France passed a law requiring solar panels on every parking lot with more than 80 spaces.

Equals 10 nuclear reactors
Reduces heat island, shades cars

The US -- 800 million parking spaces. Most of them are uncovered asphalt sitting in direct sunlight.

Why aren't we doing this?

This event explores the connections between industry and open-hardware microscopy builds. Our speakers will share diverse perspectives, including an industry provider supporting open-hardware initiatives, an academic founder who transitioned from open builds to startups, and entrepreneurs developing commercial microscope platforms. The challenges, opportunities, and synergies that arise at the intersection of open hardware and industry will be discussed. The talks will be of interest to microscope builders, open-hardware developers, academic researchers considering the startup pathway, and community members interested in the evolving industry landscape surrounding open-hardware microscopy. The program will take place on Zoom and will feature four 15-minute presentations followed by a 30-minute interactive Q&A session. Attendees are encouraged to network with the speakers and continue the discussion within the BINA community.

Open-hardware microscopy builds & industry. Online workshop. Thursday April 16, 10:30am Central time US. Free. Industry involvement in open hardware. www.bioimagingnorthamerica.org/events/abrf-... from BioImaging North America BINA.

Biohybrid image sensor array processes light like retinas A “retina emulator” generates detectable signals for light pulses of 20- to 50-millisecond durations, which are typical “slow” timescales found within real living retinas—and ...

www.laserfocusworld.com/biolife-scie...
#bio #optics #photonics #imaging #sensors

Cooling is critical for copackaged optics Without precise predictive cooling, bandwidth gains promised by advanced optics and integrated ASICs can’t be fully achieved within production environments.

www.laserfocusworld.com/optics/artic...
#CPO #optics #photonics

Optical cavity for each atom within a quantum computer? Microlenses inside optical cavities allow physicists to tightly focus light onto single atoms in a way that’s both efficient and massively parallel—and it looks promising for ...

Happy World Quantum Day to all who celebrate (for us, it's every day)!
www.laserfocusworld.com/quantum/arti...
#quantum

Acronyms are pronounced as words.
-scuba
-laser
-NASA

Initialisms are pronounced as individual letters.
-NFL
-TSA
-TGIF

'Acronym' is frequently used for both kinds of abbreviations, so it's ok to call an initialism an acronym.

NASA women save stars. 🫶🏻💫

Now would be a great time to reconsider that 46% cut to NASA’s science budget for FY2027.

“What we really hoped in our soul is that we could...have the world pause and remember that this is a beautiful planet and a very special place in our universe, and we should all cherish what we have been gifted,” —Artemis II astronaut Reid Wiseman. Mission coverage: spklr.io/6001EyN07

Photonics Hot List: April 10, 2026 00:00 Using a Raman spectroscopy approach, a team of scientists can now safely examine and analyze Charles Darwin’s famous animal specimens without even opening their 200-year-old preservation jars. 01:31 Business news roundup: PhotonFirst and Active Electronics are partnering to ultimately aid new aerospace and defense programs. And The Sterling Council has awarded LightPath Technologies the 2026 Highly Innovative Design honor. 2:42 Transmitting on-chip data entirely via photons is now possible, thanks to a nanolaser that researchers say could potentially be integrated onto a single microchip, paving the way toward new classes of photonic devices.

What do Darwin, biz partnerships, manufacturing awards & on-chip data via nanolaser all have in common? They're featured in the latest #PhotonicsHotList! Check it out! bit.ly/3QfauhH #STFC #AgilentTechnologies #PhotonFirst @nhm-london.bsky.social #ActiveElectronics #TechnicalUniversityofDenmark

Laser scanning on your equipment entails tradeoffs between speed, resolution, and field-of-view. Pick 2 of those 3.

Now you can get all 3, with this breakthrough.

www.laserfocusworld.com/optics/artic... Thanks @laserfocusworld.bsky.social

Thanks for writing for us!

NIST scientists create PIC packaging that survives extreme temperatures A new photonic chip packaging approach may open the door to applications where conventional photonic packaging simply can’t survive—such as space missions, nuclear environments...

www.laserfocusworld.com/optics/artic...
#PICS #photonics #optics

Innovations in Glass Fiber-Based Imaging Technology Unlock the future of high-performance imaging as Dr. Ravagli reveals how breakthrough glass fiber optics and emerging nanowaveguide technologies are reshaping what’s possible ...

Webinar w SCHOTT's Andrea Ravagli is coming right up on April 21. Go ahead and get registered now—we'll remind you: www.laserfocusworld.com/webinars/web...

The race for laser-driven fusion energy heats up Is putting carbon-free laser-driven fusion energy on the grid by the 2030s possible?

www.laserfocusworld.com/lasers-sourc...
#fusion #lasers

The most common spelling is ‘April Fools’ Day,’ since there are more than one.

Honestly.

The Trump administration’s proposed “Golden Dome,” modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome and AMD, rests on a system now showing clear vulnerabilities. The lesson for the US is clear, says Cato’s Benjamin Giltner.

https://ow.ly/7ZvN50YBstZ

Resonance-free Fabry-Pérot cavity via an unrestricted orbital-angular-momentum ladder-up process Examine how a new Fabry–Pérot design supports broadband twisted‑light modes through an unrestricted OAM ladder. Join Dr. Yaraghi to discuss the physics and impact. Reserve your...

Join us for Dr. Shaghayegh Yaraghi's webinar tomorrow (11:00 ET)—she'll share her work and answer the Q: What if optical cavities stop resonating?
www.laserfocusworld.com/webinars/web...
#optics

Are you ready? On Tuesday, we may see a moderate geomagnetic storm due to the impact of a solar storm / coronal mass ejection. Here are the full details about the aurora chances for this week, timing of the geomagnetic storm, and if you should start driving now or sit it out...

#heliophysics

‘Nanoridge’ surface-emitting lasers grown directly on 300-mm silicon wafers A new type of surface-emitting laser reduces complexity compared to traditional vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser approaches, thanks to nanoridges and lasing that stems from...

www.laserfocusworld.com/lasers-sourc...
#lasers #silicon #photonics

Fifteen images of the same face are shown on the left, with different facial features highlighted. On the right is a chart that lists the facial feature alongside the number of the face image. This is a scientific figure part of the article that is linked in the Bluesky post.

What makes a face identifiable? Researchers from @vanderbilt.edu + Tennessee Valley Health Care System show hiding just 1 facial feature often isn’t enough. AI can still recognize faces.

Masking multiple features better protects patient privacy. Read the #SPIE_JMI article: https://bit.ly/4rUBLUn

Quantum researchers engineer extremely precise phonon lasers The lasers developed by University of Rochester researchers utilize individual particles of vibration or sound to measure quantum mechanics.

A new squeezed phonon laser developed by @urochester.bsky.social and @rittigers.bsky.social researchers provides nanoscale control over phonons, which could tell us about gravity, particle acceleration, and quantum physics.

Story: www.rochester.edu/newscenter/w...
Paper: www.doi.org/10.1038/s414...

photonicshotlist 174 1080p In this episode of Photonics Hot List: 0:00 Intro 0:16 Fiber cables double as sensor networks Existing fiber optic cables underground and under the sea in much of Europe could soon become more than just lines of communication. Thanks to a new initiative, they could someday double up as environmental monitoring sensor networks, too. 1:28 Business news roundup Strategic partnerships are in the works between Oxide Corporation and Vexlum, and VIGO Photonics and InfraRed Associates. 2:40 Novel optical waveguide microresonators Hailed a “Swiss army knife” for PICs, new optical waveguide microresonators are showing enormous potential for things like on-chip sensor technologies, telecommunications, metrology, and quantum information processing. (Full story: https://www.laserfocusworld.com/55364465) 3:50 Outro #photonics #lasers #optics #quantum #fiberoptics #sensors #networks #strategicpartnerships #waveguide #telecom #metrology #quantumcomputing Published since 1965, Laser Focus World—a media brand for engineers, researchers, scientists, and technical professionals—provides comprehensive global coverage of optoelectronic technologies, applications, and markets. For more information, please visit https://www.laserfocusworld.com. LISTEN TO FOLLOWING THE PHOTONS: A PHOTONICS PODCAST https://followingthephotons.podbean.com FOLLOW US ON... Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/laserfocusworld.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaserFocusWorld Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laser.focus.world LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/laser-focus-world

It's new Photonics Hot List time! This week...
Using fiber optic cables for more than just communications 🛜 Some strategic partnerships are in the works 📈 New optical waveguide microresonators 📏 Check it out! bit.ly/4lYUCMf

Photons power AI chip, calculations at speed of light Artificial intelligence (AI) chip using photons in place of electrons acts as a photonic neural network accelerator—computation is performed directly through optical propagation...

www.laserfocusworld.com/lasers-sourc...
#photonics #AI

🥼Moving lab testing from hospitals to homes? It's possible!
💲Business news roundup: Xscape Photonics & Femtum each have big funding news
📸There could be a new "go-to" for thermal imaging camera lenses
Learn all about it on this week's Photonics Hot List... bit.ly/47diwgU

:Product: 3-Day Forecast :Issued: 2026 Mar 20 1230 UTC # Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center # A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 4 (below NOAA Scale levels). The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Mar 20-Mar 22 2026 is 6.33 (NOAA Scale G2). NOAA Kp index breakdown Mar 20-Mar 22 2026 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar 22 00-03UT 2.00 4.67 (G1) 4.67 (G1) 03-06UT 2.67 6.33 (G2) 5.00 (G1) 06-09UT 3.67 5.67 (G2) 4.33 09-12UT 3.67 5.33 (G1) 4.00 12-15UT 4.67 (G1) 4.33 2.67 15-18UT 4.67 (G1) 4.67 (G1) 3.33 18-21UT 6.00 (G2) 4.67 (G1) 4.33 21-00UT 6.33 (G2) 4.33 4.33 Rationale: The geomagnetic field is expected to be at active to G2 (Moderate) storm levels on 20 Mar as CMEs from 16-17 Mar are anticipated to arrive. Additional G2 (Moderate) storm conditions are likely, with G3 (Strong) conditions possible, on 21 Mar as the CME from 18 Mar is expected to arrive in conjunction with the onset of a negative polarity CH HSS. Unsettled to G1 (Minor) levels are expected on 22 Mar as CME/CH HSS effects persist. B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-18 over the past 24 hours, was below S-scale storm level thresholds. Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for Mar 20-Mar 22 2026 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar 22 S1 or greater 1% 1% 1% Rationale: No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected. C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast No radio blackouts were observed over the past 24 hours. Radio Blackout Forecast for Mar 20-Mar 22 2026 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar 22 R1-R2 15% 15% 15% R3 or greater 1% 1% 1% Rationale: There is a slight chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts on 20-22 Mar.

Map from NOAA titled showing North America and the North Pole with a color gradient overlay of aurora likelihood.

Map from NOAA titled showing North America and the North Pole with a color gradient overlay of aurora likelihood.

Aurora Forecast Update for 2026-03-20T13:04:01Z
Additional Details Here.

Optical waveguide microresonators are ‘Swiss army knife’ for PICs By using Euler curves, in which curvature changes linearly, researchers “trick” light into staying in fundamental mode despite tight bends around a chalcogenide photonic integrated...

www.laserfocusworld.com/optics/artic...
#photonics #optics

:Product: 3-Day Forecast :Issued: 2026 Mar 18 1230 UTC # Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center # A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 2 (below NOAA Scale levels). The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Mar 18-Mar 20 2026 is 6.33 (NOAA Scale G2). NOAA Kp index breakdown Mar 18-Mar 20 2026 Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 20 00-03UT 1.00 1.67 5.00 (G1) 03-06UT 1.00 5.33 (G1) 4.33 06-09UT 1.67 6.33 (G2) 3.67 09-12UT 1.33 5.67 (G2) 3.00 12-15UT 1.67 4.33 2.67 15-18UT 2.00 3.33 3.67 18-21UT 2.33 3.67 4.33 21-00UT 2.67 4.00 4.67 (G1) Rationale: G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) geomagnetic storms are expected over 19-20 Mar due to a CME arrival from 16 Mar with a potential solar sector boundary crossing. B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-18 over the past 24 hours, was below S-scale storm level thresholds. Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for Mar 18-Mar 20 2026 Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 20 S1 or greater 5% 10% 10% Rationale: There is a slight chance for S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms on 19-20 Mar due to the potential for accelerated particles ahead of the CME shock. C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast Radio blackouts reaching the R1 levels were observed over the past 24 hours. The largest was at Mar 18 2026 0839 UTC. Radio Blackout Forecast for Mar 18-Mar 20 2026 Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 20 R1-R2 35% 35% 35% R3 or greater 5% 5% 5% Rationale: There is a chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts, with a slight chance for R3 (Strong) events, through 20 Mar, due predominantly to the flaring potential of Region 4392.

Map from NOAA titled showing North America and the North Pole with a color gradient overlay of aurora likelihood.

Map from NOAA titled showing North America and the North Pole with a color gradient overlay of aurora likelihood.

Aurora Forecast Update for 2026-03-18T19:04:02Z
Additional Details Here.

Low thermal expansion materials redefine precision for high-performance systems Low thermal expansion materials remove thermal distortion at the source, which simplifies system design and enhances reliability.

www.laserfocusworld.com/optics/artic...
#glass #photonics