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Tension in the nanoworld

A team of researchers at CIC nanoGUNE and Max Planck Institutes developed a non-invasive method to map strain fields in semiconductors using scattering-type Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM). The technique resolves nanoscale material properties with 20 nm spatial resolution.

Light-speed nanotech: Controlling the nature of graphene

Researchers have discovered a new method to control graphene's properties by growing it on different surfaces. The results show that the chemistry of the surface plays a key role in shaping the material's conductive properties, allowing for the creation of either metallic or semiconductor graphene.

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.

K-State engineers helping develop energy-harvesting radios

Kansas State University engineers are creating an energy-harvesting radio that can transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for battery changes. The technology has potential applications in monitoring stress, temperature, and pressure on bridges and other structures.

The clear future of electronics

Researchers have developed a transparent resistive random access memory (TRRAM) chip, enabling see-through electronic systems. The technology may drive new directions in electronics, allowing for more compact devices and cheaper manufacturing.

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.

New nanocluster to boost thin films for semiconductors

Researchers at University of Oregon have synthesized a new metal-hydroxide compound with high yields, potentially leading to greener semiconductor processes. The discovery uses a novel additive to optimize crystallization, allowing for rapid production of nanoclusters suitable for large-area applications.

The shape of things to come

Researchers have developed a sensor array that can conform to irregular surfaces, enabling the creation of an eye-shaped camera with improved image quality. The technology has promise for applications such as advanced health monitors and prosthetic devices.

Super-resolution X-ray microscopy

The novel microscope combines high penetration power with spatial resolution, allowing for the detailed composition of semiconductor devices and cellular structures to be analyzed. This breakthrough technique has far-reaching implications for improving semiconductor production and life science microscopy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Melting defects could lead to smaller, more powerful microchips

Princeton engineers have created a process that can literally melt away tiny defects on microchips, enabling precise shaping of components without increasing fabrication cost. The method, called Self-Perfection by Liquefaction (SPEL), uses a light pulse from an excimer laser to guide the resulting flow of liquid into desired shapes.

NIST micro sensor and micro fridge make cool pair

Researchers at NIST have combined a transition-edge sensor with a microrefrigerator on a single microchip, achieving the first cooling of a fully functional detector. The combo chip offers the possibility of faster and cheaper precision analysis of materials like semiconductors and stardust.

Single-crystal semiconductor wire built into an optical fiber

A team from Penn State University and the University of Southampton created a single-crystal semiconductor inside an optical fiber, overcoming performance degradation between fibers and devices. The new device enables faster and more efficient electronic signals, opening up potential for next-level applications in various fields.

Job-related stress: NIST demonstrates fatigue effects in silicon

Researchers at NIST have shown that silicon crystals can develop cracks and breakdown under mechanical stress, contrary to conventional wisdom. The team's findings have significant implications for the design of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices, which are critical components in various industries.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Semiconductor membrane mimics biological behavior of ion channels

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a semiconductor membrane that can mimic the operation of biological ion channels, with applications in single-molecule detection, protein filtering, and DNA sequencing. The membrane uses electrostatic potentials to regulate charged species and ions, offering a degree of tunability ...

Electronic 'crowd behavior' revealed in semiconductors

Researchers at JILA discovered a previously unseen type of collective electronic behavior in semiconductors, shedding light on interactions between microscopic particles. The study used ultrafast lasers to analyze the phase shift of light, confirming the importance of collective exciton behavior and its superiority over simpler models.

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.

New '1/f noise' discovery promises to improve semiconductor-based sensors

Researchers from the US, Norway, and Russia have identified the origin of 1/f noise in semiconductor electronics, which could lead to more sensitive sensors and detectors. The study found that the noise arises from the random distribution of impurities and electron interactions in a state called Coulomb glass.

Placing single nanowires: NIST makes the connection

Researchers at NIST have devised a system for manipulating and positioning individual nanowires using optical microscopy and conventional photolithographic processing. They can fabricate sophisticated test structures to explore the properties of nanowires with high control, enabling the creation of elaborate structures for testing.

Device uses solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into fuel

Chemists at UCSD develop a device that captures sunlight, converts it to electrical energy, and splits carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen. This process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, produce industrial chemicals, and save fuel.

NASA Goddard's nanotechnology comes to market

NASA Goddard's carbon nanotubes are stronger than steel and can conduct electricity like copper, with applications in materials science, electronics, and medicine. The technology has been licensed to Idaho Space Materials, making it more accessible for research and development.

UW-Madison team invents fast, flexible computer chips on plastic

A UW-Madison team has developed a new process to create thin-film semiconductors on flexible materials, enabling the creation of powerful, low-power electronic devices. The technique can be used to make wearable electronics, computer monitors that roll up like a window shade, and other applications for non-computer uses.

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.

Paint-on semiconductor outperforms chips

A new paint-on semiconductor device has been developed by researchers at the University of Toronto, surpassing traditional methods in terms of cost and performance. The device, created using a liquid painting process, boasts exceptional sensitivity to infrared rays and is approximately ten times more sensitive than current sensors.

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.

UI receives $615,208 federal grant to develop new semiconductor chip

The University of Iowa is part of a five-year Department of Defense grant to develop a multifunctional chip using spin technology. This chip could revolutionize computing and storage capabilities in small portable devices like cell phones, reducing power consumption and increasing efficiency.

NIST method may help optimize light-emitting semiconductors

Researchers at JILA use a novel laser technique to study semiconductor materials, revealing correlated oscillations that can aid in predicting emission frequencies. The approach, developed for probing molecular structure, offers new insights into electronic properties of semiconductors.

Breakthrough computer chip lithography method developed at RIT

A new computer chip lithography method, evanescent wave lithography (EWL), has been developed at Rochester Institute of Technology, allowing for optically imaging the smallest-ever semiconductor device geometry. The breakthrough has enabled resolution smaller than one-twentieth the wavelength of visible light, surpassing previous limits.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Nanoscientists provide new picture of semiconductor material

Researchers found the surface structure to be arranged differently than previously thought, with groups of four atoms in one direction but three in the other. This discovery could help scientists understand how to use cubic gallium nitride as a new semiconductor material.

T. P. Ma, pioneer of integrated circuitry, receives IEEE award

T.P. Ma, Yale University professor, receives IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award for his pioneering work on CMOS gate dielectrics, a crucial technology in modern silicon chips. He has made significant contributions to increasing integrated circuit operating speed and reliability while lowering cost per function.

UF's record-setting new chip has potential for bioterrorism detection

Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new type of high-frequency circuit using widespread complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. The 105 GHz circuit has potential applications in bioterrorism detection, as its frequency closely matches that of tiny pathogens and chemical bonds.

Pitt and Bell Labs researchers send 'heavy photons' over world-record distances

Researchers from Pitt and Bell Labs have successfully created a two-dimensional semiconductor structure that allows excitons to exist longer and travel farther than previously recorded. This breakthrough could lead to the development of excitonic circuits for optical communication, enabling photons to be converted directly into excitons.

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.

Scientists put the squeeze on electron spins

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have successfully manipulated electron spins using a scanning optical microscope, achieving a higher degree of spatial coherence compared to traditional methods. This breakthrough could lead to the development of faster and more efficient electronic devices with low power consumption.

A new model of quantum dots: Rethinking the electronics

Researchers have found that a quantum dot's dielectric function is virtually identical to its bulk material counterpart, except near the surface. This discovery could revolutionize electronic devices by allowing for more precise control over their properties.

PNAS highlights for the week of May 16 - 20

Researchers analyzed voting patterns and committee memberships to find the most partisan committees, including the Select Committee on Homeland Security. They also developed a mathematical tool to identify Representatives' partisanship and cooperativity. Additionally, they created insulin-producing cells from human liver cells that can...

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.

NIST unveils atom-based standards

The new test structures provide a wider range of reference feature sizes and are measured more precisely than previously available materials. Industry can use these reference materials to calibrate tools to reliably measure microprocessor-device gates.

Microchip industry strives to perfect its timing

The microchip industry is struggling to achieve precise timing as device dimensions and tolerances continue to shrink. To address this issue, NIST is supporting the development of time synchronization standards in collaboration with International SEMATECH's e-Manufacturing initiatives.

Gold nano anchors put nanowires in their place

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to grow well-formed, single-crystal zinc oxide nanowires with precise alignments using gold nanoparticles as anchors. The technique produces horizontal semiconductor wires only 3 nanometers in diameter, overcoming the challenge of working with atomic-scale components.

Researchers use semiconductors to set speed limit on light

Scientists have successfully slowed down the group velocity of light in semiconductors, achieving speeds of about 6 miles per second. This breakthrough could lead to faster optical networks and higher performance communications, enabling applications like 3-D graphics transmission and high-resolution video conferencing.

T.P. Ma receives the 2005 IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award

T.P. Ma, a Yale University professor, is honored with the 2005 IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award for his groundbreaking research on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) gate dielectrics. His work has focused on microelectronics, semiconductors, and memory applications.

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.

A simpler design for x-ray detectors

Researchers have developed a simpler design for x-ray detectors that offers 30 times better energy resolution than existing detectors, enabling more accurate identification of elements. The new design combines normal and superconducting metals into one layer, reducing fabrication steps and increasing sensor stability.

Enhanced LEDs promise to transform lighting

Rensselaer researchers have developed an omni-directional reflector (ODR) that enhances LED brightness, accelerating the replacement of conventional lighting. The new technology has significant implications for energy savings and reducing mercury exposure, which can cause health problems.

Oregon optics center to build new laser lab

The university's new Laboratory for Quantum Control will enable original experiments at an internationally competitive level, focusing on controlling atoms and molecules using ultrashort light pulses. The lab aims to lead to increased computer capability, improved optical-fiber communications, and new forms of electronics.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Waste not, want not

A new class of semiconductors has been developed that can efficiently convert waste heat into electricity, with potential applications in shipboard steam plants and land vehicles. The material, called LAST, uses nanostructures to impede heat flow and introduce internal boundaries, increasing its efficiency.

Software corrects chip errors early

The new software equips SEMs with a model library of possible line measurements, enabling accurate determination of circuit feature shapes and sizes. This reduces measurement errors from tens of nanometers to just a few nanometers, increasing reliability and efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.

Marine sponges provide model for nanoscale materials production

Researchers have discovered a way to harness biomolecular mechanisms in marine sponges to produce semiconductors and photovoltaic materials. The discovery represents a low-temperature, environmentally friendly route to nanostructural fabrication of valuable materials.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Molecular memories, once doubted, prove durable and practical

Researchers have demonstrated that molecular memories are both durable and practical, with test results showing they can survive high temperatures and up to 1 trillion operational cycles. This finding could spur development of molecule-based memory devices, promising smaller, faster, and more powerful computers.

New look at layered material lends insight to silicon

Researchers have viewed an unprecedentedly perfect interface between layers of semiconductor materials germanium and silicon dioxide. This 'atomically sharp' interface could be used to boost the speed of computer chips. The discovery may aid in the design of other devices, including medical implants.

X-ray inspection may meet computer chip-making need

Researchers successfully adapted small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to rapidly characterize nanometer-scale grid-like patterns in chip circuitry. The technique offers better than one nanometer precision and could be an able substitute for current dimensional measurement tools.

For 'quantum confinement' size matters, but so does shape

The study finds that the shape of a semiconductor nanocrystal can significantly impact its electronic and optical properties. The researchers developed a novel synthesis method to create indium phosphide nanowires with controlled diameters, allowing them to investigate the effect of two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional confinement.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Dual microscopes illuminate electronic switching speeds

Researchers developed a new method combining atomic force and scanning capacitance microscopes to measure semiconductor switching speeds, enabling quick scanning of wafers for defects. This technique has the potential to determine if missing atoms in semiconductors slow down electrical charge movement.

Virginia Tech engineer aims to tame the wild chip

Michael Hsiao is developing graph-theoretic algorithms to reduce chip verification time, which could decrease costs and improve accuracy. His tools will be useful for the entire semiconductor industry, addressing the increasing complexity of modern chips.

UCSD engineers win student chip-design prize

UCSD graduate student Vincent Leung designed a revolutionary Ultra-Low-Power SiGe BiCMOS Transmitter IC for 3G W-CDMA mobile phones. The innovative chip reduces power consumption by utilizing a smart, adaptive bias scheme and high-speed digital logic.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.