A new infrared imager developed by researchers at the University of California San Diego converts shortwave infrared light into visible images using organic semiconductors. The device is compact, simple, and provides better image resolution than existing systems.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 5, 2021
Researchers have developed a new semiconductor material that can conduct electricity more efficiently than before, using inexpensive chemicals like dimethyl sulphoxide and hydrobromic acid. The material has the potential to improve solar cells, mobile phones, and wearable electronics, with costs 5000 times lower than existing materials.
SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 26, 2021
Scientists have developed a new method to directly observe the filling and emptying of tiny pores in materials, revealing complex mechanisms behind guest-atom interactions. This breakthrough uses combined X-ray methods to provide empirical insights into confined matter in battery electrodes, catalysts, and hydrogen storage materials.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers propose integrating photonic components with superconducting electronics to enable artificial cognitive systems of scale and functionality. This approach may be easier at low temperatures using superconductors than at room temperatures using semiconductors.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 20, 2021
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.
Scientists have developed a new technology for building silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits with record low optical losses, significantly reducing power budgets for chip-scale optical frequency combs. The technology enables high-quality-factor microresonators and meter-long waveguides on small chips.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2021
Scientists have discovered the mechanism underlying the effect of carbon impurities on gallium nitride semiconductors, which can degrade their performance. The findings suggest that deep levels trap holes, leading to slower charge carrier recombination and a decline in decay time with high temperatures.
SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 13, 2021
A team of researchers from the University of Münster has developed a highly efficient method to produce silicon polymers using surface chemistry. The breakthrough allows for the creation of long polymers with mild reaction conditions, paving the way for new material properties and potential applications as organic semi-conductors.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 29, 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.
Researchers at NIMS and Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a non-toxic semiconductor with a direct band gap in the near-infrared range. The compound, Ca3SiO, exhibits great potential to serve as a direct transition semiconductor, potentially replacing toxic elements like mercury and cadmium in existing infrared semiconductors.
SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateMar 23, 2021
Researchers have developed an automated silicon-substrate ultra-microtome to improve the speed and quality of brain neural connection reconstruction. The device reduces manual collection skill requirement and ensures high-quality imaging without post-processing operations.
SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMar 15, 2021
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new solar cell material combination that surpasses the performance of traditional silicon-based panels. By optimizing perovskite materials and device architecture, they achieved efficiencies beyond commercial silicon solar cells.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 11, 2021
Researchers successfully demonstrated electroluminescence from a silicon-germanium device, marking a key step towards the development of a silicon-based laser. The achievement could have significant implications for the large-scale use of terahertz radiation in fields such as medical imaging and wireless communication.
SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The study used thin films of PETN, grown on different surfaces, to determine how surface cleanliness affects film properties. The research team also developed a specialized setup to visualize shock waves using schlieren imaging, which revealed that gaps around the size of a human hair could stop detonations from continuing.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 4, 2021
Computing has a significant environmental impact due to hardware manufacturing and infrastructure. Researchers at Harvard are working to design more sustainable computing systems by reducing emissions from chip manufacturing and improving device efficiency. They also aim to incorporate environmental factors into computational design.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateMar 2, 2021
Materials scientists have created a method to incorporate diverse perovskite materials into silicon-based semiconductor platforms using microfluidic pumping technology. This innovation enables the creation of complex optoelectronic devices on a single chip, offering potential applications in fields like lab-on-a-chip technology.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateFeb 28, 2021
Researchers developed a data transfer system that pairs high-frequency silicon chips with a polymer cable as thin as a strand of hair, transmitting information up to 10 times faster than a USB. The system offers improved energy efficiency and bandwidth for applications such as server farms, aerospace, and automotive industries.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 24, 2021
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.
Researchers from Graphene Flagship partners developed a wafer-scale fabrication method for graphene-based photonic devices, enabling automation and paving the way to large-scale production. The technique allows for integration into silicon wafers, offering ultra-broadband communications and ultra-high mobility of carriers.
Researchers from Graphene Flagship report a new method to integrate graphene and 2D materials into semiconductor manufacturing lines, overcoming challenges such as transferring materials between growth substrates. The technique uses standard dielectric material BCB and conventional wafer bonding equipment, enabling high-quality integra...
SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2021
Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology create self-repairing polymer to stabilize silicon anode capacity, paving way for more durable Li-ion batteries. The coating prevents SEI formation and enhances stability, allowing for improved performance over 300 cycles.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateFeb 5, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Scientists at OIST have developed a new nanostructure that improves the silicon anode in lithium-ion batteries, increasing its charge capacity and lifespan. The vaulted structure formed by depositing silicon atoms on metallic nanoparticles increases the strength and structural integrity of the anode.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateFeb 5, 2021
Agricultural expert Angelia Seyfferth investigates how contaminants in soil affect rice plants, finding that adding rice husk residue can lower arsenic and cadmium levels. This discovery has potential to mitigate food contamination and protect global staple food populations.
Scientists have designed a zero-index material based on a purely dielectric photonic crystal slab that supports low-order mode-based design, reducing radiation loss. This design enables applications such as arbitrarily shaped waveguides, phase-mismatch-free nonlinear propagation, and extended super radiance with low propagation loss.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 14, 2021
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a novel approach to tile functional nanosheets in a single layer using a one-drop method. This process could lead to the development of next-generation oxide electronics, enabling transparent and flexible devices.
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.
The molecules generated at the University of Bonn have a trapezoidal arrangement of bonding partners around the silicon atom, which is energetically unfavorable. Despite this, they are found to be extremely stable and can be stored for weeks without degradation.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 22, 2020
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell achieving a record 29.15% efficiency, surpassing previous records. The new value has been certified and is at the top of the entire Emerging PV category in the NREL chart.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2020
A new system developed by Arizona State University researchers measures solar panel performance in outdoor settings, enabling real-time measurements and detailed diagnostics. The goal is to increase efficiency and lifespans of photovoltaic systems, supporting the development of universally effective solar cells and systems.
SourceArizona State University·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2020
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.
Researchers develop rapid-spray plasma processing technology to produce stable and efficient perovskite solar cells at record-breaking speeds. The new method enables mass production of perovskite modules with high power conversion efficiency and low costs, potentially transforming the solar industry.
Researchers discover carbyne's optical band gap is much smaller than previously thought, offering advantages for electricity conduction and future applications.
SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2020
Researchers discovered that inserting potassium atoms into amorphous silica creates a negative charge by forming a SiO5 structure, which accumulates electrons. This design guidance improves the reliability and longevity of vibrational energy harvesters.
Researchers at Osaka University have created a label-free method for identifying respiratory viruses based on changes in electrical current through silicon nanopores. This new system uses machine learning to achieve highly accurate virus classification, with potential applications for COVID-19 and influenza diagnosis.
Scientists have developed a platform using DNA self-assembly to create 3D nanoscale architectures that can conduct electricity without resistance. These structures can be used in signal amplifiers, ultrasensitive magnetic field sensors, and other quantum devices.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2020
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.
Researchers from Osaka University have successfully polished a single-crystal diamond wafer to near-atomic smoothness using plasma-assisted polishing, which could enable the material's use in high-performance power devices and heat sinks. The technique avoids damaging the crystal structure and preserves its chemical properties.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2020
Researchers from University of Bristol's QET Labs developed a tiny device that measures quantum features of light at record high speeds. This achievement promises novel routes to outperform current state-of-the-art in computing, communication, and measurement.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 9, 2020
A randomized clinical trial demonstrated the reliability of using circulating tumor cell count to guide frontline therapy choice for patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) HER2-negative (HER2) metastatic breast cancer. The CTC count significantly improved progression-free survival for patients with high CTC counts, while hormon...
SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateNov 9, 2020
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.
Large-area flexible organic photodiodes have surpassed conventional silicon photodiode technology in detecting low levels of light across large areas. The devices offer advantages over silicon, particularly in biomedical imaging and biometric monitoring, with performance comparable to rigid silicon photodiodes.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2020
Scientists at KAUST create a straightforward method for depositing silicon oxide onto silicon wafers using plasma processing in carbon dioxide gas. This technique resolves the problem of 'dangling bonds' and generates stable oxide films suitable for solar cells.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateOct 26, 2020
Researchers have found that the Earth's mantle has a different composition to its upper layer, contradicting long-held assumptions. Lab experiments and seismic wave analysis suggest that silicon is present in the lower mantle, not the core.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2020
Researchers at UNSW Sydney demonstrated the lowest recorded charge noise for a semiconductor qubit, reducing it by 10 times compared to previous results. The team's achievement shows promise for large-scale error-corrected quantum computers and moves closer to commercializing silicon quantum computers.
SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 8, 2020
A new study shows that layering advanced materials atop traditional silicon can produce multilayered solar panels with improved efficiency. The researchers used a precisely controlled fabrication process to create the new panels, which have the potential to convert more sunlight into usable electricity.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 6, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München and TUM developed the world's smallest ultrasound detector, leveraging silicon photonics technology to achieve super-resolution imaging. This innovation enables high-sensitivity detection in smaller sizes than previously possible, opening up new avenues for sensing and imaging applications.
SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020
Scientists use European XFEL to observe anomalous dynamics in superheated water, revealing uneven heating and unexpected behavior. The study's results are crucial for planning experiments with heat-sensitive samples.
SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2020
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have designed a silicon-based light source to generate single photons, a crucial component for quantum cryptography and communication. The prototype can produce 100,000 single photons per second and is stable even after several days of continuous operation.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 15, 2020
UD Prof. Koffi Pierre Yao receives a $1 million grant to create a next-generation battery that will power devices longer, making them more affordable and accessible. The new anode material can store up to 10 times the energy of current batteries.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a simple and efficient method to convert silicon wafers into nanoparticles in an aqueous solution, providing a new source of sustainable materials. The process enables controlling particle sizes and has implications for optics, photonics, medicine, and other fields.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 8, 2020
Researchers created silicon-based batteries with improved stability and capacity, allowing for faster charging times and increased efficiency. The breakthrough could enable the use of lighter batteries in spacesuits and satellites, reducing mission costs and increasing energy storage capabilities.
SourceClemson University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 31, 2020
Researchers at the University of Rochester have created the smallest electro-optical modulator yet, a key component of photonics-based chips. The breakthrough uses lithium niobate to control how light moves through its circuits, paving the way for larger-scale photonic integrated circuits with improved performance.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020
Researchers at Stanford University have created nanostructures that can slow down and redirect light, allowing for new technologies such as quantum computing, virtual reality, and biosensing. These 'high-Q' resonators have demonstrated quality factors up to 2,500, enabling applications like detecting COVID-19 antigens and antibodies.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 20, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have observed a significant increase in the photothermoelectric effect in silicon nanoribbons, benefiting from optimization processes and multiphysics modeling. This breakthrough has potential applications for improving photoelectric conversion efficiency by harnessing hot carrier energy.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 11, 2020
A new imaging paradigm using broadband electric force microscopy has been developed to non-destructively image and localize dopant structures in silicon chips. The technique provides a wealth of previously inaccessible detail about the electrical environment around these structures.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Electronics·DateAug 5, 2020
NASA's new pixel-based silicon detector technology has the potential to detect highly energetic photons in space with less power consumption. The AstroPix project is using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) manufacturing process to create more efficient detectors.
Researchers have designed a graded index waveguide that allows the width of a frequency comb to be more than doubled, compensating for material dispersion in silicon. This breakthrough enables the creation of chip-based frequency combs for high-precision spectroscopy and compact spectrometers.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 23, 2020
Rice chemist James Tour and his team use adhesive tape to create a silicon oxide film that replaces troublesome anodes in lithium metal batteries. The new coating triples the battery lifetimes of other zero-excess lithium metal batteries, delivering better performance and longer lifespan.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 14, 2020
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.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison created a highly efficient and long-lasting solar flow battery, achieving a record efficiency of 20%. The device combines silicon solar cells with advanced materials integrated with optimally designed chemical components.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 13, 2020
Perovskite solar cells have a love-hate relationship with sunlight, generating energy but also impairs stability and performance over time. Research reveals that charged particles in perovskites flow to areas with low band gap, causing clusters to form and limiting efficiency.
SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalJoule·DateJul 10, 2020
Researchers developed a new silicon chip with no moving parts that improves lidar system resolution and scanning speed, enabling applications in self-driving cars and smartphones. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper, smaller, and more complex lidar systems.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateJul 6, 2020
Researchers at USTC successfully control spin qubit lifetime by tuning the external magnetic field direction, improving it by over two orders of magnitude. The breakthrough opens up new directions for optimizing readout and multi-qubit extension of silicon-based spin qubits.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 5, 2020
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.
A new way to engineer optoelectronic devices has been discovered by researchers at George Washington University. Using a method called strainoptronics, the team created a novel photodetector that can operate with high efficiency at telecom wavelengths, advancing future communications and computer systems.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 22, 2020
Researchers developed a compact optical system using silicon photonics, significantly lowering production costs and enabling easy integration with traditional chip production. The technology addresses growing demands for multicolor laser lights in data centers, promising new opportunities in applications like optical clocks.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020
A team of researchers from UC Santa Barbara, Caltech, and EPFL has developed a new technology that simplifies and condenses complex optical systems onto a single silicon photonic chip. This breakthrough allows for easy integration with traditional silicon chip production, significantly reducing cost and improving performance.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020
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.
A novel wearable patch has been developed to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs directly to melanoma sites, providing a more sustainable and long-lasting treatment experience. The patch uses biocompatible silicon nanoneedles that dissolve in tissue fluids, reducing toxicity and side effects associated with conventional treatments.
Scientists at NIST and MIT developed a practical technique to control magnons, enabling efficient operation at room temperature. The new approach uses silicon substrates and has potential for industry-scale production, paving the way for highly efficient computer technology.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 15, 2020