Light-Science & Applications最新文献

This item from the News and Views (N&V) category aims to provide a summary of theoretical and experimental results recently published in ref. ²⁴, which demonstrates the creation of corner modes in nonlinear optical waveguides of the higher-order topological insulator (HOTI) type. Actually, these are second-order HOTIs, in which the transverse dimension of the topologically protected edge modes is smaller than the bulk dimension (it is 2, in the case of optical waveguide) by 2, implying zero dimension of the protected modes, which are actually realized as corner or defect ones. Work²⁴ reports the prediction and creation of various forms of the corner modes in a HOTI with a fractal transverse structure, represented by the Sierpiński gasket (SG). The self-focusing nonlinearity of the waveguide's material transforms the corner modes into corner solitons, almost all of which are stable. The solitons may be attached to external or internal corners created by the underlying SG. This N&V item offers an overview of these new findings reported in ref. ²⁴ and other recent works, and a brief discussion of directions for further work on this topic.

Multicolor microscopy and super-resolution optical microscopy are two widely used techniques that greatly enhance the ability to distinguish and resolve structures in cellular imaging. These methods have individually transformed cellular imaging by allowing detailed visualization of cellular and subcellular structures, as well as organelle interactions. However, integrating multicolor and super-resolution microscopy into a single method remains challenging due to issues like spectral overlap, crosstalk, photobleaching, phototoxicity, and technical complexity. These challenges arise from the conflicting requirements of using different fluorophores for multicolor labeling and fluorophores with specific properties for super-resolution imaging. We propose a novel multicolor super-resolution imaging method called phasor-based fluorescence spatiotemporal modulation (Phasor-FSTM). This method uses time-resolved detection to acquire spatiotemporal data from encoded photons, employs phasor analysis to simultaneously separate multiple components, and applies fluorescence modulation to create super-resolution images. Phasor-FSTM enables the identification of multiple structural components with greater spatial accuracy on an enhanced laser scanning confocal microscope using a single-wavelength laser. To demonstrate the capabilities of Phasor-FSTM, we performed two-color to four-color super-resolution imaging at a resolution of ~λ/5 and observed the interactions of organelles in live cells during continuous imaging for a duration of over 20 min. Our method stands out for its simplicity and adaptability, seamlessly fitting into existing laser scanning microscopes without requiring multiple laser lines for excitation, which also provides a new avenue for other super-resolution imaging technologies based on different principles to build multi-color imaging systems with the requirement of a lower budget.

Randomness is an essential resource and plays important roles in various applications ranging from cryptography to simulation of complex systems. Certified randomness from quantum process is ensured to have the element of privacy but usually relies on the device’s behavior. To certify randomness without the characterization for device, it is crucial to realize the one-sided device-independent random number generation based on quantum steering, which guarantees security of randomness and relaxes the demands of one party’s device. Here, we distribute quantum steering between two distant users through a 2 km fiber channel and generate quantum random numbers at the remote station with untrustworthy device. We certify the steering-based randomness by reconstructing covariance matrix of the Gaussian entangled state shared between distant parties. Then, the quantum random numbers with a generation rate of 7.06 Mbits/s are extracted from the measured amplitude quadrature fluctuation of the state owned by the remote party. Our results demonstrate the first realization of steering-based random numbers extraction in a practical fiber channel, which paves the way to the quantum random numbers generation in asymmetric networks.

Topology is usually perceived intrinsically immutable for a given object. We argue that optical topologies do not immediately enjoy such benefits. Using ‘optical skyrmions’ as an example, we show that they will exhibit varying textures and topological invariants (skyrmion numbers), depending on how to construct the skyrmion vector when projecting from real to parameter space. We demonstrate the fragility of optical skyrmions under a ubiquitous scenario--simple reflection off an optical mirror. Optical topology is not without benefit, but it must not be assumed.

Advancements in neuromorphic computing have given an impetus to the development of systems with adaptive behavior, dynamic responses, and energy efficiency characteristics. Although charge-based or emerging memory technologies such as memristors have been developed to emulate synaptic plasticity, replicating the key functionality of neurons—integrating diverse presynaptic inputs to fire electrical impulses—has remained challenging. In this study, we developed reconfigurable metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors (MOSCaps) based on hafnium diselenide (HfSe₂). The proposed devices exhibit (1) optoelectronic synaptic features and perform separate stimulus-associated learning, indicating considerable adaptive neuron emulation, (2) dual light-enabled charge-trapping and memcapacitive behavior within the same MOSCap device, whose threshold voltage and capacitance vary based on the light intensity across the visible spectrum, (3) memcapacitor volatility tuning based on the biasing conditions, enabling the transition from volatile light sensing to non-volatile optical data retention. The reconfigurability and multifunctionality of MOSCap were used to integrate the device into a leaky integrate-and-fire neuron model within a spiking neural network to dynamically adjust firing patterns based on light stimuli and detect exoplanets through variations in light intensity.

The giant bulk photovoltaic effect in tellurene nanomaterials has been harnessed to enable broadband infrared neuromodulation, expanding the potential for safe, non-invasive neural stimulation and highlighting the importance of material innovation in advancing infrared photonic applications.

A novel continuous-variable quantum passive optical network is proposed in which a user can increase their key rate by trusting other users. This is because the keys, which would be discarded to remove correlations with untrusted users, can be retained when the users are trusted. It provides a new perspective for enhancing network performance.

The Extended Depth of Field (EDF) approach has been combined with Random Illumination Microscopy (RIM) to realize aberration-insensitive, fast super-resolution imaging with extended depth, which is a promising tool for dynamic imaging in larger and thicker live cells and tissues.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology holds immense potential across various high-tech applications; however, current display technologies are hindered by limitations such as restricted viewing angles, cumbersome headgear, and limited multi-user accessibility. To address these challenges, researchers are actively exploring new materials and techniques for 3D imaging. Laser-based volumetric displays (VDs) offer a promising solution; nonetheless, existing screen materials fall short in meeting key requirements for long-term durability, full-color operation, and scalability. In this study, we present a comprehensive investigation into easily scalable rare-earth (RE³⁺) doped monolithic glasses (RE = Ho, Tm, Nd, Yb) capable of tunable full-color emission using a novel excitation modulation technique under 808 nm and 980 nm laser excitation and demonstrate their implementation as laser-based VD materials through prototyping. By controlling the movement of lasers’ pulses and galvanometer mirrors with waveform generators, our system generates images in simple and complex shapes with high purity red, green, and blue (RGB) colors. These images can be manipulated, including actions like translation, rotation, expansion, and sequential movement within the monolithic glass screen material. Our findings showcase the potential of glass-based dynamic VDs in revolutionizing display technology, offering superior color purity, vividness, and performance in comparison to conventional display systems.

The microenvironment of immunosuppression and low immunogenicity of tumor cells has led to unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of the currently developed nanoplatforms. Immunogenic cell death, such as pyroptosis and ferroptosis, can efficiently boost antitumor immunity. However, the exploration of nanoplatform for dual function inducers and combined immune activators that simultaneously trigger pyroptosis and ferroptosis remains limited. Herein, a multifunctional pH-responsive theranostic nanoplatform (M@P) is designed and constructed by self-assembly of aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer MTCN-3 and immunoadjuvant Poly(I: C), which are further encapsulated in amphiphilic polymers. This nanoplatform is found to have the characteristics of cancer cell targeting, pH response, near-infrared fluorescence imaging, and lysosome targeting. Therefore, after targeting lysosomes, M@P can cause lysosome dysfunction through the generation of reactive oxygen species and heat under light irradiation, triggering pyroptosis and ferroptosis of tumor cells, achieving immunogenic cell death, and further enhancing immunotherapy through the combined effect with the immunoadjuvant Poly(I: C). The anti-tumor immunotherapy effect of M@P has been further demonstrated in in vivo antitumor experiment of 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model with poor immunogenicity. This research would provide an impetus as well as a novel strategy for dual function inducers and combined immune activators enhanced photoimmunotherapy.