Metamaterial uses light to control its motion

Researchers have designed a device that uses light to manipulate its mechanical properties. The device, which was fabricated using a plasmomechanical metamaterial, operates through a unique mechanism that couples its optical and mechanical resonances, enabling it to oscillate indefinitely using energy absorbed from light.

Electron spins talk to each other via a 'quantum mediator'

Scientists have succeeded for the first time in enabling two non-neighbouring quantum bits in the form of electron spins in semiconductors to communicate with each other.

Three ways organic electronics is changing technology as we know it (w/videos)

One day, your latest gadget won't be in your pocket like a phone or even wrapped around your wrist like a smartwatch, but stuck to your skin like a transparent plaster.

Researchers turn nanorods into multistate switches with an electron beam

Researchers have discovered how to subtly change the interior structure of semi-hollow nanorods in a way that alters how they interact with light, and because the changes are reversible, the method could form the basis of a nanoscale switch with enormous potential.

Researchers develop methods to control defects in graphene

Researchers have developed methods to control defects in two-dimensional materials, such as graphene, that may lead to improved membranes for water desalination, energy storage, sensing or advanced protective coatings.

'Sensing skin' detects cracks, harmful chemicals in structures

Scientists have developed a multi-layered 'sensing skin' to detect corrosive or otherwise harmful substances in structures. The skin can also detect cracks and other structural flaws that are invisible to the naked eye.

Future Information Technologies: New combinations of materials for producing magnetic monopoles

An international collaboration has discovered a new method to inscribe exotic magnetic patterns such as magnetic monopoles into thin ferromagnetic films. Such unconventional orientation of magnetic domains might open a new path for the design of energy efficient data storage.