Optics : Discovery News

How to Become a Planet Hunter

Posted by Mark Thompson Fri Mar 30, 2012 12:26 PM ET | 0

As the planets put on a show, astronomer Mark Thompson discusses how you can hunt them down. Read more

Next Superpower: Seeing Around Corners

Posted Wed Mar 21, 2012 09:14 AM ET | 0

A laser, a beam-splitter and a sophisticated algorithm allow scientists to peer around solid objects. Read more

Virtual Reality Contact Lenses Offer 3D Panorama

Posted Fri Feb 3, 2012 11:01 AM ET | 0

The eyewear connect to mobile devices and deliver panoramic, augmented-reality experiences. Read more

How to Choose a Telescope

Posted by Mark Thompson Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:33 PM ET | 0

Guest contributor Mark Thompson shares some basic tips before you make that all-important investment in your first telescope. Read more

Novel Material Gives Nod to 'Invisibility Cloak'

Posted Thu Nov 4, 2010 11:41 AM ET | 0

Light flows around the object instead of being absorbed by it. Read more

Alternative to X-Rays Uses Visible Light

Posted by Eric Bland Wed Oct 6, 2010 10:16 AM ET | 0

New research finds a way to detect images through solid surfaces using regular light. Read more

Adjustable Glasses Eyed for Astronauts

Posted by Irene Klotz Wed Aug 25, 2010 10:21 AM ET | 0

For astronauts with deteriorating eyesight, glasses that adjust with the flick of a finger may offer a solution. Read more

Cell Phone App Offers Eye Prescriptions

Posted by Eric Bland Tue Jun 29, 2010 11:55 AM ET | 0

A quick photograph with your camera phone can now diagnose astigmatism and give you your contact prescription. Read more

New Laser Shoots Beams of Night

Posted by Eric Bland Thu Jun 17, 2010 07:00 AM ET | 0

Not all lasers produce light. This new technology is actually designed to reduce it. Read more

World's First Light-Powered Circuit Created

Posted by Eric Bland Wed Feb 3, 2010 12:00 PM ET | 0

This new computer circuit could lead to a whole new generation of touchscreen devices that power themselves. Read more

Fiber Optics Pioneers Win Nobel Prize

Posted Tue Oct 6, 2009 08:26 AM ET | 0

Three scientists who created the technology behind digital photography and helped link the world through fiber-optic networks shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in physics. Read more

Caravaggio Used Optical Tool to Trace Models: Discovery News

Posted Tue Jun 30, 2009 09:25 PM ET

Italian Renaissance painter Caravaggio used revolutionary optical instruments to "photograph" his models more than 200 years before the invention of the camera, according to a researcher in Florence. Read more

Springtime Cue for Lovebirds Found: Discovery News

Posted Tue Jun 30, 2009 09:24 PM ET

The molecular answer to a 30-year puzzle over what triggers birds to breed in spring has been solved by U.K. researchers. Read more

Acropolis Gets Hi-Tech Monitoring System : Discovery News

Posted Mon Nov 3, 2008 04:43 AM ET

A network of instruments will monitor the 2,500-year-old Acropolis for vulnerabilities to quakes and storms. Read more

Lasers to Help Telescopes Watch Changing Universe : Discovery News

Posted Mon Sep 8, 2008 05:43 AM ET

Scientists are using new laser technology to improve the precision of telescopes, bringing the dream of watching the expansion of the universe in real time within reach. Read more