Out-of-equilibrium states that deviate from thermodynamic equilibrium are crucial not only for biological systems but also for designing synthetic functional materials. Now, researchers from Japan have developed supramolecular 2D nanosheets capable of transforming into dimensionally distinct out-of-equilibrium structures depending on ultraviolet light intensity. This work opens a new avenue for designing advanced adaptive materials that exhibit diverse responses depending on the light energy applied.

The structure of gas and dust resembles a glowing diamond ring / Computer simulations and observations made on board the 'flying observatory' SOFIA are now able to explain the special shape

By developing the first fully-validated 3-D SSCPV-T collector design tool and using this to quantifying the performance of a proposed SSCPV-T collector, the study provides designers with a validated tool and a blueprint for next-generation, high-performance total-solar-utilisation cogeneration systems. The AgSiO₂-eg nanofluid configuration is particularly attractive for industrial users prioritising high-grade heat, while the water-based design remains cost-effective for medium-temperature applications. All modelling tools and optical/thermal correlations are being released open-source to accelerate commercial uptake.

Skyrmions are three-dimensional, nontrivial topological textures that have attracted extensive attention in magnetism, condensed matter physics, and beyond due to their unique stability and rich physical implications. In recent years, researchers have succeeded in creating optical skyrmions, using light’s polarization and orbital angular momentum (OAM) to generate complex polarization topologies in the spatial domain. However, so far all optical skyrmions have been confined to the spatial domain, driven by longitudinal OAM to form twisted “helical tubes” along the propagation direction. This raises a natural question: can we break this limitation and bring skyrmions into spatiotemporal domain?

 

Recently, the team led by Prof. Qiwen Zhan at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology has, for the first time, proposed and experimentally demonstrated a novel optical spatiotemporal skyrmion. By employing vectorial sculpturing of picosecond pulse wave packets, the researchers combined two orthogonally polarized beams—spatiotemporal Gaussian pulses and spatiotemporal vortex pulses—to generate a spatiotemporal topological structure covering the full set of polarization states: the spatiotemporal skyrmion.

 

The work, entitled “Construction of Optical Spatiotemporal Skyrmions”, is published in Light: Science & Applications. This breakthrough extends the topological concept of optical skyrmions from the spatial domain to the spatiotemporal domain, opening new directions for structured light and topological optics research.

Recently, Professor Lu Zhengang's team at Harbin Institute of Technology proposed a non-microscope objective lithography method that utilizes the spherical convex lens aberration, enabling laser beams converged layer-by-layer axially. This technique can modulate collimated hollow beams into finer annular spots, directly generating annular patterns on curved substrates through a single laser pulse. The lithography device based on this method demonstrates superior performance. It achieves significantly finer line width and broader diameter adjustment ranges comparing to conventional annular lithography techniques. Moreover, compared to traditional laser direct-writing methods, it offers an extended depth of field and working distance and reduces hardware requirements while providing greater spatial redundancy for substrate positioning. This approach combines cost-effectiveness, high efficiency, and high performance. It is not only applicable to manufacturing ring-shaped metal mesh gratings and metasurface unit cells on curved substrates but also holds promise for providing viable solutions in various laser processing applications.

The research, titled “Ultra-Long Focal Depth Annular Lithography for Fabricating Micro Ring-Shaped Metasurface Unit Cells on Highly Curved Substrates”, was published in the top-tier optical journal Light: Advanced Manufacturing.

This review introduces an innovative and integrative perspective on nanoemulsion technology by linking formulation parameters directly to cosmetic performance outcomes—a relationship that has been largely overlooked in previous studies. Unlike earlier reviews that provided only general overviews, this paper critically synthesizes experimental findings to establish how specific formulation choices, such as surfactant selection, oil phase composition, and preparation method, affect stability, penetration depth, and active ingredient release in cosmetic products.

The review also highlights emerging strategies for achieving safer, more sustainable nanoemulsions through the use of natural surfactants, biodegradable oils, and environmentally responsible production methods. By combining insights from material science, dermatology, and cosmetic engineering, it provides a scientific framework for optimizing nanoemulsion design and guiding future product development.

Ultimately, this work not only consolidates the current understanding of nanoemulsions in cosmetics but also sets the foundation for the next generation of high-performance, biocompatible, and eco-friendly skincare formulations—bridging the gap between scientific innovation and consumer demand.