pair of optical tweezers to obtain an image, a breakthrough in handling atoms that could lead to smaller quantum-based computing.

Laser Mapping Ancient Cities

Ancient archaeological sites that previously took decades to painstakingly record can now be mapped with extreme precision in only a matter of days using lidar (light detection and ranging) technology and a low-flying aircraft, even despite thick jungle cover.