Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have turned a sheet of nano-thin gold into what could be the next big advance in infrared technology. Taking advantage of the unique properties of gold at the nanoscale, scientists there have created a "microlens" system that could boost detectivity in quantum-dot-based IR detectors by 20 times.
Enhancing IR sensors is difficult because, as a general rule, increasing the amount of signal a detector takes in also increases the amount of noise it takes in, spoiling the benefit derived from increased exposure. Current mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) tech takes in a strong signal, but the long exposure times necessary for low-signal imaging also allow for increased noise, making it tough to expand further on conventional detectors.
The supermassive black hole is 40 million times as massive as the sun and powers a quasar that existed 700 million years after the Big Bang.
Vision Pro is here and it’s a surprisingly capable device. Apple has also loaded the headset with a ton of options and features that aren’t obvious at first glance.
Engineers expect to lose contact with the private US moon lander Odysseus on Tuesday, cutting short the mission after its sideways touchdown last week.
