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The constructive role of noise

Researchers discovered coherent resonance and stochastic resonance in an excitable semiconductor superlattice, enabling faster detection of weak signals. This breakthrough can be used to extract information from noisy data, analyze astronomical observations, and process image signals.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2018

Commercially relevant bismuth-based thin film processing

Researchers at Osaka University developed a two-step process to produce materials with good morphological properties and excellent photoresistor performance. The technique improves photo response performance by up to 100 times compared to other methods, making bismuth sulfide a promising material for optoelectronic devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateSep 19, 2018

Artificial synaptic device simulating the function of human brain

Researchers at DGIST developed an artificial synaptic device that simulates the human brain's memory function. The device uses tantalum oxide to mimic synapses and has overcome durability limitations of current devices. It can store multiple values, reducing power consumption by over one-thousandth compared to digital signals.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 6, 2018

Extreme conditions in semiconductors

Researchers from the Universities of Konstanz and Paderborn have successfully demonstrated Wannier-Stark localization in a high-purity gallium arsenide crystal. This state results in drastic changes to the electronic structure of the crystal, leading to extreme optical nonlinearity and potential chemical reactivity.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2018

Individual quantum dots imaged in 3-D for first time

A new imaging technique uses a super sharp needle to nudge individual nanoparticles into different orientations, capturing 2D images to reconstruct 3D pictures. This method allows for the observation of defects in nanostructures like semiconductors and proteins, which can lead to better characterization and control of their production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 27, 2018

The building of innovation

The Lehigh University team is building a new High Pressure Spatial chemical vapor deposition (HPS-CVD) reactor to create new materials with extreme conditions. The device will enable the growth of III-nitride and oxynitride semiconductors, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions and innovative technologies.

Hidden properties of solids

Researchers at UCSB have successfully measured Berry curvature in solid matter for the first time using a unique laser experiment. This breakthrough has significant implications for designing new materials with optimized Berry curvature for applications in electronic and optical devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 21, 2017

Artificial 'skin' gives robotic hand a sense of touch

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new form of stretchable electronics that can serve as an artificial skin, allowing a robotic hand to sense temperature differences. The breakthrough enables the creation of biomedical devices such as health monitors and medical implants with improved functionality.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 13, 2017

Nanoparticles could spur better LEDs, invisibility cloaks

A University of Michigan team has created a method to add metallic nanoparticles into semiconductors with virtually no added manufacturing cost. The process enhances LED lighting efficiency and allows for precise control over the distribution of particles, potentially enabling future applications such as invisibility cloaks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 19, 2017

'Magic' alloy could spur next generation of solar cells

Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2017