Issue Ebook
cover story
- Current Issue
- Archive
Volume 15 Issue 6，2026
News & Views
Abstract：A dual-comb absolute-ranging payload delivered to China's Tiangong space station aboard Tianzhou-9 has demonstrated sustained on-orbit interferogram acquisition in an extravehicular environment. The system reports 13 µm precision at a 1 kHz update rate and stable operation over months, advancing traceable space metrology for formation flying and deployable observatories.1|0|0Updated：2026-07-06- Abstract：More efficient and stable blue LEDs are essential for achieving the full potential of halide perovskite-based displays, but defect formation and ion migration limit both external quantum efficiency and lifetime of these devices. Now, a multifunctional fluorinated ligand is shown to mitigate both factors, dramatically enhancing brightness, efficiency and lifetime.0|0|0Updated：2026-07-06
- Abstract：Robust chirality is demonstrated by exploiting the merging of multiple accidental bound states in the continuum (BICs). This mechanism simultaneously sustains ultrahigh-quality factor Q resonances and strong chiroptical responses across a wide region of momentum space, achieving near-perfect circular dichroism (~0.99) and an ultrahigh-Q value (~104) in a planar dielectric platform.0|0|0Updated：2026-07-06
- Abstract：Efficient nonlinear optical processes require the maintenance of frequency matching across a broad spectral range. Recent research demonstrates that this can be realized by tailoring the shape of an optical microdisk.0|0|0Updated：2026-07-06
Editorial
Light People
Abstract：At the frontier where light meets quantum matter, Professor Mengkun Liu has built a distinctive research program that integrates advanced optical nanoscopy, quantum materials, and emergent light–matter interactions. As a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University, he leads the Ultrafast & Near-field Infrared Laboratory (UNI-Lab), where his group pioneers infrared-to-terahertz near-field spectroscopy under extreme conditions, enabling direct visualization of polaritons, collective excitations, and quantum phenomena at the nanoscale. Over the past decade, Professor Liu and his collaborators have not only made fundamental discoveries in quantum materials and nanophotonics but have also reshaped experimental capabilities through instrument innovation - ranging from magneto-near-field optical microscopy to synchrotron-based infrared nanoscopy. In this interview, he reflects on the scientific ideas that drive his research, the philosophy behind building a creative research group, and his perspective on the future of optical science at the quantum frontier.0|0|0Updated：2026-07-06Review
Abstract：Near-infrared Ⅱ (NIR-Ⅱ) fluorophores possess transformative potential for biomedical applications, owing to their deep-tissue penetration, reduced tissue autofluorescence, and low phototoxicity. Recent breakthroughs in molecular engineering have accelerated the development of NIR-Ⅱ organic small-molecule fluorophores based on versatile scaffolds, including cyanine, boron dipyrromethene, benzobisthiadiazole, xanthene, cyano-based derivatives, and small-molecule metal complexes. This review systematically summarizes the molecular engineering strategies, photophysical properties, and structure-function relationships of NIR-Ⅱ fluorophores in the last five years. We highlight recent breakthroughs in their theranostic applications, including high-resolution deep-tissue imaging and efficient phototherapeutic modalities such as photodynamic and photothermal therapy. Finally, we present forward-looking perspectives on current challenges and emerging opportunities, aiming to provide insights for promoting continued innovation and clinical translation in this rapidly advancing field.0|0|0Updated：2026-07-06Original Articles
Abstract：High-brightness yellow lasers are in high demand for applications such as atomic cooling and trapping, optogenetics, and sodium laser guide stars. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) for the rapid mass production of high-strain 1.2 μm InGaAs quantum well vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers (VECSELs). Two distinct growth strategies were explored, with a primary focus on enhancing crystal thermal stability and mitigating indium segregation. The as-grown gain chips achieved over 45 W of output power and a slope efficiency exceeding 50%. Furthermore, we verified the feasibility of generating yellow second harmonic generation (SHG), attaining a 590 nm CW power of ~6.2 W with a slope efficiency of 17%. The beam quality factor (M2) was < 1.1, approaching diffraction-limited performance, corresponding to a brightness of ~1.65 GW cm−2 sr−1. Overall, these investigations not only expand the performance envelope of MOCVD-grown semiconductor lasers but also deepen the understanding of indium segregation behaviors.0|0|0Updated：2026-07-06- Abstract：Optical skyrmions are members of the emerging topological branch of solid-state physics and photonics, allowing for control over topological light textures through light-matter interactions. However, in nanophotonics their practical application has been severely limited by high inherent losses in plasmonic materials, resulting in the lack of tunability between different topological properties. Here, we utilize the strong dispersion of silicon carbide thin films to realize highly confined surface phonon-polariton skyrmion lattices, which we image via near-field microscopy. We experimentally demonstrate topological tuning between bubble- and Néel-type skyrmions, a unique advantage that polar dielectrics offer over most existing approaches. Changing the excitation wavelength by only 10% switches the skyrmion type, revealed by examination of the skyrmion number density contrast. Analysis of domain wall size and steepness in analogy to magnetic materials also confirms this transition. Our results are a starting point to investigate other topological features in phononic systems such as merons, skyrmion bags, and other complex structured light fields. Furthermore, strong light-matter hybridization and nonlinear effects owing to anharmonicity of the phonons may be observed in the future, possibly leading towards the discovery of polaritonic skyrmion-skyrmion interactions and hence applications in topology-based information processing.0|0|0Updated：2026-07-06
- Abstract：The functionalization of atomically-thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with organic molecules is a promising approach for realizing nanoscale optoelectronic devices with tailored functionalities, such as quantum light generation or p-n junctions. However, achieving precise control over the molecules' positioning on the 2D material remains a significant challenge. Here, we overcome the limitations of solution- and vapor-deposition methods and use a DNA origami placement technique to spatially arrange thiol molecules on a chip surface at the single-molecule level with high assembly yields. We successfully integrated MoS2 monolayers with micron-scale thiol–origami patterns, creating quantum-emitting sites from thiol-induced localized excitons in MoS2. Our work lays a foundation for the chemical control of quantum emitters in atomically-thin semiconductors and enables the design and production of ultracompact 2D devices for quantum technologies.0|0|0Updated：2026-07-06
SEE MORE
- Technical support is provided by Beijing Founder electronics co., LTD 京ICP备09064830号-19
京公网安备11010802024621 - It is recommended to read the content of this site in Chrome&IE9+. Please switch to extreme mode in browser 360.
- Cookies We use cookies to help provide and enhance our service and tailor content. By continuing, you agree to the use of cookies.
0