Institute of Optics Archives - News Center

Illustration of photodynamic therapy showing light killing a bacterial cell.

Health & Medicine

How light can fight abdominal infections

August 19, 2026

A light-activated therapy being tested at URochester could give doctors an antibiotic-free way to target stubborn abdominal infections.

Laser light passes through a “time gate” consisting of a thin film of indium tin oxide.

Science & Technology

New imaging technique sees through deep tissue, dense fog, and other obstacles

August 17, 2026

The AI-enhanced technology could improve noninvasive cancer imaging, lower costs, and make LiDAR systems more effective in poor visibility.

university seal.

University News

URochester faculty appointed to named professorships

Named positions are part of a long-standing tradition to celebrate the work of URochester’s faculty as researchers, scholars, and teachers.

Close up of a hand holding an instrument near an apparatus emitting a red laser representing the kind of work and manufacturing supported by the NSF STELLAR Engine.

Science & Technology

NSF selects Rochester, New York, and Finger Lakes region as national laser innovation hub

The URochester-led NSF STELLAR Engine launches with $15 million in federal funding.

A smiling Barry Silverstein next to text that reads "ever wonder" with a thought bubble emerging from it that reads "how will ar/vr change the world?"

Science & Technology

The biggest misconception about vision? That you see reality

Human vision isn’t a direct recording of the world. That’s why virtual and augmented reality still struggle to replicate it.

Five different colored vials holding seawater, Great Salt Lake water, nickel sulfate, copper chloride wastewater, and desalinated water standing next to a pile of salt.

Science & Technology

New method turns ocean water into drinking water, without waste

The energy-efficient desalination system produces fresh water without chemical additives and transforms leftover salts into useful materials.

Close-up of a nanoparticle in a phonon laser beam.

Science & Technology

Quantum researchers engineer extremely precise phonon lasers

Novel lasers utilize individual particles of vibration or sound to measure quantum mechanics and gravity.

Group photo of the 17 or so people who comprise the NSF STELLAR team at URochester, including government and industry partners.

University News

NSF explores Rochester as a potential national hub for laser research and development

The URochester-led STELLAR project is a finalist in the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines competition.

Close up of a rainbow-hued photonic chip coupled to a clear and metallic nonlinear crystal and fiber array unit.

University News

URochester, RIT receive federal funding to expand experimental ways to communicate using individual particles of light

February 12, 2026

The funding for the experimental quantum network RoQNET was secured by Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Representative Morelle.

Five unsinkable metal tubes bound together and seen from above floating in water with bubbles nearby and an overall blue cast.

Science & Technology

Scientists engineer unsinkable metal tubes

January 27, 2026

The superhydrophobic design could lead to resilient ships, floating platforms, and renewable energy innovations.