Because of inefficient technology (like various, point solutions), many HR professionals are forced to spend much of their time on administrative tasks, rather than strategic HR initiatives.

FORBES: The New HR Manager: Moving From Administrative To Strategic

From the point of view of energy use, current LCD polarizers are inefficient, the researchers said.

ENGADGET: Photovoltaic polarizers could make self-charging smartphone dreams come true

Previous on-chip nanofocusing devices were only able to focus light into a narrow line, making them inefficient, whereas Caltech's contraption can be focused in three dimensions, producing a point a few nanometers across, and using half of the light that's sent through.

ENGADGET: Caltech invention focuses light like never before, could bolster next-gen communication platforms