The world's fastest nanoscale photonics switch

An international team of researchers created an ultrafast all-optical switch on silicon nanostructures. This device may become a platform for future computers and permit to transfer data at an ultrahigh speed.

Researchers create better algorithm for simulating particles in Fermi sea

Scientists have created a new, more precise algorithm for simulating particle interactions when a single impurity is introduced into a Fermi sea. The algorithm shows that when these particles interact, the transition from quasiparticle to bound molecule in a polarized two-dimensional system is smooth.

From science fiction to reality - sonic tractor beam invented

Researchers have built the world's first sonic tractor beam that can lift and move objects using sound waves.

Promising technique improves hydrogen production of affordable alternative to platinum

Scientists have demonstrated that microwaves can help create nanostructured molybdenum disulfide catalysts with an improved ability to produce hydrogen.

Attosecond physics: Film in 4-D with ultrashort electron pulses

Physicists shorten electron pulses down to 30 femtoseconds duration. This enables them to gain detailed insight into atomic motions in molecules.

Trading in vivo for in silico: a new approach to nanotoxicity assessment

Prof. Robert Rallo, coordinator of the MODERN project, discusses the initiative?s new approach to nanotoxicty assessment, which could help move us towards the wider adoption of in silico methods.

Graphene flakes as an ultra-fast stopwatch

Researchers have developed a new optical detector from graphene which reacts very rapidly to incident light of all different wavelengths and even works at room temperature. It is the first time that a single detector has been able to monitor the spectral range from visible light to infrared radiation and right through to terahertz radiation.

Entanglement at heart of 'two-for-one' fission in next-generation solar cells

The mechanism behind a process known as singlet fission, which could drive the development of highly efficient solar cells, has been directly observed by researchers for the first time.

Strong and extremely insulating: hybrid aerogels made from biopolymers and silica

Scientists have introduced a new class of hybrid aerogels made from silica and plant-derived pectins. The new materials have comparable thermal properties but are far more mechanically stable. In addition, they are made by an aqueous, 'green' process from bioderived materials.