The hottest Optics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Lies, damned lies, and photodiodes

lcamtuf’s thing • 2040 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Engineering Optics Sensors Measurement
  1. Photodiodes can have a wide range of response speeds, and the advertised specs often don't tell the whole story. It's important to understand how they are tested, as this can affect their performance.
  2. When building precise measurement devices with photodiodes, two types of currents play a role. One is fast, while the other can take much longer to settle down, impacting the overall signal quality.
  3. Using techniques like reverse bias can improve performance, but some effects are inherent to the photodiodes themselves. Understanding these limitations is key for achieving accurate measurements.

Optical Conversion of CMOS <> Superconducting Signals

Tapa’s Substack • 119 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Quantum Computing Electronics Optics Signal Processing
  1. There's a new idea to use light to switch superconducting signals with CMOS circuits. This could help in areas like quantum computing and sensors.
  2. Using light for this switching can provide thermal isolation, which is a big advantage. It makes the connection between different technologies safer and more efficient.
  3. Two methods to switch are discussed: thermal and non-thermal. Non-thermal switching might be better because it's more efficient, using light directly instead of heating things up.

EUV With Fewer Mirrors?

The Asianometry Newsletter • 3214 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Optics Innovation Engineering
  1. A new proposal suggests using fewer mirrors in EUV lithography machines to improve efficiency. This could help capture more light and reduce costs in the chip-making process.
  2. The new system builds on existing technology and aims to complement rather than compete with ASML's machines. It's about making improvements instead of replacing what's already working.
  3. There's still a long way to go before this new design can be a reality. Many technical challenges need to be solved before it can be tested in actual lithography machines.

How To See Impossible Colours

Everything Is Amazing • 733 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🔬 Science Optics Perception Color Theory Vision Neuroscience
  1. By focusing your eyes in a certain way, you can see impossible colors like red-green or blue-yellow.
  2. Seeing colors like Stygian Blue or Hyperbolic Orange challenges our understanding, as they seem darker or brighter than physically possible.
  3. Experimenting with how you view colors can lead to unique perceptual experiences, expanding the boundaries of human vision.

HyperX Topology for Photonic Wafer Scale Integration

Tapa’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Networking Electronics Optics Computing Engineering
  1. Using the HyperX topology can be a good choice for connecting photonic wafer-scale systems, helping to improve efficiency and lower costs. It focuses on making connections quicker and cheaper in long-distance scenarios on wafers.
  2. Photonic wafer-scale integration offers benefits like reduced energy use and lower latency compared to traditional electrical methods, but the right network setup has been a challenge. Finding a suitable layout is important for maximizing performance.
  3. The HyperX design has advantages like fewer layers and a straightforward layout, which can help minimize complications in building these systems. It's a simple yet effective way to boost the performance of interconnects in photonic setups.
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The Devil and the Cerulean Sweater

Maximum Effort, Minimum Reward • 127 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🔬 Science Physics Color Theory Atmospheric science Optics
  1. The color cerulean comes from the Latin word for sky and should represent the color of the sky.
  2. Rayleigh scattering explains why the sky appears blue - shorter wavelengths scatter more.
  3. Calculating the color of Anne Hathaway's cerulean sweater using physics resulted in a color close to the original, proving Meryl Streep's character in 'The Devil Wears Prada' was correct.

NextSeq 550 Flowcell Notes

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Instruments Materials Optics
  1. NextSeq 550 flowcell has a unique design where the gasket sits on the flowcell interface and the glass is thicker than other instruments, possibly for stability.
  2. The flowcell glass thickness is surprising and might impact the imaging process, requiring specific optics designed for it.
  3. The material of the channel spacer in the flowcell is unknown, leading to curiosity about its composition and potential patent research.

Superb Halos

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🔬 Science Optics Meteorology Physics Geography History
  1. Atmospheric ice crystal optics can create superb halos that are visually stunning and fascinating.
  2. Halos are optical phenomena caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere, with different types like the 22° Halo.
  3. Kenneth Libbrecht, known as the "pope of snow crystals," released a monograph explaining the formation of ice crystals and snowflakes.