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A novel laser slicing technique for diamond semiconductors

Researchers from Chiba University developed a novel laser-based technique to slice diamonds into thin wafers, paving the way for their adoption as next-generation semiconductor materials. The technique uses short laser pulses to transform diamond into amorphous carbon, reducing density and crack formation.

SourceChiba University·JournalDiamond and Related Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

HKU Engineering team uses diamond microparticles to create high security anti-counterfeit labels

A team of researchers developed a pioneering technological solution using diamond-based anti-counterfeiting labels with unique Physically Unclonable Functions. The labels can be scanned using a phone, making them highly suitable for commercial products, and are extremely tough and cheap to produce.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Numerical simulation of materials-oriented ultra-precision diamond cutting: Review and outlook

Researchers review numerical simulations for ultra-precision diamond cutting, exploring properties and microstructures of workpiece materials and their impact on the cutting process. The study provides guidelines for numerical simulations to predict machining responses for various materials.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 17, 2023

Exotic water ice contributes to understanding of magnetic anomalies on Neptune and Uranus

Researchers used density functional theory to investigate the mechanical properties of superionic ice XVIII, which is thought to make up a large part of Neptune and Uranus. The study found that dislocations in the crystal lattice produce shear, leading to macroscopic deformations and potentially influencing the planets' magnetic fields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2023

New technique reveals changing shapes of magnetic noise in space and time

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new technique to measure the spatial structure and time-varying nature of magnetic noise. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for understanding quantum spin liquids, materials with bizarre quantum behaviors that were previously difficult to analyze experimentally.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

Solving the puzzle: Cubic silicon carbide wafers demonstrate high thermal conductivity, second only to diamond

Researchers at the University of Illinois have solved a long-standing puzzle about cubic silicon carbide's thermal conductivity, which is higher than previously thought. The team measured an isotropic high thermal conductivity of over 500 W m–1 K–1, ranking it second only to diamond.

Nanodiamonds can be activated as photocatalysts with sunlight

Researchers have discovered that nanodiamonds can emit solvated electrons in water when exposed to visible light, a crucial step towards using them as photocatalysts. This discovery could lead to the development of inexpensive and metal-free processes for converting CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons or converting N2 into ammonia.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Photocatalysis: Processes in charge separation recorded experimentally

Scientists have recorded photocatalysis charge separation processes experimentally on Cu2O particles, revealing rapid electron transfer and slower hole trapping, enabling better understanding of photocatalytic water splitting limitations. The technique allows for spatiotemporal imaging of charge transfer in photocatalyst particles.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

High-accuracy electric vehicle battery monitoring with diamond quantum sensors for driving range extension towards carbon neutrality

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed diamond quantum sensors to accurately measure EV battery charge. The sensors can detect small changes in current with 1% accuracy, extending driving range by up to 10%. This breakthrough reduces CO2 emissions and supports carbon neutrality.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Making nanodiamonds out of bottle plastic

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have successfully created nanodiamonds out of PET plastic using powerful laser flashes. This breakthrough method opens up new possibilities for producing these minuscule diamonds, which are needed for highly-sensitive quantum sensors and medical contrast agents.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2022

Discovered: An easier way to create "flexible diamonds"

A team of scientists led by Samuel Dunning has developed an original technique to predict and guide the ordered creation of strong, yet flexible, diamond nanothreads. The innovation allows for easier synthesis of the material, which has potential applications in space elevators, ultra-strong fabrics, and other fields.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Growing the perfect diamond: Simulations reveal interesting geometric patterns

Scientists have simulated the growth of ultra-thin polycrystalline diamond films with promising results. The two-dimensional simulations revealed interesting geometric structures and shed light on how to create robust materials. The research has implications for biomedical science, quantum devices, and other applications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalActa Materialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2022

How Mars lost its oceans

Researchers recreated conditions expected in Mars' core billions of years ago and found that molten metal gave rise to a brief magnetic field. This led to the evaporation of water vapor and eventual loss of Martian oceans about 4 billion years ago.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Using nanodiamonds as sensors just got easier

University of Rochester researchers adapt excited state lifetime thermometry to extract temperatures of nanoscale materials from light emitted by nitrogen vacancy centers in single nanodiamonds. The technique allows for precise measurement of temperature changes on fast time scales and is safe for imaging sensitive nanoscale materials ...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

Can diamonds originate methane?

Researchers successfully reproduced the formation of methane from diamonds under high-pressure conditions, shedding light on the deep Earth's carbon cycle. This finding suggests that hydrocarbons like methane can be created without biological activities, which has significant implications for our understanding of the planet's climate.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2021

Diamonds are forever: Scientists develop microscopic calibration tool with fluorescent nanodiamonds

Researchers at the University of Illinois created a novel device using microscopic fluorescent diamonds to calibrate sensitive microscopy systems. The nanodiamonds' stability and longevity make them ideal as a 'first-aid kit' for microscopes, allowing for easy reuse and quality control.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalPhotonics Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 5, 2021

How flawed diamonds 'lead' to flawless quantum networks

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology demonstrate that lead-vacancy centers in diamond exhibit dihedral symmetry and large ground state splitting, essential properties for quantum networks. The high-pressure high-temperature treatment recovers damaged crystal lattice, leading to long spin coherence time at higher temperatures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

GaN-on-diamond semiconductor material that can take the heat - 1,000℃ to be exact

Researchers have successfully bonded gallium nitride and diamond without intermediate layers using surface-activated bonding. The resulting GaN-on-diamond material demonstrates stability even at extreme temperatures of up to 1,000℃, enabling the development of highly conductive semiconductors for high-power devices.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

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

A solid favor for researchers: A new way to investigate the electric double layer effect

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science develop a new methodology to investigate the elusive electric double layer (EDL) effect in all-solid-state batteries. The study reveals that the EDL effect is dominated by the electrolyte's composition and can be suppressed through charge compensation, leading to improved performance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Seeing with radio waves

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba used radio-frequency imaging to detect nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond with improved resolution. The technique, called spin-locking, enhances accuracy and sensitivity by shielding electron spin from random noise.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateJul 9, 2021

'Flashed' nanodiamonds are just a phase

Researchers develop method to control flash Joule heating process to produce valuable allotropes, including fluorinated nanodiamonds and graphene. The process uses organic fluorine compounds and fluoride precursors to create the desired structures.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 21, 2021

Diamonds engage both optical microscopy and MRI for better imaging

Researchers have developed microdiamond tracers that can provide information via both MRI and optical fluorescence simultaneously, allowing high-quality images up to a centimeter below the surface of tissue. This technique enables faster imaging and overcomes the limitation of light microscopy in probing deeper tissues.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021