Jumping nanoparticles

Transitions occurring in nanoscale systems, such as a chemical reaction or the folding of a protein, are strongly affected by friction and thermal noise. Such transitions occur most frequently at intermediate friction, an effect known as Kramers turnover.

Bending the laws of thermodynamics for enhanced material design

Wide metastable composition ranges are possible in alloys of semiconductors with different crystal structures.

Sscientists invent a new mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM)

This new AFM mode enhances this microscopy technique as a standard characterization technique available for material research specifically for the case of piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity.

Turning a pinch of salt into an electrical switch

A team of scientists has discovered a way to induce and control a fundamental electrical switching behaviour on the nanoscale.

Self-assembly of highly-porous crystalline particles into novel photonic materials for sensing

Researchers have formed highly-porous metal-organic framework particles that spontaneously assemble into well-ordered 3D superstructures that present photonic crystal properties.

Scientists break new ground in memory technology

An international research team pioneered the development of a novel thin, organic film that supports a million more times read-write cycles and consumes 1,000 times less power than commercial flash memories.

A quantum spin liquid

Honeycomb lattice meets elusive standards of the Kitaev model.

Scientists write 'traps' for light with tiny ink droplets

A microscopic 'pen' that is able to write structures small enough to trap and harness light using a commercially available printing technique could be used for sensing, biotechnology, lasers, and studying the interaction between light and matter.

Single nanoparticle mapping paves the way for better nanotechnology

Scientists have developed a method that makes it possible to map the individual responses of nanoparticles in different situations and contexts.

New self-regulating nanoparticles could treat cancer

Researchers have developed 'intelligent' nanoparticles which heat up to a temperature high enough to kill cancerous cells - but which then self-regulate and lose heat before they get hot enough to harm healthy tissue.