Researchers theorize defects could improve solar cells

Scientists are studying what may seem paradoxical - certain defects in silicon solar cells may actually improve their performance.

Converting solar energy into electric power via photobioelectrochemical cells

The design of photo-bioelectrochemical cells based on native photosynthetic reaction is attracting substantial recent interest as a means for the conversion of solar light energy into electrical power.

Bismuth-based nanoribbons show topological transport, potential for new technologies

Researchers have created nanoribbons of an emerging class of materials called topological insulators and used a magnetic field to control their semiconductor properties, a step toward harnessing the technology to study exotic physics and building new spintronic devices or quantum computers.

Mechanical quanta see the light

Researchers have realized a nanomechanical device that converts individual particles of light, known as photons, into quantum-mechanical vibrations, known as phonons, and then back again.

Watching electrons cool in 30 quadrillionths of a second

Technique developed by researchers could have applications in visual displays, solar cells and photodetectors.

Nanoparticles combine photodynamic and molecular therapies against pancreatic cancer

Novel drug-delivery system cuts off common treatment escape pathways in animal models.

Nano-photonics meets nano-mechanics

Controlling on-chip nano-optics by graphene nano-opto-mechanics.

A sense for infrared light

Laser physicists developed a measuring system for light waves in the near-infrared range.

Graphene oxide 'paper' changes with strain

The same slip-and-stick mechanism that leads to earthquakes is at work on the molecular level in nanoscale materials, where it determines the shear plasticity of the materials.

Why Spiderman can't exist: Geckos are size limit for sticking to walls

Latest research reveals why geckos are the largest animals able to scale smooth vertical walls - even larger climbers would require unmanageably large sticky footpads.

Physicists develop a cooling system for the processors of the future (w/video)

Researchers have found a solution to the problem of overheating of active plasmonic components. They demonstrate how to efficiently cool optoelectronic chips using industry-standard heatsinks in spite of high heat generation in active plasmonic components.