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For optical devices to be truly useful, they must be able to control light of any polarization. A group at MIT has now made this possible, bringing us a step closer to unlocking the potential of on-chip optics.
Most optical probes measure the size of the electromagnetic field, but not its direction. A new development in near-field imaging now makes it possible to map vector fields on the nanoscale as never before.
Controlling light with light using devices small enough to fit on a chip is tricky, but it is crucial for any integrated all-optical logic scheme. Scientists have now produced modulators that control light at breakneck speeds, bringing the vision of all-optical chips closer to reality.
The promising field of terahertz imaging has long been limited by poor resolution. Researchers now believe that the intriguing properties of surface-plasmon polaritons on corrugated wires could help beat the diffraction limit and inspire a new generation of terahertz photonic devices.
The ability to rapidly tune the properties of a photonic crystal nanocavity and 'program' it to store light for more than a nanosecond brings optical memory a step closer.
