ScienceDaily: Detection News

Research effort deep underground could sort out cosmic-scale mysteries

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:43:43 EDT

Scientists have begun delivery of germanium-76 detectors to an underground laboratory in South Dakota in a team research effort that might explain the puzzling imbalance between matter and antimatter generated by the Big Bang.

Coming into existence: Lab sets a new record for creating heralded photons

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:42:42 EDT

A new experiment establishes a heralding efficiency that might allow loopholes to be eliminated in the validation of spooky action-at-a-distance in quantum reality.

Nanoantennas improve infrared sensing

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:29:29 EDT

Engineers have used a pattern of nanoantennas to develop a new way of turning infrared light into mechanical action, opening the door to more sensitive infrared cameras and more compact chemical-analysis techniques.

New method proposed for detecting gravitational waves from ends of universe

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:17:17 EDT

A new window into the nature of the universe may be possible with a device proposed by scientists that would detect elusive gravity waves from the other end of the cosmos.

Micromachining: Inclinations sounded out

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:49:49 EDT

A novel type of tilt sensor may extend the capabilities of ultrasonic devices already used in a range of applications.

Engineers fine-tune the sensitivity of nano-chemical sensor

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:28:28 EDT

Researchers have discovered a technique for controlling the sensitivity of graphene chemical sensors.

Bug's view inspires new digital camera's unique imaging capabilities

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

An insect-inspired device uses hemispherical, compound optics to capture wide, undistorted fields of view.

Bug's eye inspires hemispherical digital camera

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

Inspired by the complex fly eye, a research team has developed a hemispherical digital camera with nearly 200 tiny lenses, delivering exceptionally wide-angle field of view and sharp images. The new camera -- a rounded half bubble, similar to a bulging fly eye -- has 180 microlenses mounted on it, allowing it to take pictures across nearly 180 degrees. Only a camera shaped like a bug's eye can do this.

Graphene's high-speed seesaw

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:13:13 EDT

A new transistor capable of revolutionizing technologies for medical imaging and security screening has been developed by graphene researchers. The researchers report the first graphene-based transistor with bistable characteristics, which means that the device can spontaneously switch between two electronic states. Such devices are in great demand as emitters of electromagnetic waves in the high-frequency range between radar and infra-red, relevant for applications such as security systems and medical imaging.

New matter-antimatter difference observed in LHCb experiment at CERN

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:45:45 EDT

Researchers at CERN are reporting the first observation of matter-antimatter asymmetry in the decays of the particle known as the B0s. It is only the fourth subatomic particle known to exhibit such behavior.

New camera system creates high-resolution 3-D images from up to a kilometer away

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:22:22 EDT

A new camera system provides high-resolution, 3-D information about objects that are typically difficult to image, from up to a kilometer away. The photo-counting depth imaging system is likely to be used for scanning static, human-made targets from afar, such as vehicles. It could also determine their speed and direction, or be used for remote examination of vegetation and the movement of rock faces, to assess potential hazards from as far as 10 km away.

After Newtown: A new use for a weapons-detecting radar?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:20:20 EDT

In the aftermath of the Newtown school shooting, an engineering professor envisions a new use for a weapons-detecting radar system he's been developing for the past few years.

Nanoparticles show promise as inexpensive, durable and effective scintillators

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:56:56 EDT

Nanoparticles can be successfully incorporated into scintillation devices capable of detecting and measuring a wide energy range of X-rays and gamma rays, new research shows.

New method may sharpen microscopic images

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:51:51 EDT

UT Dallas researchers are developing a new low-light imaging method that could improve a number of scientific applications, including the microscopic imaging of molecules in cancer research.

New evidence strengthens case that scientists have discovered a Higgs boson

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:30:30 EDT

The new particle discovered at experiments at the Large Hadron Collider last summer is looking more like a Higgs boson than ever before, according to results announced today. On July 4, physicists on the CMS and ATLAS experiments announced the discovery of a particle with a close resemblance to a Higgs, a particle thought to give mass to other elementary particles. The discovery of such a particle could finish a job almost five decades in the making: It could confirm the last remaining piece of the Standard Model of particle physics, a menu of the smallest particles and forces that make up the universe and how they interact.

Electrons behaving like a particle and a wave: Feynman's double-slit experiment brought to life

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:40:40 EDT

The precise methodology of Richard Feynman's famous double-slit thought-experiment -- a cornerstone of quantum mechanics that showed how electrons behave as both a particle and a wave -- has been followed in full for the very first time.

Device may lead to quicker, more efficient diagnostics

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:49:49 EDT

A twist on thin-film technology may provide a way to optically detect and analyze multiple substances simultaneously, leading to quicker diagnostics in such industries as health care and homeland security, according to researchers.

New player in electron field emitter technology makes for better imaging and communications

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:38:38 EST

Scientists have built a practical, high-efficiency nanostructured electron source. This new, patent-pending technology could lead to improved microwave communications and radar, and more notably to new and improved X-ray imaging systems for security and healthcare applications.

Explosives vapor detection technology: The new 'sniff test'

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:20:20 EST

A quick, accurate and highly sensitive process to reliably detect minute traces of explosives on luggage, cargo or traveling passengers has been demonstrated. The vapor detection technology accurately detects and identifies the vapors of even very low-volatility explosives in real time at ambient temperature and without sample pre-concentration.

Insects inspiring new technology: Autonomous navigation of mobile robots based on locust vision

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:46:46 EST

The way in which the locust's distinctive visual system could be transferred into technology for state of the art vehicle collision sensors, surveillance technology and video games has been detailed as part of robotics research.

World's most sensitive plasmon resonance sensor inspired by ancient Roman cup

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:16:16 EST

Utilizing optical characteristics first demonstrated by the ancient Romans, researchers have created a novel, ultra-sensitive tool for chemical, DNA, and protein analysis.

Security: Explosive breakthrough in research on molecular recognition

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:46:46 EST

Ever wonder how sometimes people still get through security with explosives on their person? Research has revealed a new way to better detect molecules associated with explosive mixtures.

Second-generation CT scanner substantially reduces radiation exposure

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:10:10 EST

Researchers using a newly approved advanced computed tomography (CT) system were able to significantly reduce radiation exposure in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography, according to a new study.

Nanophotonics enables new kind of optical spectrometer

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:44:44 EST

By bringing nanophotonics technology to traditional optical spectroscopy, a new kind of optical spectrometer with functions of sensing and spectral measurement has been recently demonstrated.

Quantum communication: Each photon counts

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:40:40 EST

Ultrafast, efficient, and reliable single-photon detectors are among the most sought-after components in photonics and quantum communication, which have not yet reached maturity for practical application. Physicist have now, however, achieved a decisive breakthrough by integrating single-photon detectors with nanophotonic chips. The detector combines near-unity detection efficiency with high timing resolution and has a very low error rate.

World's most complex 2-D laser beamsteering array demonstrated

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:33:33 EST

Researchers have recently demonstrated the most complex 2-D optical phased array ever.

Novel sensor provides bigger picture: Efficient, flexible, versatile and cheap

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:25:25 EST

Engineers have developed a novel sensor that is more efficient, versatile and cheaper for potential use in such applications as airport security scanners and collision avoidance systems for aircraft, cars or maritime vessels. The material is flexible and durable enough to be attached to a wall, wrapped around corners or even laid on the floor like a rug, making it an inexpensive alternative for a variety of sensing applications.

Small UAV supports development of lightweight sensors

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:37:37 EST

Engineers are developing an airborne testing capability for sensors, communications devices and other payloads. Their aerial test bed is known as the GTRI Airborne Unmanned Sensor System (GAUSS).

Counting the twists in a helical light beam: New device could help advance future optical communications

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:20:20 EST

At a time when communication networks are scrambling for ways to transmit more data over limited bandwidth, a type of twisted light wave is gaining new attention. Called an optical vortex or vortex beam, this complex beam resembles a corkscrew, with waves that rotate as they travel. Now, applied physicists have created a new device that enables a conventional optical detector (which would normally only measure the light's intensity) to pick up on that rotation.

Romper suit with sensors may protect against sudden infant death

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:57:57 EST

Breathing sensors built into romper suits could help prevent sudden cot deaths in the future. The basis for this is a stretchable printed circuit board that fits to the contours of the body and can be manufactured using routine industrial processes.

New phase in reading photons

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 14:57:57 EST

A new photodetector can cleanly discriminate among four states, not just the standard two states of binary logic.

Measurements hint why the universe is dominated by matter, not anti-matter

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:30:30 EST

Physicists have made a precise measurement of elusive, nearly massless particles, and obtained a crucial hint as to why the universe is dominated by matter, not by its close relative, anti-matter.

Nanoscale impulse radar measures depth of snow and ice for alpine ski slopes

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:13:13 EST

Snow is the be-all and end-all for alpine ski resorts. Now a tiny sensor has been developed to determine how much cold gold there is on the slopes and how much more should be produced. The sensor is based on Norwegian radar technology and is no larger than a match head.

New tool to enhance tasks of humanitarian demining

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:06:06 EST

Researchers have developed a training tool to improve the use of hand-held detectors in humanitarian demining and to increase user security. The proposed tool opens a wide range of possibilities, particularly to improve the current training techniques used in this field.

NASA investigates use of 'trailblazing' material for new sensors

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 10:45:45 EST

Tiny sensors -- made of a potentially trailblazing material just one atom thick and heralded as the "next best thing" since the invention of silicon -- are now being developed to detect trace elements in Earth's upper atmosphere and structural flaws in spacecraft.

Tracking down smallest biomarkers

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:39:39 EST

Scientists have developed a vacuum-compatible X-ray detector that allows the size of low-contrast nano-objects to be determined.

Sensor detects bombs on sea floor

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:13:13 EST

A sensor has been developed to detect undetonated explosives on the sea floor. It is based on technology used to find mineral deposits underground.

Discovering hidden art: Detective work using terahertz radiation

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:07:07 EST

Damaging biocides can be detected on old wooden sculptures, hidden wall paintings can be made visible again and the layered structures of pieces of art analyzed. Using terahertz scanners restorers will soon be able to identify quickly, and completely non-destructively, what is happening with an object of art.

Nanotech device mimics dog's nose to detect explosives

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:04:04 EST

Engineers have designed a detector that uses microfluidic nanotechnology to mimic the biological mechanism behind canine scent receptors. The device is both highly sensitive to trace amounts of certain vapor molecules, and able to tell a specific substance apart from similar molecules.

Important progress for spintronics: Spin amplifier works at room temperature

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:46:46 EST

A fundamental cornerstone for spintronics that has been missing up until now has been constructed by a team of physicists. A newly developed spin amplifier can be used at room temperature.

Searching for elusive dark matter material

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:16:16 EST

Researchers are making key contributions to a physics experiment that will look for one of nature's most elusive particles, "dark matter," using a tank nearly a mile underground beneath the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Medical vital-sign monitoring reduced to the size of a postage stamp

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:14:14 EST

Electrical engineers have developed new technology to monitor medical vital signs, with sophisticated sensors so small and cheap they could fit onto a bandage, be manufactured in high volumes and cost less than a quarter.

Boosting the sensitivity of airport security screening

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:38:38 EST

Scientists are reporting a simple way to improve the sensitivity of the test often used to detect traces of explosives on the hands, carry-ons and other possessions of passengers at airport security screening stations.

Supersymmetry squeezed as Large Hadron Collider spots ultra rare particle decay

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:50:50 EST

Scientists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, near Geneva, have spotted one of the rarest particle decays ever seen in nature. The result is very damaging to new theories like the extremely popular Supersymmetry.

CERN collider to become the world's fastest stopwatch?

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Heavy ion collisions at CERN should be able to produce the shortest light pulses ever created, computer simulations demonstrate. The pulses are so short that they cannot even be measured by today's technological equipment. Now, a method has been proposed to create the world's most precise stopwatch for the world's shortest light pulses, using a detector which is going to be installed at CERN in 2018.

First 'snapshots' of electronic structure of a manganese complex related to water-splitting in photosynthesis

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:40:40 EST

Scientists have taken another step toward an understanding of photosynthesis and developing artificial photosynthesis. With a combination of a x-ray free-electron laser and spectroscopy, the team has managed to see the electronic structure of a manganese complex, a chemical compound related to how photosynthesis splits water.

New technique to protect astronauts from space radiation

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:35:35 EST

The complexities of traveling to and working in space present challenges to astronauts that NASA scientists and engineers have been working on since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first stepped on the moon more than 43 years ago. One of the challenges facing humans when they go outside Earth's protective atmosphere and magnetic field is space radiation. Sending astronauts farther into our solar system than ever before will require advanced instruments designed for monitoring and detecting radiation in space vehicles and habitats.

NASA pursues atom optics to detect the imperceptible

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:59:59 EDT

A pioneering technology capable of atomic-level precision is now being developed to detect what so far has remained imperceptible: gravitational waves or ripples in space-time caused by cataclysmic events including even the Big Bang itself.

Developing the next generation of microsensors: Microscale optical accelerometer created

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:20:20 EDT

Setting the stage for a new class of motional sensors, researchers have developed a new ultrasensitive, microchip-scale accelerometer that uses laser light to measure displacement. Beyond consumer electronics, such sensors could help with oil and gas exploration deep within Earth, could improve the stabilization systems of fighter jets, and could even be used in some biomedical applications where more traditional sensors cannot operate.

From lectures to explosives detection: Laser pointer identifies dangerous chemicals in real-time

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:25:25 EDT

By using an ordinary green laser pointer, the kind commonly found in lecture halls, an Israeli research team has developed a new and highly portable Raman spectrometer that can detect extremely minute traces of hazardous chemicals in real time. The new sensor's compact design makes it an excellent candidate for rapid field deployment to disaster zones and areas with security concerns.

Hi-fi single photons

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:32:32 EDT

A trade-off between photon source settings and detector specific requirements allows the generation of high-fidelity single photons. Many quantum technologies-such as cryptography, quantum computing and quantum networks-hinge on the use of single photons. Researchers have now identified the extent to which photon detector characteristics shape the preparation of a photon source designed to reliably generate single photons.

Optical mammography sheds new light on breast cancer

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:12:12 EDT

New optical imaging technology could give doctors new ways to both identify breast cancer and monitor individual patients' response to initial treatment of the disease. Because it does not use ionizing radiation, the technique can be applied multiple times over a short period without risk of radiation exposure.

Radar measurements of highest precision

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:15:15 EDT

Scientists have reached a record precision in radar distance measurements. With the help of a new radar system, an accuracy of one micrometer was achieved in joint measurements. The system is characterized by a high precision and low cost. Potential applications lie in production and plant technology.

Landmark papers on the Higgs boson published

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 08:22:22 EDT

Physics Letters B, Elsevier's flagship journal in high energy physics, announced today that the observations of the long-sought Higgs particle, hailed as one of the greatest scientific discoveries of all time, have been published.

Measuring glucose without needle pricks

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:20:20 EDT

Pricking a finger everyday is just part of everyday life for many diabetes patients. A non-invasive measurement approach could release them from the constant pain of pin pricks. The linchpin is a biosensor engineered by researchers in Germany: A tiny chip combines measurement and digital analysis -- and can be radioed to a mobile device.

The pocket radar: Thumbtack-sized distance and motion sensor developed

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 07:23:23 EDT

Today’s parking assistant systems enable drivers to safely park their cars even in the narrowest of gaps. Such sophisticated parking aids require millimeter precision control and rely on precise all-around radar distance measurement. Researchers have now succeeded in integrating the necessary radar technology into millimeter-sized chip housings.

Neutron detector will advance human disease research

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:42:42 EDT

A neutron detector developed for studies focused on life science, drug discovery and materials technology has been licensed by PartTec Ltd. The Indiana-based manufacturer of radiation detection technologies is moving the technology developed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory toward the commercial marketplace.

Crews complete first block of North America's most advanced neutrino experiment

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:11:11 EDT

Technicians in Minnesota are positioning the first block of the NOvA far detector, which will be part of the largest, most advanced neutrino experiment in North America.

By detecting smallest virus, researchers open possibilities for early disease detection

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:51:51 EDT

Researchers have created an ultra-sensitive biosensor capable of identifying the smallest single virus particles in solution, an advance that may revolutionize early disease detection in a point-of-care setting and shrink test result wait times from weeks to minutes.

Advanced CT scans accurately assess coronary blockages

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:32:32 EDT

An ultra-fast, 320-detector computed tomography scanner can accurately sort out which people with chest pain need -- or don't need -- an invasive procedure such as cardiac angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart, according to an international study.