May 4th, 2009

Researchers at Princeton have developed an imaging method that could lead to lenses which show all parts of the scene at once in the same high detail.

This new method could help build stronger microscopes and other optical devices and will allow the user to take a closer look at an object without narrowing the field of view.

As we know, cameras and other optical devices including the human eye are restricted by the amount of light that they can collect through their lens openings or apertures.

Hence, to record a light ray, it has to pass through the lens and reach the device’s detector like the eye’s retina or a digital camera’s detector. But many light rays cannot reach the detector because they are very weak or because they are deflected.

Each color of light has a distinct wavelength. For example the color of  green, has a wavelength of 530 nanometers, which is approximately the size of a typical bacterium’s internal structure) Light rays from such tiny features fade before they reach the lens.

In order to capture these rays, devices have to probe very near the surface of the object, and scrutinize it point-by-point, edging together a full image.

The new method addresses the shortcomings of small apertures by taking advantage of the unusual properties of substances called nonlinear optical materials. In conventional lens materials such as glass or plastic, rays of light pass through without interacting with one another.

In non-linear materials, light rays mix with each other in complex ways. Rays that don’t reach the camera may pass along some of their information to rays that do get recorded by it. Due to the mixing of rays, information that would otherwise be lost manages to reach the camera.

The image from a nonlinear lens would therefore be rich in detail. Unfortunately, it would also be distorted — and useless for conventional optics. But if the information could be unscrambled, a computer could reconstruct a high-resolution undistorted image of the entire scene.

A new wireless  solution that offers mobile wide-area cellular Internet connectivity (WWAN) and local 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi access (WLAN) has been launched by Proxicast.

The new solution, Cell-PAK 3G + Wi-Fi HotSpot, contains Proxicast’s commercial-grade LAN-Cell 2 mobile 3G cellular router. If there is no wired communications infrastructure, or if it is damaged or overloaded, the Proxicast Cell PAK offers crucial fast, effective and reliable high-speed cellular broadband communications.

The Proxicast Cell-PAK may be a vital wireless link for first responders and others facing tough communications challenges during hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes or other natural and man-made disasters.

In case emergency response, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief are required, the Cell-PAK will rapidly deployable complete 3G wireless mobile communications center.

The Cell-PAK is a craggy, self-sufficient, battery-powered and portable Wi-Fi HotSpot which is equipped with built-in 3G cellular Internet access. Its impact and water-resistant MIL-spec rated case and on-board power pack are designed for long operation in ruthless environments.

Good news on video the A2B is available now at various dealerships, with an almost-palatable price tag of $2,600, 20 mile range and 20 mph max electric-assisted speed. Ultra Motor A2B electric bike found ourselves pedaling of power for urban transport. The front and rear shocks provide a well-cushioned ride and the brakes are excellent.