Breaking of tiny light pulses observed in a nanophotonic chip for the first time

The pulse splitting phenomenon, called soliton fission, could lead to novel rainbow light sources used in compact optical communications systems and lab-on-a-chip spectroscopic tools for portable medical diagnostics.

Nanomaterial to drive new generation of solar cells

Physicists have discovered radical new properties in a nanomaterial which opens new possibilities for the fabrication of highly efficient thermophotovoltaic cells, which could one day harvest heat in the dark and turn it into electricity.

Ultrathin organic material enhances e-skin display

Researchers have developed an ultrathin, ultraflexible, protective layer and demonstrated its use by creating an air-stable, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

Atomically thin solar cell

The achievement of creating this atomically thin solar cell shows the promise of synthesizing mismatched layers to enable new families of functional two-dimensional (2D) materials.

Magnetic nanovortices defy temperature fluctuations

Magnetic nanovortices in magnetite minerals are reliable witnesses of the earth's history.

Videos show how heat moves through materials at the nanoscale and speed of sound

Groundbreaking observations could help develop better, more efficient materials for electronics and alternative energy.

A new combination of materials allows state-of-the-art operating controls with elastic circuits

Researchers have succeeded in manufacturing circuit paths on thin, elastic foil made of silicone. Since these are relatively insensitive to compression and elongation strain, the electrical circuits can adapt to the curvature of appliances.