Research
Counterfeiting methods and anti-counterfeiting technologies are forever locked in a game of catch-up. Where there once were wax seals and watermarks, now there are sophisticated tags invisible to the human eye – in more ways than one.
For instance, a research team from ITMO’s School of Physics and Engineering has recently developed a new type of anti-forgery label; using gold and silicon nanostructures, they’ve created microscopical images that can only be seen when lit at a very specific angle within an 18-degree range. Easily scalable, the tech should prove suitable for mass production and authentication of various microelectronics.
Read more: ITMO Physicists' New Anti-Forgery Tags Can Hide in Plain Sight
***
In a related story, scientists from Russia and Italy have authored a new method of controlling the characteristics of metasurfaces. Using laser radiation, they explain, it should be possible to disrupt the symmetry of a nanostructure and thus switch its optical state in mere picoseconds. Although the study thus far has been only theoretical, the physicists are already preparing to conduct practical experiments.
Read more: ITMO Researchers Learn to Quick Control Metasurfaces With Light
***
Even if you’ve not heard of the term itself, you’re doubtless already familiar with the “flow state” – the inebriating sensation of being “locked on” when working, creating, or performing something you’re good at. Or, in some cases, having a particularly good gaming session!
But how does the flow state work and is it possible to deliberately enter one? Modern science has, if not all, then some answers to these questions. In our latest brain-centric feature, we’ve examined the scientific secrets of being “in the zone.”
Read more: Find Your Flow: Insights From Brain Research
Education
ITMO University’s arsenal of fully-online Master’s programs is being expanded: this time, with a program developed in partnership with Yandex. The university and the IT giant are excited to train the next generation of front- and backend developers – regardless of their prior level of experience. After choosing their specialization and proficiency level, students will be diving deep into programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.
Read more: ITMO and Yandex Launch Online Master’s Program for Frontend and Backend Developers
***
Another of this year’s new programs, this time at the Bachelor’s level, is also developed hand-in-hand with an industrial partner: the university is pairing up with Gazprom Neft to educate young specialists in AI, data analysis, and more. Most successful students may expect internship and employment offers from the company.
ITMO and Gazprom Neft to Jointly Develop AI Education in Russia
