Latest photonics and optics news

Catalysis research with the X-ray microscope at BESSY II

Scientists studied changes in catalysts during the synthesis of ammonia from waste nitrates:

Contrary to what we learned at school, some catalysts do change during the reaction: for example, certain electrocatalysts can change their structure and composition during the reaction when an electric field is…

Bruker introduces a new EBSD detector for advanced materials characterization

eWARP combines direct electron detection and CMOS technologies:

Bruker announces the launch of eWARP, a new detector for Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) that marks the advent of a new era in EBSD technology. Featuring a revolutionary Bruker-engineered camera that combines…

Agreement on EUV reflectometry between PTB and ZEISS extended until the end of 2029

Cooperation strengthens the European technology network:

PTB's laboratory for metrology with synchrotron radiation in Berlin-Adlershof is an important node in the network of European research infrastructure that has helped to enable the monopoly position of European…

Hera space probe photographs Mars during flyby

The ESA mission is on its way to the Didymos asteroid system:

On 12 March 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) Hera space probe conducted a flyby of Mars. This event marks a significant milestone on Hera's journey to the Didymos asteroid system, where researchers aim to gain…

Berlin instrument flies to the Moon with IM-2 mission

New lunar mission to demonstrate search for water ice at Moon's south pole:

In the early hours of 27 February 2025, at 00:30 Central European Time, the IM-2 mission launches, carrying the Athena lander from the US New Space company Intuitive Machines on its second mission to the Moon. On…

MBI researchers manipulate the propagation of light in everyday liquids using ultrashort light pulses

Discovery enables new applications for optical measurement technology and communication with light:

The phase and the group velocity of light propagating in conventional optical media cannot exceed the speed of light in vacuum. However, in so-called epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials, light exhibits an infinite phase…

Benefit from the early bird discount for Photonics Days 2025

Trade fair and conference on 8 and 9 October with prominent guests in Berlin-Adlershof:

The Photonics Days 2025 are once again expected to attract more than 400 participants, 100 national and international speakers, 36 exhibitors from all over Germany as well as the visits of our international political…

PicoQuant launches HydraHarp500 on the market

The time tagger sets new standards in speed, precision, and flexibility:

PicoQuant GmbH, based in Adlershof, has unveiled its latest development, HydraHarp 500. The device is described as the next-generation Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) unit. With outstanding time…

TOPTICA EAGLEYARD presents mini laser diodes with high stability and efficiency

Launch of the 780 nm fibre-coupled miniECL:

With the launch of the fibre-coupled miniECL 780 nm at the 2025’s SPIE Photonics West, TOPTICA EAGLEYARD once again shows how convenient and efficient using laser diodes has become. Engineers, design engineers and…

Nanoislands on silicon with switchable topological textures

A team at HZB demonstrates that swirling polar textures can be stabilised and switched:

Nanostructures with specific electromagnetic patterns promise applications in nanoelectronics and future information technologies. However, it is very challenging to control those patterns. Now, a team at HZB examined…

Pepperl+Fuchs build in Adlershof

A manufacturer of industrial sensors and explosion protection solutions is consolidating its Berlin locations:

What began in 1945 as a radio workshop in Mannheim has since become a global leader in industrial sensors and explosion protection solutions, with over 900 million euros in revenue and 6,850 employees. The…

Significant energy savings through optimised operation of the Metrology Light Source

At PTB's Willy Wien Laboratory, 45 kW of electrical power is permanently saved by adjusting the operating parameters:

PTB uses the Metrology Light Source (MLS) electron storage ring at the Willy Wien Laboratory in Berlin-Adlershof as a very bright and calculable light source for radiometric work in the vacuum and extreme ultraviolet…

Lithium-sulphur pouch cells investigated at BESSY II

HZB team is working on optimising this promising battery type:

A team from HZB and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS) in Dresden has gained new insights into lithium-sulphur pouch cells at the BAMline of BESSY II. Supplemented by analyses in the HZB…

Ferdinand-Braun-Institut presents laser novelties at Photonics West 2025

The Adlershof-based institute develops tailored diode lasers for use in industry, medical and quantum technologies – from chips to prototypes:

At Photonics West 2025 in San Francisco (USA), the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) will be presenting novel and advanced diode lasers. FBH will be participating in both the trade fair (January 28-30, 2025) and the…

AEMtec and aSpect Systems Join Forces to Expand Technology Portfolio

AEMtec GmbH, a global leader in micro and optoelectronics, is pleased to announce the acquisition of aSpect Systems GmbH, a renowned provider of semiconductor testing solutions. This merger enables both companies to…