Research

  Physicists at the University of Birmingham have created the first direct visualization of a photon’s shape. This groundbreaking achievement provides new insights into the fundamental nature of light and its interactions with matter. Photons, the particles of light, are impossible to photograph directly as they don’t interact with each other. However, researchers have now [...]

  Here is a quick review of five CIE publications released in 2024: CIE 253:2024 Overview of Methods for Evaluating Colour Rendition of White-Light Sources beyond Colour Fidelity Technical Report CIE 253:2024 includes an overview of seven methods to characterize specific colour rendition characteristics of white-light sources beyond colour fidelity. Methods to characterize colour fidelity are described [...]

  IBM has unveiled groundbreaking research in optics technology that could revolutionize how data centers train and run generative AI models, using light instead of electricity. The company’s co-packaged optics (CPO) innovation aims to replace electrical interconnects in data centers, offering significant improvements in speed and energy efficiency for AI and other computing applications. IBM [...]

  The DOE’s new CALiPER testing report on upper-room Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) luminaires highlights significant advancements and persistent challenges in this technology. Upper-room GUV, recommended by both ASHRAE and the CDC, has shown promise in delivering substantial energy savings while meeting ASHRAE Standard 241 and CDC ventilation targets without requiring major HVAC upgrades. Key findings [...]

  A recent discovery about the heart cockle shell’s light transmission properties could have far-reaching implications for various fields of technology and environmental conservation. The mollusk’s special shell channels light to algae living inside it. The heart cockle shell, found to transmit light in a manner similar to fiber optic cables, has caught the attention [...]

  New research indicates that light therapy can reset circadian rhythms in long-COVID patients, significantly improving sleep and overall quality of life. Unexpected improvements in depression, anxiety, and brain fog also resulted from the light therapy. The study was published by Willis, G.L., Endo, T. & Sakoda, S. Circadian re-set repairs long-COVID in a prodromal Parkinson’s [...]

  The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and standardization in lighting. The CIE Research Strategy 2023 outlines key research priorities for advancing the science and application of light and lighting. The Research Strategy identifies critical topics for researchers to study to support future CIE reports and [...]

  The NAHB’s “What Home Buyers Really Want” study surveyed home buyer preferences for technology features in new homes. Here are the key findings and trends: Top Technology Features The study revealed that home buyers prioritize technology features that enhance energy efficiency and improve safety: Programmable thermostat (78% rated as essential/desirable) Security cameras (76%) Video [...]

  Optogenetics is a scientific field and set of tools that shines light on genetically modified cells to activate channels within the cells to make them more or less active. The light is often introduced with surgically implanted optical fibers through which laser light is passed into highly targeted regions containing the genetically modified cells. [...]