Making light work of quantum computing
A University of Queensland researcher led an international study to develop a programmable machine that can accomplish various tasks using reprogrammed settings, resulting in exponential changes.
Silicon
Articles tagged with Silicon
ASU research finds silicon-based, tandem photovoltaic modules can compete in solar market
New solar energy research from Arizona State University demonstrates that silicon-based tandem photovoltaic modules can become increasingly attractive in the US market, with potential to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The study found that 32% efficient anticipated tandem modules can cost more than three times that of projected 2...
Made-to-measure silicon building blocks
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have created a new process to produce highly functionalized organochlorosilanes, ideal crosslinkers for various applications. The process enables the production of inorganic-organic hybrid materials with unique properties.
Generation of random numbers by measuring phase fluctuations from a laser diode with a silicon-on-in
Researchers have developed a quantum random number generator using a millimeter-scale chip that measures phase fluctuations from a laser diode, generating high-speed random numbers with low power consumption. The device enables real-time encryption and secure data transmission, overcoming vulnerabilities of existing algorithms.
FEFU scientists reported on toxicity of carbon and silicon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers
A team of toxicologists led by FEFU researchers found that carbon nanotubes and silicon nanotubes exhibited acute toxic effects on Heterosigma akashiwo microalgae at concentrations as low as 100 mg/l. Silicon nanotubes were more toxic than carbon nanotubes due to their smaller size and hydrophilic properties.
Gold nanoparticles to find applications in hydrogen economy
Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Leibniz University Hannover, and Ioffe Institute create a novel nanocomposite material to harness energy in hydrogen economy. The new structure isolates gold nanoparticles from silicon, increasing efficiency.
SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalSemiconductor Science and Technology·DateJul 17, 2018
Electronic stickers to streamline large-scale 'internet of things'
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new fabrication method for tiny electronic circuits that can peel off from a surface, enabling objects to sense their environment or be controlled through stickers. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and medical devices.
Tuning into quantum: Scientists unlock signal frequency control of precision atom qubits
Scientists have successfully implemented an atomic engineering strategy to individually address closely spaced spin qubits in silicon, achieving dramatically different control frequencies. This breakthrough enables selective addressing of qubits, reducing errors and advancing the development of a silicon-based quantum computer.
Generating electrical power from waste heat
Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories have developed a tiny silicon-based device that can harness waste heat and turn it into DC power. The device, called an infrared rectenna, has the potential to power compact devices in space missions and hybrid cars.
Manipulating single atoms with an electron beam
Scientists at the University of Vienna have successfully manipulated individual silicon impurity atoms in graphene with atomic precision, recording nearly 300 controlled jumps. This achievement enables potential high-density data storage and demonstrates the control of single atoms in two-dimensional materials.
High-power thermoelectric generator utilizes thermal difference of only 5ºC
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel silicon-nanowire thermoelectric generator that produces high power density of 12 microwatts per square centimeter at a mere 5°C thermal difference. This innovation has the potential to enable cost-effective, autonomous IoT applications with reduced fabrication costs.
Implanting diamonds with flaws offers key technology for quantum communications
Princeton researchers successfully implant diamonds with silicon vacancies to create a quantum repeater, enabling the transmission of fragile quantum information over long distances. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-secure communication networks and new quantum computers solving complex problems.
'Stealth' material hides hot objects from infrared eyes
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new stealth material that can hide hot objects from infrared detectors. The material, made with black silicon, absorbs approximately 94% of infrared light and can be used to trick infrared cameras.
The fingerprints of harmful molecules could be detected noninvasively via black silicon
Scientists have developed a method for detecting molecular fingerprints of toxic, explosive, and polluting substances using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with a black silicon (b-Si) substrate. The technique offers high accuracy and non-invasiveness.
Interest in tandem solar cells heats up
Recent improvements in perovskite alternatives are moving tandem devices closer to market with efficiencies similar to commercial silicon modules. Researchers have achieved lab device efficiencies up to 26.4 percent by tinkering with material composition and encapsulating cells in protective coatings.
Core electron topologies in chemical bonding
A new benchmark quantum chemical calculation reveals a qualitative difference in the topologies of core electron orbitals between organic molecules and their silicon analogues. This discovery suggests that core electrons play a more significant role than previously thought, particularly in unsaturated compounds.
Silicon provides means to control quantum bits for faster algorithms
Researchers from Purdue University and the Technological University of Delft have discovered enhanced spin-orbit interaction in silicon, allowing for easier manipulation of qubits using electric fields. This enables the creation of silicon quantum computer chips with millions of qubits, leading to high-speed information processing and ...
Does nanoconfinement affect the interaction between two materials placed in contact?
Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles estimate nanoconfinement impacts material contacts, interfacial interactions and vdW forces. Thinner films exhibit reduced contacts with silicon wafers due to weaker van der Waals forces.
New laser makes silicon 'sing'
Researchers at Yale University have created a new type of silicon laser that uses sound waves to amplify light, enabling faster and more efficient data processing. The innovative design maximizes light amplification using a special structure developed in the Rakich lab.
Fungi-produced pigment shows promise as semiconductor material
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a fungus-produced pigment, xylindein, that could become a sustainable alternative to silicon in electronic applications. The pigment, found in infected wood, has high durability and stability, making it suitable for wearable electronics.
Russian physicists supervised the formation of higher manganese silicide films
Researchers from Siberian Federal University and Kirensky Institute of Physics have developed an approach for the controlled synthesis of semiconducting higher manganese silicide thin films. The team successfully targeted the formation of two phases, Mn4Si7 and Mn17Si30, with high charge carrier mobility.
Silicon breakthrough could make key microwave technology much cheaper and better
Using powerful supercomputers, researchers have found a way to generate high-frequency microwaves with affordable silicon, cutting costs and improving devices such as sensors in self-driving vehicles. This innovation could lead to cheaper, more flexible microwave technology.
Valves for tiny particles
The ETH Zurich researchers developed nanovalves that can control individual nanoparticles in liquids using electric forces. This technology enables sorting and manipulation of tiny particles such as metal, semiconductor, virus, liposomes, and antibodies.
NASA eyes versatile carbon-nanotube technology for spaceflight applications
Carbon nanotubes are proving to be highly versatile for all types of spaceflight applications, including analyzing the chemical properties of rocks and soil on airless bodies. The nanotechnology works as envisioned, emitting enough electrons to excite samples and offering significant improvements over existing instruments.
An innovation that opens horizons for greenhouse gases' remote monitoring
Researchers developed a miniaturized FTIR spectrometer based on silicon photonics, overcoming technical challenges to monitor greenhouse gases remotely. The device achieved resolutions comparable to commercially available portable spectrometers.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2018
Custom silicon microparticles dynamically reconfigure on demand
Scientists at Duke University have developed custom silicon microparticles that can assemble, disassemble, and reassemble on demand. The particles were engineered to exhibit various behaviors, including synchronization of motion and reversible assembly/disassembly, in response to different electric fields.
UChicago researchers lay out how to control biology with light -- without genetics
Researchers at UChicago have developed a system of design principles for working with silicon to control biology using light. The team has demonstrated the ability to stimulate neurons, tissues, and limbs using this method, without the need for genetic modification or a power supply.
Bright future for solar cell technology
Scientists at OIST have developed stable and efficient perovskite solar cells that could revolutionize the solar industry. The new material is made of inorganic components, making it more heat-stable than previous versions.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 27, 2018
A simple method etches patterns at the atomic scale
Researchers at Penn State have developed a chemical-free method for etching nanoscale features on silicon wafers. The technique, called tribochemical reaction, uses a scanning probe microscope to remove single layers of atoms from the surface without damaging underlying layers.
A new way to atomically thin materials
Researchers developed a new production method for titanium carbide MXene by selectively etching silicon from titanium silicon carbide, resulting in flakes with unique properties. The process uses mixtures of hydrofluoric acid and an oxidizing agent to weaken silicon bonds and facilitate synthesis.
High-speed and on-silicon-chip graphene blackbody emitters
Researchers have developed highly integrated graphene blackbody emitters with a fast response time of ~100 ps, outperforming previous emitters. The emitters' properties are controlled by the number of graphene layers and can be used for real-time optical communication.
The future of photonics using quantum dots
Researchers have developed III-V quantum-dot lasers that can be integrated with silicon, offering significant energy savings and improved performance. The lasers can operate at higher temperatures and scale down to smaller sizes, making them promising for photonic circuits.
RIT researchers improve fabrication process of nano-structures for electronic devices
Researchers at RIT have improved the fabrication process of nano-structures for electronic devices, increasing performance and reducing costs. The new method uses indium-gallium-phosphide materials and combines benefits of wet etching and reactive ion etching.
A robust method to study cancer heterogeneity in liquid biopsy
A new liquid biopsy method has been developed to detect cancer heterogeneity with high accuracy and reduced cost. The approach uses a streamlined protocol to profile single circulating tumor cells from a simple blood test, enabling genome-driven targeted therapy selection and monitoring of disease progression.
Metal-organic compounds produces new class of glass
A team of researchers has developed a new class of glass based on metals and organic compounds, with improved glass-forming ability and pliability compared to traditional silica glass. The new metal-organic compound glass, ZIF-62, exhibits superior mechanical properties and optical transmission.
Seeing is believing -- precision atom qubits achieve major quantum computing milestone
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have successfully observed controllable interactions between two atom qubits made of phosphorus atoms in a silicon chip. The discovery is a significant milestone for building a quantum computer, as it demonstrates the ability to manipulate the spin correlations of electrons in these tiny devices.
Mining hardware helps scientists gain insight into silicon nanoparticles
Researchers created a 3D dynamic model of light-nanoparticle interactions using mining hardware, showing particles lose symmetry and optical properties become heterogeneous when exposed to short intense laser pulses. This finding could enable control of light on a nanoscale for ultrafast information processing devices.
Dual frequency comb generated on a single chip using a single laser
Researchers miniaturized dual-frequency combs on a single chip using a single laser, enabling real-time sensing and spectroscopy in field environments. The device can detect a broad range of chemicals with high precision, paving the way for commercialization in the future.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2018
Cartoon coyote's fall inspires development of new properties of silicon
Scientists have discovered a way to control the flow of terahertz photons using ordinary computer chips, which could lead to faster computers and higher bandwidth communications. The method uses a 'coyote time' effect, where the molecule doesn't know its energy after the first photon hits, allowing for more efficient switching.
Better together: Silicon qubits plus light add up to new quantum computing capability
Researchers at Princeton University have successfully linked silicon spin qubits using light, enabling long-distance communication and opening the door to more complex systems. This breakthrough increases flexibility in device design and could lead to the creation of quantum computing devices from silicon.
New UC Riverside research advances spintronics technology
Researchers at UC Riverside have developed methods to detect signals from spintronic components made of low-cost metals and silicon, overcoming a major barrier to wide application. This breakthrough enables the creation of spintronic computers that generate little heat and use relatively minuscule amounts of electricity.
Silicon nanoblock arrays create vivid colors with subwavelength resolution
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a silicon metamaterial surface that enables precise control of colorful patterns with subwavelength resolution. The system uses nanoscale patterns to convert optical radiation into localized energy, demonstrating vivid colors and two-color information within individual pixels.
Quantum race accelerates development of silicon quantum chip
Researchers have successfully coupled a single electron spin and a single photon on a silicon chip, enabling the transfer of quantum information between them. This breakthrough paves the way for scaling up quantum bits on silicon chips, a crucial step towards creating more powerful quantum computers.
Adding graphene girders to silicon electrodes could double the life of lithium batteries
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a new approach to replace graphite in lithium-ion batteries using silicon reinforced with graphene girders. This could more than double the battery's life and increase its capacity.
TU Wien develops new semiconductor processing technology
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to manufacture porous silicon carbide structures with controlled porosity, opening up new possibilities for sensor technology, optical components, and biological applications. The technique allows for the creation of micro- and nanostructures with unique properties.
Engineers design artificial synapse for 'brain-on-a-chip' hardware
Researchers at MIT have designed an artificial synapse that can precisely control the strength of an electric current flowing across it, similar to the way ions flow between neurons. The team found that their chip and its synapses could recognize samples of handwriting with 95% accuracy.
The world's first all-Si laser
Researchers have successfully created an all-silicon laser based on silicon nanocrystals, which achieves high optical gains and demonstrates reliable lasing characteristics. The development of this technology paves the way for electrically pumped all-Si lasers.
Silver nanoparticles take spectroscopy to new dimension
Researchers have developed a new way of organizing nanostructures that enhances Raman spectroscopy, allowing for the detection of molecules at low concentrations. The technique uses silver nanoparticles on nanowires to boost sensitivity, enabling the detection of compounds in nanomolar or even picomolar concentrations.
Nanoscale super-resonator extends light lifetime
Researchers create a subwavelength dielectric resonator that can trap light for an extended period due to destructive interference, allowing for more efficient optical devices. The structure is capable of suppressing energy leakage and keeping light for ten times longer than conventional resonators.
Complete design of a silicon quantum computer chip unveiled
The new chip design enables millions of qubits to be integrated and processed simultaneously, solving complex problems exponentially faster than conventional computers. The UNSW-led team's innovative approach incorporates error-correcting codes and sophisticated protocols to control the vast array of quantum bits.
Nanoparticle staircase: Atomic blasting creates new devices to measure nanoparticles
Scientists at NIST have developed a method to precisely control the depth of nanometer-scale structures using ion beams. This technique allows for the precise measurement of nanoparticle size and has potential applications in quality control, industrial production, and biomedical research.
Stable quantum bits
Scientists from Konstanz, Princeton and Maryland successfully created a stable quantum gate for two-quantum bit systems using silicon. The research demonstrates the ability to control and read out the interaction of two quantum bits with high fidelity, paving the way for more efficient quantum computers.
Scientist's accidental exhale leads to improved DNA detector
A novel DNA detector was developed using ultrathin layers, including a nanoporous silicon nitride membrane that serves as a prefilter and a biosensor membrane with a single nanopore. The device creates a nanocavity filled with less than a femtoliter of fluid, improving the precision and reproducibility of DNA detection.
Windows of opportunity: Solar cell with improved transparency
Researchers at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science have developed a semi-transparent solar cell that absorbs red and blue light while letting green through. The new material, based on perovskite, is able to retain an impressive power conversion efficiency of around 10% despite being made much thinner.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2017
Five Brookhaven Lab scientists named 2017 American Physical Society Fellows
Brookhaven Lab scientists Anatoly Frenkel, Morgan May, Rachid Nouicer, Eric Stach, and Peter Steinberg were elected 2017 American Physical Society Fellows for their exceptional contributions to physics. The fellows were recognized for their innovative research in materials physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics, including discoveri...
Nano-watch has steady hands
Scientists at the University of Vienna have developed an incredibly stable nanoscale clock that can maintain its accuracy for extremely long periods. The clock, which consists of a levitated silicon cylinder, has a precision of one millionth of a second over four days.
The stacked color sensor
Researchers have developed a stacked color sensor using perovskites, which improves colour recognition and light sensitivity. This allows for more accurate image capture and enables the creation of smaller pixel sizes, potentially leading to higher spatial resolution in various analysis technologies.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateNov 16, 2017
Winds blowing off a dying star
Researchers have observed the formation of aluminum oxide dust around an AGB star, providing insight into wind acceleration. The team discovered that AlO was distributed within three stellar radii, while SiO remained gaseous beyond five stellar radii.
Better, bolder printing with silicon nanostructures
Researchers have found a way to expand the printable color spectrum with a novel nanostructure system that broadens colors while maintaining high resolution. The new silicon nanostructures can print an art piece with a 121% expanded color gamut, higher color saturation and resolution.
Lightning-fast communications
University of Utah researchers create a new component for ultra-high-speed communications and computing using perovskite, a mineral discovered in Russia. The technology uses the terahertz spectrum to transmit data a thousand times faster than current systems.