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Graphene synapses advance brain-like computers

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed synaptic transistors using graphene that mimic brain synapses, enabling devices to learn on the fly and improve performance over time. The new material is also biocompatible, paving the way for potential medical applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 9, 2022

Organic TFTs exhibiting band-like transport

Researchers observed band-like transport in OTFTs based on Y6, resulting from its unique molecular packing motif. This phenomenon enables the creation of high-mobility n-type organic semiconductors and TFTs on Y6.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Solving the puzzle of 2D disorder

An interdisciplinary team of Northwestern University researchers has developed a new method to determine the fingerprint of neighboring disorder in 2D materials. This method enables a universal curve that characterizes disorder potentials, leading to improved performance in transistors and gas sensors.

SourceNorthwestern University·Journal2D Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Researchers develop the world's first ultra-fast photonic computing processor using polarization

Scientists at the University of Oxford have created a new type of computing processor that uses light to process information, achieving speeds faster than traditional electronics. By leveraging multiple polarisation channels, the researchers increased computing density by several orders of magnitude, paving the way for more efficient p...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022
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.

Synthesis of two-dimensional holey graphyne

Researchers have successfully synthesized a new type of carbon allotrope called holey graphyne, which has semiconductor properties and can be used in various applications. The material was created using a bottom-up approach and consists of alternately linked benzene rings and C≡C bonds.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Development of an organic transistor enabling higher density circuit integration

Researchers developed an organic anti-ambipolar transistor capable of performing five different types of two-input logic gates at room temperature. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of high-performance mobile devices and electrically reconfigurable logic circuits.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
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.

New transistor could cut 5% from world’s digital energy budget

A new magneto-electric transistor has been developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University at Buffalo. The design can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and retain memory in event of power loss, making it a promising alternative to silicon-based transistors.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 11, 2022

Engineered crystals could help computers run on less power

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new material that can significantly reduce the energy required to control advanced silicon transistors. The engineered crystal composed of hafnium oxide and zirconium oxide achieves negative capacitance, which boosts performance by reducing voltage requirements.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Honey holds potential for making brain-like computer chips

Researchers at Washington State University have demonstrated a way to make memristors using honey, which can mimic the work of human synapses and process data in memory. The honey memristor chips could lead to the development of neuromorphic computing systems that function like the human brain.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Physics D Applied Physics·DateApr 5, 2022

Graphene crystals grow better under copper cover

Researchers successfully grow high-quality single-crystal graphene sheets on insulating supports using a copper-catalyzed decomposition method. The resulting graphene exhibits excellent electronic performance due to its high crystallinity and minimal surface folds.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Speed limit of computers detected

Scientists have discovered a speed limit for computer chips, with one petahertz being the maximum frequency for signal transmission. The research uses ultra-short laser pulses to create electrical currents in dielectric materials, allowing for faster data transmission.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Quantum physics sets a speed limit to electronics

Researchers investigated the shortest possible time scale of optoelectronic phenomena and found that it cannot be increased beyond one petahertz. The experiments used ultra-short laser pulses to create free charge carriers in materials, which were then moved by a second pulse to generate an electric current.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 25, 2022

Simply printing high-performance perovskite-based transistors

A research team from POSTECH has developed a method to print high-performance p-type semiconductor transistors using inorganic metal halide perovskite, exhibiting high hole mobility and current ratio. This technology enables solution-processed perovskite transistors to be simply printed as semiconductor-like circuits, paving the way fo...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 24, 2022

PPPL findings could lead to ever-more powerful microchips and supercomputers

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has developed a new understanding of atomic layer etching, a critical step in fabricating atomic-scale transistors. The findings could lead to improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and capabilities for future microchips and supercomputers.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science and Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A ‘zigzag’ blueprint for topological electronics

Researchers have confirmed a novel quantum topological material for ultra-low energy electronics, reducing energy consumption by a factor of four. The study reveals the potential of zigzag-Xene-nanoribbons to make topological transistors with robust edge states and low threshold voltage.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022

Ring my string: Building silicon nano-strings

Scientists at EPFL have created strained crystalline nanomechanical resonators with ultralow dissipation, enabling the creation of high-purity quantum states. These nanostrings could be used as precision force-sensors, taking advantage of interactions such as radiation pressure and magnetic fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 28, 2022

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Development of a diamond transistor with high hole mobility

Researchers at NIMS have created a diamond field-effect transistor (FET) with high hole mobility, reducing conduction loss and increasing operational speed. The FET's normally-off behavior also makes it safer for electronic devices.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
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.

Building artificial nerve cells

Scientists at Linköping University successfully integrated artificial nerve cells with a living plant using printed organic electrochemical transistors. The system mimics the ion-based mechanism of pulse generation in plants, inducing action potentials that cause the leaves to close.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Researchers create molecule that can pave way for mini-transistors

A Swedish research team developed a simple hydrocarbon molecule that changes form and becomes conductive when exposed to electric potential. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of miniature transistors and new mechanical systems at the single-molecule level.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2022
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.

Speeding through nanowire

Researchers discovered that applying tension to nanowires significantly enhances electron mobility, allowing for faster transistor switching and lower energy requirements. The core-shell nanowires demonstrated a 30% increase in electron speed compared to strain-free or bulk gallium arsenide.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

2D materials could be used to simulate brain synapses in computers

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stanford University have developed a material that enables the commercial viability of neuromorphic computers mimicking the human brain. The material, MXene, combines high speed, temperature stability, and integration compatibility in a single device.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 28, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Edge processing research takes Surrey discovery closer to use in artificial intelligence networks

Researchers at the University of Surrey have successfully demonstrated the use of multimodal transistors in artificial neural networks, achieving practically identical classification accuracy as pure ReLU implementations. The study paves the way for thin-film decision and classification circuits, which could be used in more complex AI ...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2022

Terahertz radiation source: Compact and simple

A novel, simple, and extremely compact terahertz radiation source has been developed at TU Wien, enabling high intensities and small size. The technology uses resonant-tunnelling diodes and can be used in various applications such as material testing, airport security control, radio astronomy, and chemical sensors.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

The first topological acoustic transistor

Harvard researchers create first topological acoustic transistor, utilizing sound waves to control flow on and off. The device demonstrates scalable and controllable 'acoustic switches' with potential applications in efficient noise reduction, ultrasound imaging, and more.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 5, 2022
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.

Negative capacitance in topological transistors could reduce computing’s unsustainable energy load

Researchers have discovered that negative capacitance in topological transistors can switch at lower voltage, potentially reducing energy losses. This new design could help alleviate the unsustainable energy load of computing, which consumes about 8% of global electricity supply.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

How organic neuromorphic electronics can think and act

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have developed an organic neuromorphic circuit that allows a robot to learn and navigate a maze. The robot uses sensory signals to make decisions, receiving corrective stimuli when it makes wrong turns, and gradually learns to avoid them.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Intelligent transistor developed at TU Wien

Scientists at TU Wien have developed a novel germanium-based transistor with the ability to perform different logical tasks, offering improved adaptability and flexibility in chip design. This technology has potential applications in artificial intelligence, neural networks, and logic circuits that work with more than just 0 and 1.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Toward accurate modeling of power MOSFET electrical characteristics

A team of scientists at NAIST successfully used automatic differentiation to accelerate calculations of model parameter extraction, reducing computation time by 3.5 times compared to conventional methods. This breakthrough enables the design of more efficient power converters with increased performance and reduced energy consumption.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateOct 12, 2021

NIST, collaborators develop sensitive new way of detecting transistor defects

Researchers developed a sensitive new way to detect and count transistor defects, which limit performance and reliability. The method works with traditional Si and SiC materials, identifying defect type and number with simple DC measurement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021
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.

Capturing light: New ergonomic photodetector for the trillion-sensor era

Researchers at Incheon National University have developed a compact and robust optical sensor that can convert light to digital signals, suitable for flexible electronics. The new design architecture enables superior chip area efficiency and large-area scalability.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

Tuning flexible circuits with light

A team of researchers has developed a method to precisely modify electronic properties using ultraviolet light, enabling the creation of flexible circuits that can be used in real-time healthcare monitoring and data processing. This breakthrough technology may lead to the development of ultra-lightweight wearable healthcare devices and...

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Towards more energy-efficient 2D semiconductor devices

Researchers from SUTD discover a family of 2D semiconductors with Ohmic contacts, reducing electrical resistance and generating less waste heat. This breakthrough could pave the way for high-performance and energy-efficient electronics, potentially replacing silicon-based technology.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·Journalnpj 2D Materials and Applications·DateSep 15, 2021

Surrey student makes a discovery that could improve the reliability of future smart electronics

A University of Surrey undergraduate has developed a method to suppress hot-carrier effects in devices, leading to more reliable performance and increased power efficiency. This breakthrough uses a multimodal transistor architecture, which could enable high-performance amplifiers for environmental and biological sensor applications.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

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
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.

Twilight for silicon? Paper reappraises “Moore’s law” through chip density

Researchers at The Rockefeller University shed new light on 'Moore's Law,' revealing a more nuanced historical wave pattern to the rise of transistor density in silicon chips. The study predicts that the end of the silicon chip era is near, with only one or two silicon pulses left before further advances become exponentially difficult.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2021

Scientists offer new insights on computer power growth, past and future

Researchers at The Rockefeller University have revealed a more nuanced historical wave pattern to the rise of transistor density in silicon chips. The study highlights six waves of improvements, each lasting about six years, with significant increases in transistor density per chip.

SourceProgramme for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2021

Organic electronics possibly soon to enter the GHz-regime

Researchers at TU Dresden introduce complementary vertical organic transistors that can operate at low voltage, have adjustable inverter properties, and demonstrate fast response times. The development of these devices could pave the way for flexible, printable electronics with GHz-regime performance.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 16, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Transforming the layered ferromagnet F5GT for future spintronics

A RMIT-led international collaboration has achieved record-high electron doping in a layered ferromagnet, causing magnetic phase transition with significant promise for future electronics. Ultra-high-charge, doping-induced magnetic phase transition in Fe5Ge2 enables promising applications in antiferromagnetic spintronic devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 28, 2021

New manufacturing technique for flexible electronics

Researchers at Stanford University have invented a manufacturing technique that yields flexible, atomically thin transistors less than 100 nanometers in length. The technique, detailed in a paper published in Nature Electronics, promises bendable, shapeable, yet energy-efficient computer circuits.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 17, 2021
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.

Closer hardware systems bring the future of artificial intelligence into view

Integration of a mobility-enhanced field-effect transistor (FET) and a ferroelectric capacitor enables the creation of high-density, energy-efficient embedded memory directly on a microprocessor. This design significantly reduces signal travel distance, speeding up learning and inference processes in AI computing.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·DateJun 1, 2021

Scaling down Ionic Transistors to the ultimate limit

Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have created an atomic-scale ion transistor that can selectively transport ions faster than in bulk water. The device achieves this through electrically gated graphene channels, allowing for highly switchable ultrafast ion transport.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 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.

New brain-like computing device simulates human learning

Researchers developed a brain-like device with organic, electrochemical synaptic transistors that mimic human brain's short-term and long-term plasticity. The device can learn by association and overcome traditional computing limitations, such as energy consumption and limited multitasking capabilities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 30, 2021

Researchers demonstrate fully recyclable printed electronics

Engineers at Duke University have created the world's first fully recyclable printed electronics by demonstrating a fully functional transistor made from three carbon-based inks. The researchers successfully reclaimed nearly 100% of all-carbon-based transistors while retaining their future functionality.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Electronics·DateApr 26, 2021

Lighting it up: Fast material manipulation through a laser

Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute have developed a novel method for fast material manipulation using laser pulses, significantly reducing switching times. The technique involves shining light on a semi-metallic crystal to re-organize its internal electronic structure, changing conductivity and allowing for ultrafast control.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 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.

New nanotransistors keep their cool at high voltages

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new transistor design that reduces resistance and heat dissipation in high-power systems. The innovative technology uses multi-channel designs and gallium nitride nanowires to improve conversion efficiencies.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 25, 2021

Microchips of the future: Suitable insulators are still missing

Researchers at TU Wien found that thin hBN layers cause excessive leakage currents in miniaturised transistors, making it unsuitable as a gate insulator. The study suggests a need to search for alternative insulator materials to revolutionize the semiconductor industry.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 9, 2021

Taking 2D materials for a spin

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba successfully detect and map electronic spins in a working transistor made of molybdenum disulfide. This breakthrough could lead to the development of faster spintronic computers that exploit electrons' natural magnetism.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 5, 2021