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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

CityU chemists develop a strategy for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

A research team from City University of Hong Kong and Imperial College London developed a new strategy for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells using ferrocene molecules. The breakthrough invention can achieve efficiency of up to 25% while maintaining stability, making it a promising alternative to silicon solar cells.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

World’s first LED lights developed from rice husks

Researchers at Hiroshima University have created the world's first silicon quantum dot (QD) LED light using waste rice husks, offering an eco-friendly alternative to toxic semiconducting materials. The new method transforms agricultural waste into high-quality LED lights with high luminescence efficiency and low environmental impact.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 11, 2022

Tiny antenna enables portable biomedical, food-analysis, and other gadgets driven by integrated nano- and terahertz technologies

Researchers have designed a tiny and flat antenna for receiving and transmitting terahertz signals, enabling the miniaturization of THz devices. The new design integrates the antenna with the system, eliminating the need for bulky silicon lenses and reducing optical power required.

Groundbreaking research produces record levels of strain in single-crystal silicon, which could lead to phones with smoke detector technology

The University of Surrey researchers have developed a method to generate up to 3.1% biaxial strain and 8.5% uniaxial strain in single-crystal silicon using ion implantation, which could lead to the development of germanium lasers and near-infrared sensors for smartphones.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022

Mass production of revolutionary computer memory moves closer with ULTRARAM™ on silicon wafers for the first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated ULTRARAM¼trade mark computer memory on silicon wafers for the first time, combining non-volatility with speed and energy-efficiency. The technology outperforms previous incarnations, offering data storage times of at least 1000 years and fast switching speeds.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Establishing an elemental structure that facilitates high-intensity broadband spin waves

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology demonstrates a new substrate structure that enables the excitation and detection of high-intensity broadband spin waves, even when miniaturized. The YIG-on-metal (YOM) structure achieves broader frequency bandwidth and higher intensity than conventional electrode structures.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Physics D Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Light speed advances

Prof. Tingyi Gu from the University of Delaware has received a $500,000 DARPA Young Faculty Award to improve the power efficiency of digital communications. Her research focuses on manipulating light direction to create more energy-efficient photonic systems.

Steam disinfection of baby bottle nipples exposes babies and the environment to micro- and nanoplastic particles

A new study uses a microspectroscopic technique to measure micro- and nano-sized plastics in steam-disinfected silicone-rubber baby bottle nipples. The research found that these fine particles can be released into the environment and ingested by babies, posing health risks.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021

Ultra-large single-crystal WS2 monolayer

Researchers develop new epitaxial growth mechanism to achieve large-scale single-crystal WS2 monolayers, overcoming a crucial hurdle in replacing silicon with 2D materials. The technique enables uniform alignment of small crystals and leads to the successful growth of wafer-scale single-crystals of WS2, MoS2, WSe2, and MoSe2.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Hybrid artificial neural networks and analytical model for prediction of optical constants and bandgap energy of 3D nanonetwork silicon structures

Researchers propose a hybrid artificial neural network and analytical model to predict optical constants and bandgap energy of novel silicon thin films. The method was found to be 95% accurate in determining the optical properties of these materials, which is challenging due to limited experimental data available.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateNov 4, 2021

A superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication

Researchers have developed a superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication, enabling optimal Bell-state measurement of time-bin encoded qubits. This breakthrough enhances the key rate of secure quantum communication and removes detector side-channel attacks, significantly increasing security.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Scientists find a way to stabilize a promising material for solar panels

Researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a synthetic alloy that increases perovskite cells' durability while preserving energy conversion performance. The new material can survive for several minutes completely immersed in water, retaining its efficiency for over 100 days after manufacturing.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

SMART researchers discover new way to generate light through use of pre-existing defects in semiconductor materials

SMART researchers have discovered a practical method to overcome current challenges in the manufacture of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LEDs with considerably higher indium concentration. The new approach uses intrinsic defects in semiconducting materials to form quantum dots that emit long-wavelength light.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Quantum dots enable infrared lasing at room temperature for silicon photonics

Colloidal quantum dot technology enables infrared lasing at room temperature, paving the way for low-cost solution-processed and CMOS integrated lasing sources. The breakthrough discovery may facilitate fully integrated silicon photonics, enabling lower power consumption, higher data rates, and multi-spectral 3D imaging capabilities.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

Photonic chip is key to nurturing quantum computers

A team of researchers at Bristol's Quantum Engineering and Technology Labs has developed a silicon photonic chip that can protect quantum bits from errors using photons. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more powerful quantum computers by reducing the fragility of qubits.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2021

Solar gains stack up

Researchers have developed a new structure and materials for tandem solar cells, enabling more light to be captured and energy converted effectively. The n-i-p configuration achieved a significant improvement in power-conversion efficiency, exceeding 27%, surpassing previous best values.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

C-Crete Technologies’ deep learning methods cast wide net for discovery of novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials

Researchers at C-Crete Technologies have developed a method that utilizes deep learning to quickly predict and design novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials, offering improved materials design for various industries. By feeding quantum mechanics calculations to layered machine learning based on artificial neural networks, they can un...

SourceC-Crete Technologies·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 5, 2021

Connective issue: AI learns by doing more with less

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis shows that guided by sparsity, silicon neurons learn to pick the most energy-efficient perturbations and wave patterns, enabling an emergent phenomenon of efficient communication between neurons. This research has significant implications for designing neuromorphic AI systems.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Silicon with a two-dimensional structure

Scientists successfully produce and characterize a crystalline complex with a two-dimensional equivalent of silicon, defying geometric expectations. The resulting structure displays surprising physical and chemical properties, opening up new avenues for catalysis and materials research.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalChem·DateJul 22, 2021

The era of single-spin color centers in silicon carbide is approaching

Researchers from USTC created a divacancy color center array and achieved spin-coherent manipulation of a single divacancy color center at room temperature. The spin color centers showed excellent properties comparable to the diamond NV center, with a 30% spin readout contrast and extended coherence time of up to 23 microseconds.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 19, 2021

Graphene key for novel hardware security

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel graphene-based physically unclonable function (PUF) that is more energy-efficient and secure against AI attacks than silicon-based devices. The device's unique properties make it resistant to machine learning attacks, adding tamper resistance as another security feature.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 10, 2021

Chill out: Advanced solar tech runs cooler and lasts longer

Researchers have made a breakthrough in photovoltaics technology by developing tandem cells and singlet fission processes that reduce operating temperatures and extend device lifetimes. This innovation leads to a 2%-4% gain in annual energy production and doubles the lifetime of devices for every 10°C reduction in temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateMay 10, 2021