The 2026 Physics World Instrumentation & Vacuum Briefing is out now

Physics World has released its 2026 Instrumentation and Vacuum Briefing, a look at technologies advancing from lab to market. Among the innovations covered: a more compact ultrahigh vacuum system for quantum sensors that uses less energy. Ultrasound technology for gently separating living cells, a critical step in cell research and medicine. And a new radiotherapy monitoring system that uses faint light detection to ensure cancer treatment beams stay on target. The briefing also explores laser-driven particle accelerators and some peculiar history in scientific measurement—including how the candela unit originated from the brightness of whale fat candles.

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