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Moving silicon atoms in graphene with atomic precision

Researchers at the University of Vienna successfully manipulated individual silicon atoms in graphene, revealing a previously unknown phenomenon where the silicon-carbon bond is inverted. This discovery opens promising possibilities for atomic-scale engineering and could lead to the creation of unique quantum structures.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 12, 2014

Artificial membranes on silicon

Researchers have developed a new technology to create artificial membranes on silicon surfaces, mimicking those found in living organisms. The process uses commercial chemicals and is the first time anyone has made an artificial membrane without mixing liquid solvents together.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

Biomimetic photodetector 'sees' in color

Rice University researchers have created a CMOS-compatible, biomimetic color photodetector that directly responds to red, green and blue light. The device uses an aluminum grating that can be added to silicon photodetectors with the mainstay technology, "complementary metal-oxide semiconductor," or CMOS.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 25, 2014

Researchers prove stability of wonder material silicene

A team of international researchers has successfully isolated thick multilayers of silicene and demonstrated its stability in the presence of oxygen for at least 24 hours. The breakthrough allows scientists to further explore the material's properties, which have made silicene a promising candidate for the electronics industry.

SourceIOP Publishing·Journal2D Materials·DateAug 12, 2014

Using sand to improve battery performance

A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside has created a novel method to produce high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes using sand. The innovative technique, which involves milling and purifying quartz from sand, results in a porous nano-silicon material that improves battery lifespan up to three times.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 8, 2014

Negar Sani solved the mystery of the printed diode

Researchers at Linköping University solved the long-standing mystery of a printed diode by applying it in the GHz band, enabling power supply to printed electronics via mobile phones. The breakthrough was achieved through tunnel effects, a phenomenon in quantum physics.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2014

One step to solar-cell efficiency

Researchers have developed a simple way to etch nanoscale spikes into silicon, allowing more than 99% of sunlight to reach the cells' active elements. The new process reduces costs associated with solar cell production and increases efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJun 19, 2014

Scientists solve riddle of celestial archaeology

Researchers have discovered that many hot white dwarfs' atmospheres are contaminated by rocky material from planetary systems, suggesting a similar proportion of stars build terrestrial planets. This breakthrough has implications for the ultimate fate of the Earth billions of years in the future.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 26, 2014

A new laser for a faster Internet

Researchers at Caltech have created a new laser that can carry vast amounts of information, increasing data transmission rates in optical-fiber networks. The high-coherence laser has a 20 times narrower range of frequencies than previous lasers, enabling faster and more efficient communication.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2014

Integration brings quantum computer a step closer

A team of researchers has successfully integrated key components of a quantum computer onto a silicon microchip, paving the way for the development of a practical quantum computer. The breakthrough enables the creation of a photon-based device capable of performing complex calculations, potentially rivaling modern computing hardware.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 30, 2014

Columbia Engineering wins $3 million ARPA-E grant to raise efficiency, lower cost of power grid

A research team led by Ken Shepard has won a $3 million grant from the US Energy Department's ARPA-E program to develop next-generation power conversion devices. The goal is to lower costs and improve energy efficiency in power electronics, enabling applications like data centers, electric vehicles, and photovoltaics.

NUS researchers develop novel bio-inspired method to grow high-quality graphene for high-end electronic devices

The NUS team has successfully developed a one-step method to grow and transfer high-quality graphene on silicon substrates, opening up opportunities for its use in photonics and electronics. The 'face-to-face transfer' method enables the technological application of graphene in optoelectronic modulators, transistors, and biosensors.

Super-thin membranes clear the way for chip-sized pumps

A new super-thin silicon membrane developed at the University of Rochester enables the creation of miniaturized pumps that can be powered by small batteries, paving the way for portable diagnostic devices. This breakthrough could lead to applications in medical and electronic device cooling, as well as cost-effective fabrication methods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

Topological light: Living on the edge

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute report direct observation of topological effects for light in two dimensions, creating ultrastable quantum 'playgrounds.' Photonic edge states exhibit persistent flow and near immunity against defects, similar to quantum Hall effect for electrons.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2013

Trapping T-rays for better security scanners

Scientists at the University of Adelaide have created a novel structure that traps terahertz waves in tiny holes to produce higher contrast imaging. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the sensitivity of medical diagnostic and security scanners, leading to more accurate cancer detection and improved homeland security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 10, 2013

Silicon oxide memories transcend a hurdle

Rice University scientists have developed a 1-kilobit rewritable silicon oxide device with diodes that eliminate data-corrupting crosstalk. The technique creates a channel of pure metallic phase silicon, allowing for high on/off ratio and multibit switching.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2013

Researcher construct invisibility cloak for thermal flow

Scientists at KIT successfully demonstrated a method to influence the propagation of heat around objects by using specially arranged materials. By creating an annular structure with copper and silicon, they can control how heat flows around hidden areas, making it ideal for applications such as microchips and machines.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 8, 2013