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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.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 24, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 16, 2018
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 9, 2018

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.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 9, 2018
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.

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.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2018

'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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateJun 22, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 13, 2018

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.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 12, 2018
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.

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 ...

SourcePurdue University·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateJun 8, 2018

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.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2018
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.

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMRS Advances·DateJun 5, 2018

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.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateMay 25, 2018

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 23, 2018

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 10, 2018
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.

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2018

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2018
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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 4, 2018

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.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateMar 27, 2018

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.

SourceMenarini Silicon Biosystems·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 12, 2018
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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2018

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

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.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·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.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 1, 2018

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 25, 2018

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.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2018
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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 22, 2018

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.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAPL Materials·DateJan 22, 2018

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 17, 2018
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 2, 2018

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.

SourceITMO University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 7, 2017

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...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 22, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 10, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 8, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017

Researchers bring optical communication onto silicon chips

Researchers have developed a light emitter and detector that can be integrated into silicon CMOS chips, overcoming the interconnect bottleneck. The device uses an ultrathin semiconductor material called molybdenum ditelluride, which emits light in the infrared range, not absorbed by silicon.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 23, 2017

Silicon is liberated from Abbot's Flatland

Researchers pack laser-written structures deep into silicon chips, enabling arbitrary 3D fabrication without layers above or below. The method also enables creating functional optical devices and 3D sculpturing of entire wafers.

SourceBilkent University Faculty of Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 7, 2017
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.