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Controlling the propagation and coupling of light to sub-wavelength antennas is a crucial prerequisite for many nanoscale optical devices. Recently, the main focus of attention has been directed towards high-refractive-index materials such as silicon as an integral part of the antenna design. This development is motivated by the rich spectral properties of individual high-refractive-index nanoparticles. Here we take advantage of the interference of their magnetic and electric resonances to achieve strong lateral directionality. For controlled excitation of a spherical silicon nanoantenna, we use tightly focused radially polarized light. The resultant directional emission depends on the antenna’s position relative to the focus. This approach finds application as a novel position sensing technique, which might be implemented in modern nanometrology and super-resolution microscopy set-ups. We demonstrate in a proof-of-concept experiment that a lateral resolution in the Ångström regime can be achieved. High-refractive-index nanoantennas support magnetic and electric resonances that can be excited with structured light. Here, the authors exploit the interference of such resonances to achieve strong lateral directionality of the emission and utilize this effect for nanoscopic position sensing.

This study investigates the factors driving students to pursue a master’s degree, taking into account the mediating role of ability beliefs in this decision-making process. Previous research has primarily focused on a narrow range of explanatory factors, such as the utility value of a master’s degree and associated monetary costs. Yet, the role of intrinsic value, expectations of success, and psychological costs of failure, which are crucial in the decision to pursue further studies, have been insufficiently explored. Drawing on the expectancy-value model by Eccles et al., this study develops a comprehensive model to examine the factors influencing bachelor’s students’ intentions to pursue a master’s degree. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse cross-sectional data from N =  3,044 undergraduate students at a major German university, our findings provide robust support for the theoretical framework. Specifically, students’ expectations of successfully completing a master’s degree emerged as the strongest predictor of their intentions to transition (β = .42, p <  0.001). Intrinsic value, indicated by interest in scientific work, proved to be as important as the utility value (β = .36, p <  0.001). Moreover, psychological costs significantly influenced student’s decisions (β =  -.21, p <  0.01). Notably, apart from academic performance, beliefs about general and scientific abilities contributed to both the expectancy and value components of the model. These results provide valuable insights for higher education institutions regarding programme development and counseling services aimed at supporting students during this critical decision-making process. Additionally, this study enriches the theoretical understanding of the complex dynamics involved in student’s academic transitions.

When a beam of light is laterally confined, its field distribution can exhibit points where the local magnetic and electric field vectors spin in a plane containing the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave. The phenomenon indicates the presence of a nonzero transverse spin density. Here, we experimentally investigate this transverse spin density of both magnetic and electric fields, occurring in highly confined structured fields of light. Our scheme relies on the utilization of a high-refractive-index nanoparticle as a local field probe, exhibiting magnetic and electric dipole resonances in the visible spectral range. Because of the directional emission of dipole moments that spin around an axis parallel to a nearby dielectric interface, such a probe particle is capable of locally sensing the magnetic and electric transverse spin density of a tightly focused beam impinging under normal incidence with respect to said interface. We exploit the achieved experimental results to emphasize the difference between magnetic and electric transverse spin densities.

The field of optical metrology with its high precision position, rotation and wavefront sensors represents the basis for lithography and high resolution microscopy. However, the on-chip integration—a task highly relevant for future nanotechnological devices—necessitates the reduction of the spatial footprint of sensing schemes by the deployment of novel concepts. A promising route towards this goal is predicated on the controllable directional emission of the fundamentally smallest emitters of light, i.e., dipoles, as an indicator. Here we realize an integrated displacement sensor based on the directional emission of Huygens dipoles excited in an individual dipolar antenna. The position of the antenna relative to the excitation field determines its directional coupling into a six-way crossing of photonic crystal waveguides. In our experimental study supported by theoretical calculations, we demonstrate the first prototype of an integrated displacement sensor with a standard deviation of the position accuracy below λ /300 at room temperature and ambient conditions. Integrated devices are useful for applications like sample stabilization, microscopy, adaptive optics, and acceleration sensors. Here the authors demonstrate a fully integrated chip-scale light-based displacement sensor using Huygens dipole scattering of light.

Factorial surveys (FSs) are increasingly used to predict real-world decisions. However, there is a paucity of research assessing whether these predictions are valid and, if so, under what conditions. In this preregistered study, we sent out N = 3, 002 applications to job vacancies in Germany and measured real-world responses. Eight weeks later, we presented nearly identical applicant profiles to the same employers as a part of an FS. To explore the conditions under which FSs provide valid behavioral predictions, we varied the topic sensitivity and tested whether behavioral predictions were more successful after filtering out respondents who gave socially desirable answers or did not exert sufficient effort when answering FS vignettes. Across conditions, the FS results did not correspond well with the real-world benchmark. We conclude that researchers must exercise caution when using FSs to study (hiring) behavior.

In Forster and Neugebauer (2024), we examine to what extent a factorial survey (FS) on invitations of fictitious applicants can replicate the findings of a nearly identical field experiment conducted with the same employers. In addition to exploring the conditions under which FSs provide valid behavioral predictions, we varied the topic sensitivity and tested whether behavioral predictions were more accurate after filtering out respondents who provided socially desirable answers or did not exert sufficient effort in responding to FS vignettes. Across these conditions, the FS results did not align well with the real-world benchmark. We conclude that researchers must exercise caution when using FSs to study (hiring) behavior. In this rejoinder, we respond to the critique of our study by Pickett (2025).

Measuring the aberrations of optical systems is an essential step in the fabrication of high precision optical components. Such a characterization is usually based on comparing the device under investigation with a calibrated reference object. However, when working at the cutting-edge of technology, it is increasingly difficult to provide an even better or well-known reference device. In this manuscript we present a method for the characterization of high numerical aperture microscope objectives, functioning without the need of calibrated reference optics. The technique constitutes a nanoparticle, acting as a dipole-like scatterer, that is placed in the focal volume of the microscope objective. The light that is scattered by the particle can be measured individually and serves as the reference wave in our system. Utilizing the well-characterized scattered light as nearly perfect reference wave is the main idea behind this manuscript.An absolute characterization technique for microscope objectives is presented, working without a calibrated reference element. To achieve this, a reference wave is created by a sub-wavelength object.

In the course of the Bologna Process, European higher education systems have experienced major reforms. In Germany as in several other countries, the main novelty was a reduction of the length of study to get a first-level degree (Bachelor), together with the introduction of a second-level degree (Master's). One of the priorities of the Bologna Process is the so-called 'social dimension', meaning that participation in higher education should be widened by fostering the potential of students from under-represented groups, such as those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. To evaluate this reform goal, this article tests whether the shortening of the length of study to get a first degree countervails the under-representation. I use variation introduced by the non-uniform adaption of the new degree structure to identify the effect. Using repeated cross-sectional student survey data to generate panel data at the level of study courses, fixed-effects estimators indicate that the shortening has no (positive) effect on the share of students from low social origins.

We investigate the structural dynamics of the incommensurately modulated phase of Sn 2 P 2 Se 6 by means of time-resolved X-ray diffraction following excitation by an optical pump. Tracking the incommensurable distortion in the time domain enables us to identify the transport effects leading to a complete disappearance of the incommensurate phase over the course of 100 ns. These observations suggest that a thin surface layer of the high-temperature phase forms quickly after photo-excitation and then propagates into the material with a constant velocity of 3.7 m/s. Complementary static structural measurements reveal previously unreported higher-order satellite reflection in the incommensurate phase. These higher-order reflections are attributed to cubic vibrational terms in the Hamiltonian.

This Progress Article details the latest achievements and underlying principles of light carrying transverse spin.The capabilities and future applications of this young yet already advanced field are highlighted. Scientists have known for more than a century that light possesses both linear and angular momenta along the direction of propagation. However, only recent advances in optics have led to the notion of spinning electromagnetic fields capable of carrying angular momenta transverse to the direction of motion. Such fields enable numerous applications in nano-optics, biosensing and near-field microscopy, including three-dimensional control over atoms, molecules and nanostructures, and allowing for the realization of chiral nanophotonic interfaces and plasmonic devices. Here, we report on recent developments of optics with light carrying transverse spin. We present both the underlying principles and the latest achievements, and also highlight new capabilities and future applications emerging from this young yet already advanced field of research.