Physics World has released its annual "Instrumentation & Vacuum Briefing" for 2026, a free-to-access document covering the latest innovations in scientific instrumentation. The report highlights advancements in various fields, including the application of International System (SI) units, the development of quantum sensors, compact particle acceleration, and significant improvements in radiotherapy techniques.

This compendium offers an overview of emerging trends and key technologies expected to shape research and industry in the coming years. The inclusion of quantum sensors underscores the increasing relevance of quantum mechanics in the design of high-precision devices, while compact particle accelerators promise new applications in medicine and materials science. Improvements in radiotherapy, meanwhile, reflect continuous progress in applying physics for more effective and less invasive medical treatments.