Breakthrough in nonlinear optics research

A method to selectively enhance or inhibit optical nonlinearities in a chip-scale device has been developed by scientists.

Semiconductor technology could make night vision, thermal imaging affordable

Semiconductors made in CMOS technology reach nearly 10 terahertz.

Graphene-based supercapacitor could lead to more efficient electrical energy storage

Researchers have identified electrical charge-induced changes in the structure and bonding of graphitic carbon electrodes that may one day affect the way energy is stored.

New imaging technique finds formation of aluminum alloys to blame for next-gen battery failures

Researchers have for the first time imaged the inner workings of experimental solid-state batteries as they charged and discharged while making detailed measurements of their electrochemical health. Their work has helped explain why the batteries rapidly lose performance and suggests a way for improving them.

Nanotechnology enhanced orthopedic implants fight infection

Biomedical engineers are fighting back by developing nanotechnology built directly into orthopedic implants using a battery-activated device to power an army of microscopic germ-killers. Even antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA are on the hit list.

Double vision: New technique can see nanoscale 'tree' and microscale 'forest' simultaneously

A close-up view of an individual tree won't tell you much about what?s going on in the forest, or even what's going on in the tree's upper branches. The same goes for studying nanoparticles.

New reference material provides a silver lining for nanotechnology EHS research

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a new silver nanoparticle reference material to support researchers studying potential environmental, health and safety risks associated with the nanoparticles, which are being incorporated in a growing number of consumer and industrial products for their antimicrobial properties.

Experiment and theory unite at last in debate over microbial nanowires

New model and experiments settle debate over metallic-like conductivity of microbial nanowires in bacterium.

Using supercomputers to design nanoelectronics components

Purdue researchers use Blue Waters supercomputer to design the building blocks of future nano-computing technologies.

Researchers obtain high-quality perovskites over large areas by a chemical method

Scientists report the chemical solution (water-based) synthesis of high-quality epitaxial thin films of perovkskite free of defects at square-centimeter scales and compatible with standard microfabrication techniques. These films show a robust ferromagnetic moment and large magnetoresistance at room temperature.

Corn protein nanoparticles customized for better therapeutic drug transport

Researchers have unveiled an extremely compact yet fully loaded vehicle that can brave conditions and navigate terrain its predecessors could not.

Flexible sensors turn skin into a touch-sensitive interaction space for mobile devices (w/video)

Computer scientists are studying the potential use of the human body as a touch sensitive surface for controlling mobile devices. They have developed flexible silicone rubber stickers with pressure-sensitive sensors that fit snugly to the skin. By operating these touch input stickers, users can use their own body to control mobile devices.

Cheap, environmentally friendly solar cells are produced by minimizing disruptive surface layers

By tailoring the interface between the two sections of a solar cell, researchers have produced a high-performance solar cell from the abundant and cheap materials of copper oxide and silicon.

Solar cells get growth boost

Researchers have found that growing a type of film used to manufacture solar cells in ambient air gives it a growth boost. The finding could make manufacturing solar cells significantly cheaper.

Nanoparticles - Shaken, not stirred, is best for cancer imaging

Tiny conjugated polyelectrolyte-nanoparticle probes produced by ultrasonication prove superior to commercial products.