Physics, photosynthesis and solar cells

Researchers combine quantum physics and photosynthesis to make discovery that could lead to highly efficient, green solar cells.

Controlled electron pulses

Scientists have successfully measured photoemission from sharp metal needles on a scale never before achieved.

Tailor-made membranes for the environment

By inserting foreign atoms into the crystal lattice, a novel membrane is more stable and can be used at lower temperatures. However, the greatest achievement is the increased hydrogen flow.

Microbubbles and ultrasound open the blood?brain barrier to administer drugs

Scientists have succeeded in embedding medicines in tiny lipid bubbles, in such a way that ultrasound can be used to release them into the specific area of the brain where they are needed.

Creating new physical properties in materials

A collaborative effort between research groups demonstrates that the physical properties of SrTiO3, or strontium titanate, in its single crystal form can be changed by a relatively simple electrical treatment. SrTi03 is a mineral often studied for its superconducting properties.

A nanotechnology method for storing vaccines at room temperature

Using minute quantities of nanoparticles, or FDA-approved polymer (polyethylene glycol), or higher amounts of sucrose, researchers were able to stabilize vaccines at room temperature for several weeks or, in some cases, months.

Quantum obstacle course changes material from superconductor to insulator

Scientists ave demonstrated an unusual method of putting the brakes on superconductivity, the ability of a material to conduct an electrical current with zero resistance.

Understanding the way liquid spreads through paper

Researchers have created a model to explain how liquid diffuses through paper which has applications in medical testing and perfume manufacturing.

Mix and match lasers

Combining silicon with an optically active material enables tiny lasers compatible with industrial fabrication techniques.

Throwing new light on printed organic solar cells

Researchers have achieved record power conversion efficiencies for large area organic solar cells.

Researchers load nanocarriers to deliver chemotherapy drugs and imaging molecules to tumors

Scientists describe a new system to encase chemotherapy drugs within tiny, synthetic nanocarrier packages, which could be injected into patients and disassembled at the tumor site to release their toxic cargo.

Nanotechnology a 'green' approach to treating liver cancer

Minimally invasive procedure targets, destroys precancerous cells in mice.

Glowing crystals can detect, cleanse contaminated drinking water

X-ray study at explores atomic structure of tiny traps for heavy metals.

Ultrafast imaging reveals existence of 'polarons'

New technique reveals direct experimental evidence of strong coupling between electron motion and deformations in atomic arrangements that affect the flow of current.

Inspiring images invite you into the world of engineering

It could be a crystal ball from a mythical age showing the swirling mists of time, but this image, which has won this year's Department of Engineering Photography Competition, actually shows graphene being processed in alcohol to produce conductive ink.

New fabrication technique leads to broader sunlight absorption in plastic solar cells

Researchers have developed a new strategy for fabricating more efficient plastic solar cells. The work has implications for developing solar cells with a wider absorption range and increased efficiency.

Squeezed states of light can improve feedback cooling significantly

Scientists have demonstrated how quantum-engineered states of light can enhance the efficiency of feedback cooling beyond the classical bounds in an optomechanical setting.

Programmable disorder - Stochastic algorithms at the molecular scale

In contrast to biology, engineering seldom takes advantage of the power of randomness for fabricating complex structures. Now, a group scientists has demonstrated that randomness in molecular self-assembly can be combined with deterministic rules to produce complex nanostructures out of DNA.

Engineers create prototype chip just three atoms thick

Ever since scientists discovered that atomically thin materials could have useful electronic properties, engineers have been seeking ways to mass-produce so-called single-layer chips. A new technique shows how it might be done.

Bumpy surfaces, graphene beat the heat in devices

Theory shows way to enhance heat sinks in future microelectronics.

Hybrid approach predicts and confirms structure of complex metal nanoparticles

A combined theoretical and experimental approach has allowed researchers to predict and verify the full structure of a monolayer-coated molecular metal nanoparticle. The methodology was tested on silver-thiolate nanoparticles, expanding on earlier knowledge about gold nanoparticles, and is expected to be applicable to a broad range of sizes of nanoparticles made of different elements.

Graphene enables fully flexible near-field communication antennas

As well as being the thinnest, strongest and lightest known material, graphene is flexible, impermeable and extremely electrically and thermally conductive. All properties well suited for next generation NFC antennas.

Diamonds - the ultimate semiconductors

Diamonds'simple yet unique characteristics create significant potential for use in a wide range of purposes, including generation of environmental energy and biological applications.

Making flawless graphene coatings

Graphene holds the promise of such impressive applications as wear-resistant, friction-free coatings. But first manufacturers have to be able to produce large sheets of graphene under precisely controlled conditions.

Nanotechnology and luxury watches: an innovative partnership

Founded by Swiss-born Sydneysider Christophe Hoppe, Bausele Australia bills itself as the first 'Swiss-made, Australian-designed' watch company.

The future of electronics is light

Scientists have demonstrated progress toward photonic chips in recent years. A key challenge is making sure the new light-based chips can work with all the existing electronic chips.

Metamaterials open up entirely new possibilities in optics

Researchers have developed a method that enables them to manipulate light to follow any predetermined path along a surface.

Novel silicon etching technique crafts 3-D gradient refractive index micro-optics

A multi-institutional research collaboration has created a novel approach for fabricating three-dimensional micro-optics through the shape-defined formation of porous silicon, with broad impacts in integrated optoelectronics, imaging, and photovoltaics.

Programmable materials showing future potential for industry (w/video)

New research has shown that honeycomb 'cellular' materials made of a shape-memory polymer might be programmed for specific purposes, from shock-absorbing football helmets to biomedical implants.

Inside nanotubes, water turns solid when it should be boiling

Researchers discover astonishing behavior of water confined in carbon nanotubes.

Researchers explore new 2D materials that could make devices faster, smaller, and efficient

A new study by an international team of researchers highlights how manipulation of 2D materials could make our modern day devices faster, smaller, and better.

Nano factories to prevent bacterial colonization

In a new research project, scientists plan to place miniature factories on surfaces that will create a cocktail of chemical compounds. Without endangering humans, the released substances will then specifically target bacteria that attempt to replicate on these surfaces.

Model could shatter a mystery of glass (w/video)

Researchers have developed a computational model for creating a 'perfect glass' that never crystallizes - even at absolute zero. The model is a new way of thinking about glass and details the extremely unusual properties of a perfect glass.

A joint study to design nanoporous materials to carry small molecules

Materials acting like sponge to safely capture, store, and release essential small molecules.

'Diamond-age' of power generation as nuclear batteries developed (w/video)

A team of physicists and chemists have grown a man-made diamond that, when placed in a radioactive field, is able to generate a small electrical current. The development could solve some of the problems of nuclear waste, clean electricity generation and battery life.

A new technique for structural color, inspired by birds

Scientists have developed a new, more robust and cost effective system to build large-scale metamaterials with structural color.

More energy from the sun - Researchers road-test powerful method for studying singlet fission

Singlet fission could have a central role in the future development of solar cells.

Flying start for world's first graphene-enhanced aircraft

Prospero, the first model aircraft to incorporate a graphene skinned wing, was successfully flown at the Farnborough International Air Show in the UK earlier this year. The flight sets an example of how graphene might be used within the aerospace sector.

Researchers demonstrate world's first qubit device fabricated in standard CMOS process

Researchers have achieved the first demonstration of a quantum-dot-based spin qubit using an industry-standard fabrication process.

Squeezing light into new miniature devices

Scientists develop new optical circuit components to manipulate light.

New method developed for analyzing photonic crystal structure

Exotic materials called photonic crystals reveal their internal characteristics with new method.

Single-molecule graphene switches bring minute electronic devices a step closer

Researchers have discovered how to control molecules attached to graphene, paving the way for tiny biological sensors and devices to hold information.

Adding clay to saline nanofluids creates useful materials

By controlling a mix of clay, water and salt, researchers have created nanostructures that might help boost oil production, expand the lifespan of certain foods or that can be used in cosmetics or drugs.

Nanotechnology researchers turn sugar waste into carbon quantum dots

An alternate use for sugarcane waste has been proposed by a research team in India. While sugar is falling out of favor around the world, sugarcane residue is becoming a useful commodity, they say.

For platinum catalysts, nanosize squeeze gives big boost in performance

A nanosize squeeze can significantly boost the performance of platinum catalysts that help generate energy in fuel cells, according to a new study.

Environmentally-friendly graphene textiles could enable wearable electronics

A new method for producing conductive cotton fabrics using graphene-based inks opens up new possibilities for flexible and wearable electronics, without the use of expensive and toxic processing steps.

Single photon excites two atoms at once

Calculations reveal how one particle of light can excite two atoms simultaneously.

Using thermal measurement to improve cancer therapy outcomes

Researchers have developed a novel characterization method, NanoLockin, which can help optimize the design of nanoparticles used in a recent form of cancer therapy known as magnetic hyperthermia.

New capillarity effects in ideal gases solve an old mathematical mystery

Scientists have challenged traditional concepts of micro and macro worlds and demonstrated how ideal gas unexpectedly exhibits capillarity properties.

Quantum particles form droplets

In experiments with magnetic atoms conducted at extremely low temperatures, scientists have demonstrated a unique phase of matter: The atoms form a new type of quantum liquid or quantum droplet state.

A soft, microfluidic 'lab on the skin' for sweat analysis (w/video)

Low-cost wearable electronic device collects and analyzes sweat for health monitoring.

A new perovskite could lead the next generation of data storage

Scientists have developed a new perovskite material with unique properties that can be used to build next-generation hard drives.

Science friction

Sliding on flexible graphene surfaces has been uncharted territory until now.

For wearable electronic devices, plastic holes are golden

Researchers have come up with a way to build safe, nontoxic gold wires onto flexible, thin plastic film.

Health diagnosis through bio-signal measuring electrodes on IoT devices

Researchers have developed bio-signal measuring electrodes that can be mounted on Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Physicists use laser tweezers to make an AV-pattern out of Abrikosov vortices

Scientists have performed a unique experiment involving the optical manipulation of individual Abrikosov vortices in a superconductor. This raises the possibility of designing new logic units based on quantum principles for use in supercomputers.