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Ultra-large single-crystal WS2 monolayer

Researchers develop new epitaxial growth mechanism to achieve large-scale single-crystal WS2 monolayers, overcoming a crucial hurdle in replacing silicon with 2D materials. The technique enables uniform alignment of small crystals and leads to the successful growth of wafer-scale single-crystals of WS2, MoS2, WSe2, and MoSe2.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Researchers observe marcus inverted region of charge transfer from low-dimensional semiconductor materials

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics observed the Marcus inverted region in charge transfer from low-dimensional semiconductor materials. This finding reveals a new understanding of the fundamental energetics dependence of electron transfer, benefiting energy conversion applications of these materials.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 12, 2021

Nano dominoes with molecules

Researchers successfully manipulated a single molecule into an upright position and measured its stability, gaining insights towards fabricating electrical components and circuits at the atomic level. The findings have potential applications in creating ultrasensitive sensors, quantum dots, and quantum computers.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

Having your cake and eating it too: double-dosing induces magnetism while strengthening topological insulator

A University of Wollongong team has combined two doping elements to achieve new efficiencies in the topological insulator Bi2Se3. The resulting crystals show clear ferromagnetic ordering, a large band gap, high electronic mobility, and the opening of a surface state gap.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Ultra-thin crystals as light sources in lasers

Researchers have successfully demonstrated laser emission from ultra-thin crystals consisting of three atomic layers, a breakthrough that could lead to miniaturized circuits and future quantum applications. The discovery showcases the potential of these materials as a platform for new nanolasers capable of operating at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Army grants to bolster unique, new semiconductor fabrication facility

The Army Research Office and Army Research Laboratory have awarded $5.4 million in grants to support the development of a unique silicon carbide semiconductor fabrication facility at the University of Arkansas. Researchers will focus on producing energy-efficient and heat-resistant integrated circuits for military applications.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateOct 29, 2021

Innovative chip built by UCPH physicists resolves quantum headache

Researchers at University of Copenhagen have developed a new quantum circuit that can operate and measure all four qubits simultaneously. This breakthrough resolves a significant engineering headache in the development of large functional quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPRX Quantum·DateOct 29, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

On-water creation of conducting MOF nanosheets

Scientists at Osaka Prefecture University developed a novel method for creating uniform, electrically conductive nanosheets using oil and water interfaces. The approach resulted in highly organized three-dimensional nanostructures with high electrical conductivity, offering potential applications in energy devices and sensors.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

SMART researchers discover new way to generate light through use of pre-existing defects in semiconductor materials

SMART researchers have discovered a practical method to overcome current challenges in the manufacture of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LEDs with considerably higher indium concentration. The new approach uses intrinsic defects in semiconducting materials to form quantum dots that emit long-wavelength light.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

New synthesis process paves way for more efficient lasers, LEDs

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new synthesis process that increases the number of holes in p-type III-nitride semiconductor materials, leading to more efficient LEDs and lasers. This breakthrough could also help address the long-lasting problem called the 'green gap' in LED technology.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully engineered microbes to produce novel chemicals and developed a new technique for studying enzyme reactions in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to the production of sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals, and renewable plastics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Stress can be good for you

UNSW researchers stabilize a new intermediate phase in a room-temperature multiferroic material under stress, boosting electromechanical response by double its usual value. This breakthrough has exciting implications for next-generation devices and provides a valuable technique for international material scientists.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Optically generated quantum fluids of light reveal exotic matter-wave states in condensed matter physics

Scientists from Skoltech and the University of Southampton created an all-optical lattice that houses polaritons, quasiparticles with half-light and half-matter properties. They demonstrated breakthrough results for condensed matter physics and flatband engineering.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Quantum dots enable infrared lasing at room temperature for silicon photonics

Colloidal quantum dot technology enables infrared lasing at room temperature, paving the way for low-cost solution-processed and CMOS integrated lasing sources. The breakthrough discovery may facilitate fully integrated silicon photonics, enabling lower power consumption, higher data rates, and multi-spectral 3D imaging capabilities.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

Quantum materials cut closer than ever

Researchers at DTU have developed a new method for designing nanomaterials with unprecedented precision, allowing for the creation of compact and electrically tunable metalenses. This breakthrough enables the development of high-speed communication and biotechnology applications.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 13, 2021

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2021

NSF to fund revolutionary center for optoelectronic, quantum technologies

The Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand will develop new semiconductor materials and scalable manufacturing processes for applications in displays, sensors, and quantum communication. The center aims to connect academic research with industrial and governmental needs, educating a diverse STEM workforce.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 9, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New substance classes for nanomaterials: Nano spheres and diamond slivers made of silicon and germanium

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and Bonn have synthesized molecular nano spheres made of silicon atoms, known as silafulleranes, which can encapsulate chloride ions. The discovery of these new compounds may lead to improved applications in electronics, solar cells, and batteries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

21.4% record efficiency for flexible CIGS solar cells

Scientists at Empa have pushed flexible solar cell efficiency to a new limit, achieving 21.4% conversion rate. The study's findings also show that the technology remains stable after exposure to combined heat and illumination.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·DateSep 7, 2021

Helping semiconductors find a cooler way to relax

A study from KAUST found that interface and bandgap engineering can significantly slow down the relaxation of 'hot' electrons in semiconductors, increasing their lifetimes. This innovation has potential applications in solar cells, which could improve efficiency by reducing heat loss.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Actuator discovery outperforms existing technology

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed an electrochemical actuator that utilizes organic semiconductor nanotubes, exhibiting high performance and tunable dynamics in liquid and gel-polymer electrolytes. The device demonstrates excellent stability, low power consumption, and fast response time.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 3, 2021

Nano ‘camera’ made using molecular glue allows real-time monitoring of chemical reactions

A team from the University of Cambridge developed a nano 'camera' that harnesses light within semiconductor nanocrystals to induce electron transfer processes, allowing for the real-time monitoring of chemical reactions. The platform can be used to study various molecules and their potential applications in renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

LED material shines under strain

Berkeley Lab researchers developed a method to increase the efficiency of LED devices by applying mechanical strain to thin semiconductor films. This approach reduces exciton annihilation, allowing for high-performance LEDs even at high brightness levels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Solar gains stack up

Researchers have developed a new structure and materials for tandem solar cells, enabling more light to be captured and energy converted effectively. The n-i-p configuration achieved a significant improvement in power-conversion efficiency, exceeding 27%, surpassing previous best values.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

Accessing high-spins in an artificial atom

Osaka University researchers demonstrate the readout of spin-polarized multielectron states composed of three or four electrons on a semiconductor quantum dot. This breakthrough may lead to quantum computers utilizing high-spin states, enabling faster and higher-capacity processing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Home-grown semiconductors for faster, smaller electronics

Researchers create transistors with an ultra-thin metal gate grown as part of the semiconductor crystal, eliminating oxidation scattering. This design improves device performance in high-frequency applications, quantum computing, and qubit applications.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Weakly-bonded salt is a key ingredient for high-purity Li@C60 film

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba successfully grow a Li@C60 film on a copper surface, studying its molecular orbitals and enabling transport of electrons. The new method uses a salt with a larger, less strongly bound anion to form a stable monolayer.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateAug 18, 2021

Minding the gaps to boost perovskite performance

KAUST researchers have developed a multifunctional molecule, phenformin hydrochloride, to plug various atomic-scale defects in perovskite solar materials. This innovation significantly improves the longevity and electrical output of perovskite solar cells, with boosted power conversion efficiencies reaching up to 20.5%.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Infrared detector for smartphones and autonomous vehicles

The new infrared detector can make two technically important ranges of infrared radiation visible, previously not covered by conventional photodiodes. The sensor can distinguish between substances based on their different absorption properties in the NIR and SWIR range.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalACS Photonics·DateAug 17, 2021

Heavily enriched: An energy-efficient way of enriching hydrogen isotopes in silicon

Researchers at Nagoya City University find a fourfold increase in surface deuterium atoms on nanocrystalline silicon, paving the way for sustainable deuterium enrichment protocols. The efficient exchange reaction could lead to more durable semiconductor technology and potentially purify tritium contaminated water.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Decades of research brings quantum dots to brink of widespread use

A new Science article assesses the technological progress of colloidal quantum dots, which have become industrial-grade materials for a range of technologies. Advances include first demonstration of colloidal quantum dot lasing, discovery of carrier multiplication and pioneering research into LEDs and luminescent solar concentrators.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021

Researchers discover new strategy for developing human-integrated electronics

Scientists at the University of Chicago have developed a new approach called click-to-polymer (CLIP) to attach functional units to polymer semiconductors, overcoming limitations in their functionality. The CLIP method enables the creation of multifunctional conjugated polymers for human-integrated electronics, including disease detecto...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Siddha Pimputkar recognized for early-career success in crystal growth

Siddha Pimputkar, an assistant professor at Lehigh University, has received the American Association for Crystal Growth (AACG) Young Scientist Award for his outstanding contributions to crystal growth. His research focuses on synthesizing bulk and thin-film single-crystal nitrogen-containing materials.

SourceLehigh University·DateAug 2, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Heterogeneous epitaxy of semiconductors targeting the post-Moore era

Researchers achieve continuous and flat nearly single-crystalline nitride films on amorphous glass substrate via van der Walls strategy. The development of this technology promises a universal method for improving the incorporation of Indium in III-nitrides.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2021

UCLA engineers bend light to enhance wavelength conversion

The UCLA-led team has devised a solution to enhance wavelength-conversion efficiency by exploring semiconductor surface states. Incoming light is bent using a nanoantenna array, allowing for easy and efficient conversion of wavelengths.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2021

Non-linear effects in coupled optical microcavities

Exciton-polaritons exhibit non-linear effects, including Bose-Einstein condensation and polariton lasing without occupation inversion. The study reveals energy-degenerate parametric scattering of polaritons and opens up new avenues for research on multi-level polariton systems.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Putting a strain on semiconductors for next-gen chips

Skoltech researchers create a neural network that can guide the controlled deformation of semiconductor crystals, enabling superior properties for next-gen chips and solar cells. The approach combines various data sources and active learning to boost accuracy and convergence.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJul 14, 2021

A crystal made of electrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have produced a crystal consisting exclusively of electrons, overcoming previous obstacles due to the low mass and high motional energy of electrons. The team used light to excite excitons in the semiconductor layer, allowing them to visualize the periodic arrangement of electrons.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New study presents tip-induced nano-engineering of strain, bandgap, and exciton funneling in 2D semiconductors

Researchers at UNIST have successfully controlled the physical properties of naturally-formed nanoscale wrinkles in 2D semiconductors. The team developed a hyperspectral adaptive tip-enhanced photoluminescence spectroscopy approach to investigate and control the nano-optical and excitonic properties of wrinkles.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 9, 2021

Achieving UV nonlinearity with a wide bandgap semiconductor waveguide

Researchers achieved giant nonlinearity of UV hybrid light-matter states up to room temperature in a wide bandgap semiconductor material. This breakthrough enables the development of new on-chip ultrafast spectroscopy devices with unprecedented sensitivity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2021

Evolutional history of metal chalcogenide supertetrahedral clusters

Research on metal chalcogenide supertetrahedral clusters has explored their composition-structure-property relationships, functionality, and applications. The evolution of MCSCs has led to the development of new frameworks, discretization in superlattices, and site-dependent properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 7, 2021

How quantum dots can 'talk' to each other

Researchers have successfully simulated the interaction of two quantum dots, exchanging energy controlled by light. The study's results are promising for experimental research and development in various fields, including qubit development and photocatalysis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateJun 3, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Making the shift from blue to red for better LEDs

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed a more efficient red micro-LED, emitting light with high color purity and quantum efficiency. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of full-color displays using just a single semiconductor.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 9, 2021

Scientists capture first ever image of an electron's orbit within an exciton

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have captured the first-ever image of an electron's orbit within an exciton using a revolutionary technique. The image shows the distribution of an electron around a hole inside an exciton, providing new insights into the nature of these fleeting particles.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

6G technology: Domestic trio working on tomorrow's mobile communications

A European consortium is working on the technical feasibility of 6G technology, specifically RadioWeaves, which enables real-time data transmission with a dense network of access points. This technology has opportunities for industries such as sports stadiums, where it could provide wireless power and precise location tracking.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateApr 20, 2021

A breakthrough that enables practical semiconductor spintronics

Scientists have constructed a semiconductor component that allows for efficient information exchange between electron spin and light at room temperature. The new method uses an opto-spintronic nanostructure with quantum dots to control the electron spin of the nanoscale regions, achieving higher spin polarization than previous research.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 8, 2021

Sussex scientists develop ultra-thin terahertz source

Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed an extremely thin, large-area semiconductor surface source of terahertz radiation, opening up opportunities for anti-counterfeiting and 'the internet of things'. The new development is 10 times thinner than previously achieved, with comparable or even better performances.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2021

Discovery of non-toxic semiconductors with a direct band gap in the near-infrared

Researchers at NIMS and Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a non-toxic semiconductor with a direct band gap in the near-infrared range. The compound, Ca3SiO, exhibits great potential to serve as a direct transition semiconductor, potentially replacing toxic elements like mercury and cadmium in existing infrared semiconductors.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateMar 23, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.