The research group led by Prof. Young-Jin Kim has demonstrated a nanometer-resolution displacement sensing methodology by actively modulating deep-UV beams generated via third-harmonic conversion of an 800 nm femtosecond laser. Instead of manipulating the deep-UV beam directly, the fundamental near-IR beam was pre-modulated and its phase profile was coherently transferred to the generated deep-UV harmonic, enabling stable and real-time control in an absorption-dominated wavelength region where conventional modulators do not operate. The team further realized high-visibility periodic beam patterns and tuned their pitch and orientation to induce moiré amplification against semiconductor periodic patterns, detecting displacement signals that were invisible to direct optical imaging. The demonstration provides a first practical route to active beam modulation-based precision metrology in the deep-UV band and is expected to extend toward EUV and X-ray regimes for future 3 nm node linewidth metrology, attosecond science, and real-time bio-imaging applications. This study has been published in PhotoniX (Q1, IF 19.1) on November 6 and supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea.

The grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will enable researchers to study dry-season prey concentrations in the Florida Everglades. The project will collect and analyze data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions to reveal the key factors driving wading bird nesting success. By identifying when and where prey concentrate during the dry season, the research will fill a critical knowledge gap, guiding restoration under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and supporting strategies to protect the Everglades’ iconic wildlife.

Carbon fibers (CFs) are advanced materials that benefit various applications, including light-weight components for aircraft, automobiles and wind turbine blades. At present, the predominant feedstock is expensive polyacrylonitrile. A team of scientists used cheap coal and waste plastics to produce liquefied coals, which were subsequently fabricated into general-purpose and high-performance carbon fibers. This process has the potential to decrease the price of CFs and contribute to environmental and economic sustainability. Their work is published in Industrial Chemistry & Materials on October 3, 2025.