Nanotechnology makes holograms highly efficient, secure

Researchers have programmed polarization into compact holograms. These holograms use nanostructures that are sensitive to polarization (the direction in which light vibrates) to produce different images depending on the polarization of incident light.

Researchers unleash graphene 'tiger' for more efficient optoelectronics

Scientists describe one promising approach to coax photons into stimulating multiple electrons. Their method exploits some surprising quantum-level interactions to give one photon multiple potential electron partners.

This nanocavity may improve ultrathin solar panels, video cameras and more

Engineers placed a single layer of MoS2 molecules on top of a photonic structure called an optical nanocavity made of aluminum oxide and aluminum. The MoS2 nanocavity can increase the amount of light that ultrathin semiconducting materials absorb.

Novel gate may enhance power of Majorana-based quantum computers

By adding an extra process beyond ordinary braiding, researchers discovered a way to give a certain breed of topological particles all the tools needed to run any quantum calculation, all while circumventing the need for actual braiding.

Attosecond physics: Using laser pulses to direct protons

Using ultrashort laser pulses an international team has managed to manipulate the positions of atoms in hydrocarbon molecules in a targeted fashion.

Spin-currents at metal-oxide interfaces for magnetic memories

New research describes the observation of spin-to-charge current conversion by spin pumping from a ferromagnetic permalloy to a Cu/BiO interface. The metal/insulator interface makes it easier to control the spin-charge current conversion with an external electric field.

Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells

Researchers combined nanoribbons with an oil-based thermoset polymer intended to make wells more stable and cut production costs. When cured in place with low-power microwaves emanating from the drill assembly, the composite would plug the microscopic fractures that allow drilling fluid to seep through and destabilize the walls.

University nanotechnology spinoff reaches commercial milestone

The first nanotechnology company created at the University of Houston has signed a distribution deal for its protective coatings.

How light is detected affects the atom that emits it

Scientists look at spontaneous emission with an instrument sensitive to the wave rather than the particle nature of light.

Physicists measure van der Waals forces of individual atoms for the first time

Physicists have succeeded in measuring the very weak van der Waals forces between individual atoms for the first time. To do this, they fixed individual noble gas atoms within a molecular network and determined the interactions with a single xenon atom that they had positioned at the tip of an atomic force microscope.

Action of nanoparticles on platelet activation and plasmatic coagulation

This article illustrates the mechanism and regulation of hemostasis, provides information on nanoparticle action on hemostasis and describes concept and limitations of in vitro assays in the assessment of nanoparticles.

Breakthrough enables more reliable electrical circuits built with Individual molecules

Researchers characterize the exact mode of binding of a single molecule between two gold electrodes, which will help in constructing molecular circuits with consistent electrical properties.

Catalysis gets a metal-free upgrade

A boron compound safely speeds up transformations between carbon and silicon - two of Earth's most abundant and important elements.