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American Institute of Physics


Microwave imaging of the breast

Researchers have developed a microwave imaging system that can produce 3D images of the breast, including the location of cancerous tissue. The system uses dielectric properties to differentiate between normal and cancerous tissue, offering better specificity than current methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateDec 16, 2014

Nanoscale resistors for quantum devices

Researchers have created high-value, compact nanoscale resistors using thin-film chromium oxide, enabling faster development of quantum devices for computing and fundamental physics research. The new resistors can be tuned by controlling oxygen content, making them compatible with quantum phase-slip circuit requirements.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 9, 2014

Space: The final frontier in silicon chemistry

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have detected silicon and nitrogen-terminated carbon chain molecules in interstellar space using laboratory experiments. The discovery provides valuable information on the formation mechanisms of these molecules and their potential impact on understanding the chemical composition of the universe.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 11, 2014

Disorder + disorder = more disorder?

Researchers discovered a counterintuitive effect where structural disorder counters thermal disorder in certain systems, leading to lower overall disorder. The study focused on charged fluids and found that disordered charges interact strongly with mobile ions to oppose the effects of thermal disorder.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 4, 2014

Taking thin films to the extreme

Harvard University researchers demonstrate ability to paint ultra-thin coatings onto rough surfaces using thin-film interference, enabling lightweight decorative logos on spacecraft. The technology also holds promise for making flexible electronic devices and advanced solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 30, 2014

'Bendy' LEDs

A Korean research team has successfully grown gallium nitride micro-rods on graphene substrates, enabling the creation of bendable light-emitting diodes. The technology has significant implications for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateSep 23, 2014

Making quantum dots glow brighter

Researchers have discovered a way to control the properties of quantum dots by using ultrathin layers of metal oxides. This new approach makes quantum dots glow brighter and enhances their emission efficiency, which is crucial for applications such as sensors, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 16, 2014

Artificial membranes on silicon

Researchers have developed a new technology to create artificial membranes on silicon surfaces, mimicking those found in living organisms. The process uses commercial chemicals and is the first time anyone has made an artificial membrane without mixing liquid solvents together.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

Organic photovoltaic cells of the future

A team of researchers has developed a method to determine the absolute value of charge formation efficiency in organic photovoltaic cells, enabling high-throughput screening of materials. The technique, combining two types of spectroscopy, reveals a high charge formation efficiency even at low temperatures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 19, 2014

3-in-1 optical skin cancer probe

Researchers have developed a 3-in-1 optical probe that combines spectroscopic techniques to detect cancerous skin lesions. The device may reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing a clear picture of which skin lesions are most likely cancerous, potentially saving lives.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateAug 5, 2014

Diamond defect interior design

Scientists have created a way to plant imperfections called 'NV centers' at specific spots within a diamond lattice, advancing quantum computing and atomic-scale measurement. The technique successfully localized NV centers within a cavity approximately 180 nanometers across.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 5, 2014

Mysterious molecules in space

Researchers at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics propose that silicon-capped hydrocarbons like SiC3H, SiC4H and SiC5H may be responsible for the diffuse interstellar bands. The team analyzed laboratory spectra and theoretical calculations to support their hypothesis.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 29, 2014

A new multi-bit 'spin' for MRAM storage

A France-US research team reports a new multi-bit MRAM storage paradigm that can store up to 4 bits per cell, rivaling flash memory in terms of storage density. The technology uses Crocus Technology's proprietary Magnetic Logic Unit (MLU) technology to remotely control a sensor to probe magnetic configurations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 22, 2014

Fly-inspired sound detector

A team of researchers developed a tiny prototype device that mimics the parasitic fly's freakishly acute hearing mechanism, which may be useful for new generation of hypersensitive hearing aids. The device uses piezoelectric materials to turn mechanical strain into electric signals, minimizing power consumption.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 22, 2014

Directly visualizing hydrogen bonds

Chemists have made a breakthrough in visualizing hydrogen bond interactions, which play a key role in biological molecules and pharmaceuticals. Using two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy techniques, researchers directly observed the coordinated vibrations between hydrogen-bonded molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 15, 2014

Ghost writing the whip

Researchers at National University of Singapore develop marked ghost imaging technology to secure stored or shared electronic data. The technology hides data contents in multiple foggy files, making it harder for hackers to access.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 24, 2014

New technology: The goose bump sensor

A team of researchers at KAIST has developed a flexible, wearable sensor that can directly measure goose bumps on the skin, which is caused by sudden changes in body temperature or emotional states. The sensor uses a coplanar capacitor and detects piloerection through a simple linear relation between deformation and capacitance change.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 24, 2014

Swell new sensors

Researchers at MIT's Quantum Photonics Laboratory have developed novel optical sensors with predicted detection levels in the parts-per-billion range. The sensors use microscopic polymer light resonators that expand in the presence of specific gases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 17, 2014

Vanishing da Vinci

A team of researchers developed a new approach to identify and quantify chromophores in ancient paper, which contributes to the understanding of visual degradation processes. The study applied this technique to Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait, revealing its degradation state and providing insights into environmental conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 3, 2014

Here come the 'brobots'

Researchers have developed sperm-inspired microrobots that can be controlled by oscillating weak magnetic fields, enabling applications such as targeted drug delivery and in vitro fertilization. The robots consist of a head coated in a thick cobalt-nickel layer and an uncoated tail, propelled forward by magnetic torque.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 2, 2014

Smaller accelerators for particle physics?

Smaller laser-plasma accelerators could accelerate particles to high energies, potentially reducing the cost of high-energy physics research and industrial applications. The new technology uses a combination of lasers to create an incoherent wakefield, which would allow for more sustainable and affordable accelerators.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMay 27, 2014

Water caged in buckyballs

Water molecules were successfully trapped inside fullerene spheres (buckyballs) to study spin isomers, with 70-90% filled cages observed. The results show a second-order rate law in spin conversion, highlighting the importance of molecular interactions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 20, 2014