University uses nanotechnology cleanroom to expand undergrad class, expose students to high-end research

The Purdue College of Engineering is using the university's advanced cleanroom at Birck Nanotechnology Center for the laboratory to expand an electrical and computer engineering class that exposes undergraduate students to high-end research.

Building the electron superhighway

Scientists have invented a new way to view and create what they are calling 'an electron superhighway' in an organic semiconductor. This approach promises to allow electrons to flow faster and farther - aiding the hunt for flexible electronics, organic solar cells, and other low-cost alternatives to silicon.

Chemical engineers outline new approach to materials design

The findings reveal a unique model that enables fast and accurate prediction of novel alloy materials for efficient chemical conversions.

Application of new spectroscopy method to capture reactions in photosynthesis

A new spectroscopy method is bringing researchers closer to understanding - and artificially replicating - the solar water-splitting reaction at the heart of photosynthetic energy production. Understanding the step-by-step mechanism of photosynthesis could lead to methods of producing highly efficient solar energy.

First realization of an electric circuit with a magnetic insulator using spin waves

Researchers have found that it is possible to make an electric circuit with a magnetic insulator. This was previously deemed impossible. The circuit is realized using spin waves: wave-like perturbations in the magnetic properties of a material.

Ultrafast photodetectors allow direct observation of multiple electrons generated by a single photon

The new technique involves monitoring photocurrent transients in specially engineered photodetectors that provide very high temporal resolution of only 50 picoseconds.

An even more versatile optical chip

Telecommunication networks will soon have to exploit the quantum properties of light. Researchers recently generated directly cross-polarized photon pairs on a chip, a first in quantum optics. Polarization will now be among the controllable parameters for harnessing light, helping the creation of low cost, high performance, energy efficient technologies.

Molecular-scale phase boundaries: A 'primitive' liquid-gas transition

A research team has discovered that a primitive form of the liquid-gas transition extends far into the supposedly featureless supercritical phase at the molecular scale in water and demonstrated that the conclusions are likely to apply more generally.

Swinging on 'monkey bars': Motor proteins caught in the act (w/video)

Scientists used electron microscopes to capture images of the largest type of motor protein, called dynein, during the act of stepping along its molecular track.

An atomic laser capable of operating at a wavelength of 0.15 nanometers

Researchers have built an atomic X-ray laser with the shortest wavelength yet, producing a stable beam with a wavelength of 1.5 Angstrom, or 0.15 nanometers. This tiny wavelength is nearly ten times shorter than that of previously-reported atomic lasers.