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Nanowires key to future transistors, electronics

Scientists at IBM and Purdue University have successfully created ultrasmall transistors using semiconducting nanowires with sharply defined layers of silicon and germanium. This breakthrough could lead to faster computing and more powerful computer chips.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Polymer with honeycomb structure

Researchers from Empa have successfully synthesized a graphene-like polymer with well-defined pores using a 'bottom-up' synthesis method. The new material boasts finer pores than traditional lithographic processes, opening up new possibilities for applications in electronics and other fields.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalChemical Communications·DateNov 23, 2009

Water droplets direct self-assembly process in thin-film materials

The researchers used photolithography to define shapes on a thin film of single-crystalline silicon, then applied water droplets to direct self-assembly. The resulting structures offer mechanical bendability and promise efficient solar energy harvesting with thin films.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2009

New nanocrystalline diamond probes overcome wear

Researchers at Northwestern University developed nanocrystalline diamond probes that outperform commercially available silicon nitride probes by 10 times in terms of durability. The new probes can accurately predict wear and have applications in atomic force microscopy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 9, 2009
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.

Small ... smaller ... smallest? ASU researchers create molecular diode

Researchers at Arizona State University have successfully created a molecular diode, the smallest electrical component in electronics. The breakthrough uses a technique called AC modulation to apply a mechanical perturbation to a molecule, allowing it to form a closed circuit and control current flow.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 12, 2009

Hankering for molecular electronics? Grab the new NIST sandwich

Researchers at NIST have developed a simple method to assemble organic molecules between silicon and metal, overcoming a key obstacle in creating individual molecule switches. This breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper components and new applications in biosensors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2009

New material for nanoscale computer chips

Researchers have created prototype computer electronics on the nanoscale using organic and inorganic nanowires. The new material has a low operational current, high mobility, and good stability, making it a promising alternative to silicon transistors.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 17, 2009

Scientists discover repulsive side to light force

A Yale team has discovered a repulsive light force that can be used to control components on silicon microchips, paving the way for faster and more efficient nanodevices. The researchers found that by manipulating out-of-phase light beams, they could create a controlled repulsive force with tunable intensity.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 13, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

University of Leicester researchers discover new fluorescent silicon nanoparticles

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new synthesis method to create fluorescent silicon nanoparticles that can track the uptake of drugs by cells. The nanoparticles, containing just a few hundred silicon atoms, show stable fluorescence over three months and have potential applications in biomedical sensors.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 2009
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.

Researchers find better way to manufacture fast computer chips

Engineers create method for stamping multiple graphene sheets onto substrate in precise locations, enabling mass production of smaller, faster electronics. The technique holds promise for delivering quantum mechanical effects and enabling new kinds of electronics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 31, 2009

Self-cleaning, low-reflectivity treatment boosts efficiency for photovoltaic cells

Researchers developed a surface treatment that increases light absorption by trapping light in three-dimensional structures and making the surfaces self-cleaning, allowing rain or dew to wash away dust and dirt. The treatment mimics the superhydrophobic surface of the lotus leaf, boosting photovoltaic cell efficiency by up to 2%.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateMar 24, 2009

MIT: New material could lead to faster chips

Researchers at MIT have developed a new material called graphene that can enable microchips to operate at much higher speeds than current silicon chips. The new technology uses a single transistor and produces a clean output signal, leading to faster computers and cellphones.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateMar 23, 2009
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.

Carnegie Mellon scientist confirms liquid-liquid phase transition in silicon

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have established evidence of a liquid-liquid phase transition in supercooled silicon, revealing two distinct forms of liquid silicon with unique properties. This breakthrough uses rigorous computer calculations and quantum mechanics to gain a better understanding of materials behavior.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2009

New organic material may speed Internet access

Researchers have developed an organic material with high optical quality and strong ability to mediate light-light interaction, which can fill the slot between waveguides on integrated optical circuits. This innovation enables fast data processing in all-optical networks, potentially increasing internet speed.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 15, 2009

Safer nanoparticles spotlight tumors, deliver drugs

Researchers have created miniscule silicon flakes that glow brightly, slowly releasing cancer drugs before breaking down into harmless by-products. The particles showed promising results in mice, reducing tumor growth over several weeks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 22, 2009
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.

Nanoscale materials grow with the flow

Researchers discovered that nanoscale lead atoms on silicon exhibit a fluid-like motion, enabling the formation of uniform-height islands in minutes. The unique behavior suggests that quantum mechanics governs the growth process, allowing for rapid self-assembly and potentially simplifying material properties manipulation.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 11, 2009

NRL scientists study cracks in brittle materials

Researchers used computer modeling and experimentation to investigate how cracks grow at low speeds in silicon, finding rearrangements of atoms associated with ductile materials can occur near the crack tip. This instability can lead to macroscopic changes in the path of the crack, leaving behind ridges on the crack surface.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2008

Researchers make new electronics -- with a twist

Researchers have developed electronics that can withstand complex deformations, including twisting. Their 'pop-up' technology has been improved to create circuits that can bend, stretch, and twist, enabling new applications in medical and athletic fields.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2008
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Progress toward new storage media

Researchers have created reliable nanopatterns of a spin-transition compound on silicon oxide chips, paving the way for new molecular storage media. The development uses special unconventional micro- and nanolithographic techniques to print neutral iron(II) complexes onto silicon wafers in the form of fine lines.

SourceWiley·DateOct 27, 2008

Stretchable silicon camera next step to artificial retina

Researchers at University of Illinois and Northwestern University develop high-performance hemispherical camera using stretchable optoelectronics. The camera's design is based on the human eye, with a simple lens and hemispherical detector, enabling broader field of view and improved illumination uniformity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2008

New technology could lead to camera based on human eye

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new camera technology that uses a curved surface to capture images, similar to the human eye. The technology, which has been published in Nature, has shown promising results in producing clearer and more detailed images than traditional cameras.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2008
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.

Silicon photonic crystals key to optical cloaking, researchers say

Researchers at the University of Illinois have demonstrated an approximate cloaking effect using concentric rings of silicon photonic crystals. The technique could potentially create a practical solution for optical cloaking by bending light around objects, making them invisible.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 25, 2008

Silicon's effect on sunflowers studied

A study by Drs. Sophia Kamenidou and Todd J. Cavins found that silicon supplementation improved horticultural traits in greenhouse-produced sunflowers, such as increased stem diameter and flower quality, but also caused growth abnormalities at high concentrations.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMay 7, 2008

Sweet nanotech batteries

Researchers at Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science developed a new material using carbon nanotubes to prevent lithium batteries from losing charge capacity over time. The new material achieved a discharge capacity of 727 milliamp hours per gram after twenty cycles, outperforming traditional sugar-coated silicon particles.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomanufacturing·DateApr 10, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Foldable and stretchable, silicon circuits conform to many shapes

Scientists have developed a new form of stretchable silicon integrated circuit that can wrap around complex shapes, such as spheres and aircraft wings. The new design allows the circuit to be folded and stretched without reducing electrical performance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 27, 2008
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

With a jolt, 'nanonails' go from repellant to wettable

Scientists have created a new material featuring 'nanonails' that can repel almost any liquid, but become wettable when an electric charge is applied. This innovative surface has potential applications in biomedical technology and battery life extension.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalLangmuir·DateJan 29, 2008

Feeling the heat

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a novel method to synthesize silicon nanowires with exceptionally rough surfaces, which exhibit high thermoelectric efficiency. This breakthrough technology could enable the widespread adoption of thermoelectric materials in various applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2008
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.

Stanford's nanowire battery holds 10 times the charge of existing ones

Stanford researchers have developed a new type of lithium-ion battery using silicon nanowires, which can store up to 10 times more electricity than traditional batteries. This breakthrough could make Li-ion batteries more attractive for electric cars and home energy storage.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 18, 2007

IBM reports milestone in silicon nanophotonics

Researchers from IBM, Kyoto University, Northwestern, and the University of New Mexico have achieved significant breakthroughs in silicon nanophotonics. The longest photon lifetime of 2.1 ns was observed in a photonic crystal nanocavity, while advanced microresonators with quality factors over 100 million were demonstrated.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 11, 2007

'High Q' NIST nanowires may be practical oscillators

NIST nanowires have high Q factors, indicating stable vibrations, making them suitable as oscillators in nano-electromechanical systems. The wires' flat surfaces and material properties reduce noise and increase heat capacity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 27, 2007
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.

New computer program automates chip debugging

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technology to automate post-silicon debugging, using puzzle-solving search algorithms to diagnose problems early on. This reduces parts of the process from days to hours, making it possible to produce computer chips that work correctly under all scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 5, 2007

UD researchers race ahead with latest spintronics achievement

Researchers at the University of Delaware successfully transport an electron's spin a marathon distance through a silicon wafer, confirming its potential for spintronics. The finding opens doors to cheaper, faster, and lower-power processing and storage of data.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 26, 2007

Nanotube forests grown on silicon chips for future computers, electronics

Researchers developed a method to grow nanotube forests on silicon chips, outperforming conventional thermal interface materials. The technique uses dendrimers and metal catalyst particles to create a forest of carbon nanotubes that conform to the heat sink's surface, improving heat conduction and reducing the size of cooling systems.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 1, 2007
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Measurements from the edge: magnetic properties of thin films

Scientists have developed a spectroscopic technique to measure magnetic properties of thin film edges, which become dominant at the nanoscale. The method allows for prediction of behavior in similar structures, impacting nanoscale electronics design.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateSep 28, 2007

Doping technique brings nanomechanical devices into the semiconductor world

University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers successfully blended modern semiconductor tech and nanomachines, opening doors to new tiny mechanical devices. The new work enables sensors capable of measuring single biological molecules and has implications for solar energy cells, battery technology, and highly sensitive light-emitting diodes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 26, 2007

Molecules line up to make the tiniest of wires

A team of researchers has created an innovative method for producing tiny conductive nano-wires on silicon chips using self-assembling molecules. The process can produce nano-wires that are 5,000 times longer than they are wide, meeting the need for connecting smaller transistors and electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 28, 2007
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Silicon nanoparticles enhance performance of solar cells

Silicon nanoparticles can significantly enhance the performance of solar cells by improving power output and reducing heat. By integrating a high-quality film of silicon nanoparticles onto silicon solar cells, researchers achieved a 60% improvement in power performance in the ultraviolet range of the spectrum.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 20, 2007

NRL scientists demonstrate efficient electrical spin injection into silicon

Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have successfully injected spin-polarized electrons from a ferromagnetic metal contact into silicon, producing a large electron spin polarization. This achievement is crucial for developing devices that rely on electron spin rather than electron charge, known as semiconductor spintronics.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 16, 2007

Catching waves: Measuring self-assembly in action

The NIST/NCSU team observed the spontaneous assembly of organosilane molecules into a monolayer film, finding wavelike ordering with an expanded interface. The findings support recent theoretical modeling and have implications for understanding self-propagating chemical reactions and ordering phenomena.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2007

Silicon nanowires upgrade data-storage technology

Researchers have fabricated a novel memory device combining silicon nanowires with traditional SONOS technology, enabling more reliable data storage and easier integration into commercial applications. The device boasts simple read, write, and erase capabilities, high memory retention, and large on/off current ratio.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2007
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.