Using solid-state materials with gold nanoantennas for more durable solar cells

Using atomic layer deposition, researchers deposited a thin film of nickel oxide onto a single crystal of titanium dioxide. Gold nanoparticles were introduced between the two layers to act like an antenna that harvests visible light.

Strength and ductility for alloys

Thanks to a new strategy in the development of materials related to steel, high strength and ductility are no longer mutually exclusive.

New tabletop instrument tests electron mobility for next-generation electronics

Researchers have built a tabletop instrument that can perform measurements that were only previously possible at large national magnet labs. The measurements will help in the development of next generation electronic devices employing 2-D materials.

Quantum cycles power cold-atom pump

By periodically jostling many individual atoms, researchers were able to shift an entire atomic cloud without any apparent overall motion by its constituents. The team is the first to test this predicted behavior, which arises in what they call a geometric charge pump.

Diamonds closer to becoming ideal semiconductors

Researchers find new method for doping single crystals of diamond.

Optics breakthrough to revamp night vision

A breakthrough could make infra-red technology easy-to-use and cheap, potentially saving millions of dollars in defence and other areas using sensing devices, and boosting applications of technology to a host of new areas, such as agriculture.

Revealing the nature of magnetic interactions in manganese oxide

New technique for probing local magnetic interactions confirms 'superexchange' model that explains how the material gets its long-range magnetic order.

Powering nanotechnology with the world's smallest engine

In the minuscule world of nanotechnology, big steps are rare. But a recent development has the potential to massively improve our lives: an engine measuring 200 billionths of a metre, which could power tiny robots to fight diseases in living cells.

Developing biological micro-factories with LED

Microalgae consist of single cells but are capable of producing everything from food to fuel with the help of tailor-made LED-lighting.

Ivy's powerful grasp could lead to better medical adhesives, stronger battle armor

English ivy's natural glue might hold the key to new approaches to wound healing, stronger armor for the military and maybe even cosmetics with better staying power.

Light can 'heal' defects in some solar cells

Defects in some new electronic materials can be removed by making ions move under illumination.

Dual-function, graphene-based material good for aircraft, extreme environments

Scientists have advanced their graphene-based de-icer to serve a dual purpose. The new material still melts ice from wings and wires when conditions get too cold. But if the air is above 7 degrees Fahrenheit, ice won't form at all.

Gigantic ultrafast spin currents

Scientists are proposing a new method for creating extremely strong spin currents. They are essential for spintronics, a technology that could replace today's electronics.

Traveling wave drives magnetic particles

New method for selectively controlling the motion of multiple sized microspheres suspended in water.

Researchers create new method to control quantum systems

Researchers have discovered a method to design faster pulses, offering a new way to accurately control quantum systems.