Robert Lea

Feature Writer

B.Sc. STEM

Robert is a Freelance Science Journalist with a STEM BSc. He specializes in Physics, Space, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Quantum Physics, and SciComm. Robert is an ABSW member, and aWCSJ 2019 and IOP Fellow.

Articles from Robert

The DAVINCI Mission: Exploring Venus with Spectrometers

Between the late 2020s and early 2030s, NASA’s DAVINCI probe will take a look at Venus's atmosphere in unprecedented detail by dropping a probe with a spectrometer to the planet’s surface.

24 Jun 2022

How a Laser Mode Sensor Will Probe Neutron Star Interiors

A laser mode sensor development by gravitational-wave scientists at the University of Western Australia could be the key to probing beneath the surface of neutron stars. The breakthrough may help researchers test the limits of Einstein’s theory of General Relativity using gravitational waves.

22 Jun 2022

Laser-Propelled Spaceships Could Change Space Exploration

Spacecraft powered by solar sails propelled by photons could explore interstellar space, redefining the term “traveling light.”

31 Mar 2022

The Future of Hardware Encryption with Optical Quantum Random Number Generators

Quantum Dice, a UK start-up that spun out of Oxford University’s quantum optics lab, is developing the world's first compact source-device independent quantum random number generator (QRNG).

15 Dec 2021

Studying Superionic Ice Formation with X-Ray Diffraction

Researchers have discovered a new phase of water that forms at extremely high temperatures and pressures. The phase of water--which is possibly found at the center of ice worlds such as Neptune and Uranus-is called superionic ice.

18 Nov 2021

Nanomachines Use Optical Matter to Perform Tasks on the Nanoscale

Nanomachines constructed of novel ‘optical matter’ could use laser light to perform tasks on the nanoscale, suggests new research.

13 Oct 2020

New Fluorescent Material Could Boost Optics Technology

Maintaining fluorescence as dyes crystalize to form solids is a problem that has existed in materials for over 100 years. Now, a novel approach to tackling the issue and a revolutionary material could unlock a new age of optics technology.

13 Aug 2020

How Lasers can be Employed to Tackle the Global Water Crisis

In many developing countries there is a growing shortage of clean, drinkable water. Could the solution to this crisis be solved by the energy delivered by the Sun, and laser crafted solar energy-absorbing surfaces?

14 Jul 2020