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Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science


Shrinking qubits for quantum computing with atom-thin materials

Using 2D materials, researchers have built superconducting qubits that are significantly smaller than previous designs. The new capacitors store energy without interfering with qubit information storage. This breakthrough paves the way for smaller quantum computers and could lead to new applications of 2D materials.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

New device modulates visible light—without dimming it—with the smallest footprint and lowest power consumption

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a compact and power-efficient phase modulator that can control the phase of visible light waves. This breakthrough enables large-scale integration of devices for applications such as chip-scale LIDAR, AR/VR goggles, and quantum information processing chips.

Researchers use new x-ray technique to conserve Henry VIII’s favorite warship

A multidisciplinary team of researchers used a new X-ray technique to discover zinc-containing nanoparticles lodged within the wooden hull of the Mary Rose, leading to its deterioration. The nanoparticles, likely from anaerobic bacteria, have been found in conjunction with polymer deposits that were added to preserve the ship's remains.

Bringing order to chaotic bubbles can make mining more sustainable

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new technique to structure chaotic bubbles, enabling more efficient separation of useful metals from useless particles. This method uses vibrations to control the motion of bubbles, leading to reduced energy and water usage in mining.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2021

New neuroelectronic system can read and modify brain circuits

A Columbia University team designed a high-performance implantable system that can read and modify brain signals, suppressing pathological coupling in epileptic animal models. The multiplex-then-amplify (MTA) system enables simultaneous stimulation of arbitrary waveforms on multiple independent channels.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Twistoptics--A new way to control optical nonlinearity

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new technique to control optical nonlinearity in 2D materials. The twistoptics approach enables giant nonlinear optical responses in small volumes, leading to compact laser systems and potential applications in quantum computing, spectroscopy,...

NSF funds a robot teleoperation system that could transform the manufacturing workforce

Researchers at Columbia University are developing a novel platform to enable factory workers to work remotely using a robot teleoperation system. The system will allow workers to specify high-level task goals without expert knowledge of the robot hardware and configuration, enabling greater job access for workers regardless of geograph...

New technique extends next-generation lithium metal batteries

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that adding potassium ions to conventional lithium battery electrolytes prevents lithium microstructure proliferation, ultimately limiting the growth of dendrites that can cause short-circuiting and fires. This breakthrough enables stable lithium metal batteries with improved performance.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateNov 4, 2020

Robotic trunk support trainer improves upper body control of children with cerebral palsy

A new robotic device called TruST helps children with cerebral palsy improve their trunk and reaching control, allowing them to sit stably and perform daily activities without assistance. After a two-year pilot study, four children aged 6-14 showed significant postural and reaching control improvements.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateOct 22, 2020

Researchers use lab-grown tissue grafts for personalized joint replacement

A multidisciplinary team has bioengineered living cartilage-bone TMJ grafts using the recipient's own cells, demonstrating effectiveness in a clinically sized swine model. The grafts integrated well with surrounding tissues and provided biological and mechanical function similar to the native joint.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2020

Severely damaged human lungs can now be successfully recovered

A multidisciplinary team from Columbia Engineering and Vanderbilt University has successfully recovered severely injured donor lungs using a cross-circulation platform. This method provides intrinsic biological repair mechanisms over long periods, enabling the recovery of lungs that cannot be saved by standard clinical EVLP.

2D semiconductors found to be close-to-ideal fractional quantum hall platform

Researchers at Columbia University have observed fractional quantum Hall states (FQHS) in a monolayer 2D semiconductor, demonstrating excellent intrinsic quality and establishing it as a unique test platform for studying FQHS. The study reveals unexpected behavior and suggests that 2D semiconductors are close-to-ideal platforms to furt...

Discovering how the brain works through computation

A team led by Christos Papadimitriou proposes a new computational system, the Assembly Calculus, that encompasses operations on assemblies of neurons involved in cognitive processes. The system is consistent with recent experimental results and has been demonstrated to be plausibly realizable at the level of neurons and synapses.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2020

New view on how tissues flow in the embryo

Scientists at Columbia University developed a new method to analyze cell shapes in fruit fly embryos, revealing that tissues can behave like fluids during rapid changes. By combining experimental studies with theoretical modeling, the team found that anisotropy plays a crucial role in predicting tissue flow and elongation.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2020