New aspect of atom mimicry for nanotechnology applications

In nanotechnology control is key. Control over the arrangements and distances between nanoparticles can allow tailored interaction strengths so that properties can be harnessed in devices such as plasmonic sensors. Now researchers use dendrimers that mimic the electron valency of atoms and link them into arrays using molecules that coordinate with the dendrimer as they would form a covalent electron pair in their valence shell - 'electron pair mimicry'.

High-precision magnetic field sensing

Researchers have succeeded in measuring tiny changes in strong magnetic fields with unprecedented precision. The researchers were able to detect even the tiniest variations of the magnetic field strength within the droplet. These changes were up to a trillion times smaller than the seven tesla field strength of the MRI scanner used in the experiment.

Physicists decipher electronic properties of materials in work that may change transistors

Physicists have published new findings examining the electrical properties of materials that could be harnessed for next-generation transistors and electronics.

Student's award-winning graphene battery could slash electric-car charging times

A student engineer from the University of Sussex has won a national car industry award for designing a new battery that could revolutionise electric vehicles.

Shape matters when light meets atom

Mapping the interaction of a single atom with a single photon may inform design of quantum devices.

Discovery of critical phenomena in a quantum spin liquid

For the first time, scientists observed critical magnetic susceptibility of an organic material with a triangular lattice, when the material was in a quantum spin-liquid state at very low temperatures.

Photonic water shows nanosheets' true colors

Aqueous suspensions of nanosheets that can be tuned to reflect over a wide range of wavelengths could lead to smarter optical filters and sensors.