Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that modeling secondary light emission as Raman scattering can predict its dependence on laser power and wavelength, leading to improved biological and medical imaging modalities. This breakthrough has significant implications for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
A new form of high-performance solar photocatalyst has been developed by combining TiO2 with metallic oxides, enhancing visible light absorption and efficient utilization of the solar spectrum. The material demonstrates 27 times larger photocatalytic activities than a single-layer TiO2 film.
Researchers developed precise monitoring systems by analyzing gut microbiota of invasive Asian carp and native gizzard shad, revealing key differences between species. The study uses next-generation gene sequencing technology to identify biomarkers for each species, promising a new approach to preventing their spread in the Great Lakes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new microfluidic approach to assemble functional materials, including polypeptides and nanostructures. The technique uses tailored flows in microfluidic devices to control the assembly process, enabling reproducible fabrication of advanced materials.
A new MRI technique has been developed with a spatial resolution of roughly 10 nanometers, significantly improving sensitivity. The team used a novel protocol and nanoscale metal constriction to overcome obstacles in applying classic pulsed magnetic resonance techniques.
Researchers have directly visualized magnetic charge crystallization in an artificial spin ice material for the first time. The team developed a new annealing protocol to realize the full potential of complex magnetic interactions in these materials.
Researchers developed a combined approach of MicroCT-based visualization and microfluidic-based electrochemical analysis to correlate changes in electrode performance with catalyst layer structure. This allows for systematic investigation of electrode-based electrochemical processes and guides electrode optimization for improved cataly...
Researchers from the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering have developed a new process called QuickRec, which allows steps in a process to be retraced to learn where bugs occurred. This prototype is a multicore record and replay system for multithreaded programs, enabling secure and efficient debugging.
University of Illinois researchers create the first bridge between optomechanics and microfluidics, enabling the study of mechanical vibrations in liquids. The technology has potential applications in biosensors, fluid analysis, and optical control of fluid flow.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new flow-based method for manipulating and confining single particles in free solution, addressing current challenges in nanoscience. The microfluidic trap enables precise positioning control over tiny nanoparticles, enabling exploration of new technologies.
Researchers developed a new laboratory method to detect and measure the mechanics of single-molecule interactions, revealing a well-defined 'quantum of force' required to activate cell adhesion. The findings have broad applications for research into stem cells, cancer, infectious disease, and immunology.
University of Illinois researchers created a novel approach to produce highly uniform Pt icosahedral nanocrystals using the hot injection-assisted GRAILS method. The synthesis results in high-purity products with ideal models for studying structure-property relationships.
Researchers have created a digital camera with a design inspired by the arthropod eye, offering exceptionally wide-angle fields of view and low aberrations. The camera uses large arrays of tiny focusing lenses and miniaturized detectors in hemispherical layouts, providing unmatched field of view and other powerful capabilities in imaging.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new material approach that enhances visible light absorption in titanium dioxide, leading to increased solar cell efficiency. This breakthrough has significant implications for clean energy production, waste water purification, and other applications.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to measure nanometer-scale infrared absorption in semiconductor plasmonic microparticles. This allows for direct observation of plasmonic behavior within microparticle infrared antennas, enabling confirmation of theoretical models and design parameters.
An interdisciplinary team has successfully depleted electrons from the bulk of topological insulators, demonstrating superconducting surface states. This breakthrough enables experimentation with TIs and paves the way for investigating the Majorana quasiparticle, a fermion that could serve as a quantum bit in quantum computing.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a novel technique called atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) to measure chemical properties of polymer nanostructures as small as 15 nm. This technique enables accurate identification of material composition, crucial for applications in semiconductors, composite mat...
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a novel, ultra-sensitive tool for chemical, DNA, and protein analysis using nanoscale Lycurgus cup arrays. The sensor boasts 100 times better sensitivity than existing devices, enabling low-cost, simple, and sensitive detection methods.
Lab-on-a-chip technologies use micro-fabrication techniques to integrate various laboratory functions onto microchips. Researchers have demonstrated the ability to heat nanoliter volume droplets individually and in an array using VLSI silicon-based devices, enabling biochemical reactions and DNA melting detection.
For the first time, researchers have observed how reducing dimensions affects ferroelectrics' susceptibility to size- and strain-induced effects. This work provides a detailed modeling and experimental study of pyroelectricity, with direct implications for next-generation devices.
Researchers have created a new type of nanometer-scale diamond tip for thermal processing, which exhibits exceptional wear resistance and durability. The tip can scan surfaces for distances exceeding 1.2 meters without measurable wear, opening up new possibilities for AFM applications.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool using atomic force microscope based infrared spectroscopy to characterize polymer nanostructures and identify integrated materials. The technique allows for chemical analysis of polymer lines as small as 100 nm, enabling critically needed metrology for nano-manufacturing.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for manipulating nanoparticles using low-power optical nanotweezers. The method, which operates at average power levels 100x lower than standard laser pointers, enables precise trapping and probing of fragile biological samples.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for nanoscale thermal analysis, enabling rapid measurements on stiff materials. This method uses magnetic actuation to modulate the tip-sample force near the atomic scale.
Researchers at University of Illinois have demonstrated the use of arrays of gold Bowtie Nanoantenna Arrays for multipurpose optical trapping and manipulation of submicrometer- to micrometer-sized objects. This enables highly efficient, optical tweezers with low-input power densities, useful for optofluidic applications and manipulatin...
A new kind of electro-thermal nanoprobe can independently control voltage and temperature at a nanometer-scale point contact. This probe enables the measurement of nanometer-scale properties of materials such as semiconductors, thermoelectrics, and ferroelectrics.
Researchers found that defects in graphene improve its chemical sensing capabilities, leading to potential breakthroughs in gas detection technology. The study suggests that micrometer-sized line defects can enhance the sensitivity of graphene sensors.
Professor Boppart discusses the importance of federal funds for research in medical imaging, enabling diagnosis and improving healthcare. He highlights the potential of optical coherence tomography to reduce re-operations and develop compact imaging devices for primary care physicians.
Researchers recorded tsunami airglow signature using camera system in Maui, Hawaii, one hour before the event. The observation confirms a theory that tsunamis can produce atmospheric gravity waves detectable by satellite imaging.
Jean-Pierre Leburton has been elected to the Royal Academy of Belgium's newest class, Technology and Society, due to his expertise in nanotechnology. He was also a collaborator with Belgian colleagues on research projects, which contributed to his selection.
Researchers developed a new 3D printing method that enables the creation of electrically small antennas with improved performance metrics. The technique uses metallic nanoparticle inks and can be applied to various surfaces, including hemispherical substrates.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a model for interacting electrons in unconventional superconductors by mimicking the behavior of charged black holes. This work resolves the Mott problem, which has puzzled physicists for decades, and sheds light on the origin of superconductivity in copper oxide materials.