Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers invent light-emitting nanoantennas

A research group from ITMO University combined a nanoantenna with a light source in a single nanoparticle, generating, enhancing and routing emission. The scientists discovered that the emission can be enhanced if its spectra match with Mie-resonant mode, making them efficient light sources at room temperature.

SourceITMO University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 20, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Revealing the hidden path of perovskite formation

Researchers at EPFL have developed a systematic understanding of sequential deposition reaction for metal halide perovskite formation. The study used X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and cross-sectional photo-luminescence mapping to investigate the crystallization of lead iodide and perovskite film formation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 2, 2018

Scientists discover material ideal for smart photovoltaic windows

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a thermochromic material that works as both transparent and non-transparent, producing electricity when darkened. The material's reversible phase transition enables it to switch between these states without degrading its electronic properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 22, 2018

Perovskite solar cells: Mesoporous interface mitigates the impact of defects

Researchers have discovered that mesoporous perovskite solar cells exhibit better output stability than their planar counterparts due to the large surface area of the interface. The mesoporous structure dilutes defects, leading to a more stable power output and increased resilience to defect accumulation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJan 18, 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.

Lifespan of fuel cells maximized using small amount of metals

KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to improve the chemical stability of electrode materials in solid oxide fuel cells. By employing a small amount of metals, they can extend the lifespan of these energy technology devices. This innovation has the potential to improve the long-term performance and durability of fuel cells.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 17, 2018

Slow 'hot electrons' could improve solar cell efficiency

Researchers have discovered a new material that slows down the decay of hot electrons in solar cells, allowing for more energy to be harvested. This could lead to a significant increase in solar cell efficiency, from 33% to 66%, and make a major contribution to providing clean and sustainable energy.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2018

Perovskite solar cells: Perfection not required

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin discover why perovskite solar cells function despite numerous holes. The thin layer built up in the film prevents short circuits by recombination barrier and electron transport layer separation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJan 15, 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.

Laser evaporation technology to create new solar materials

Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to create hybrid thin-film materials that can absorb and emit light efficiently. The technique, called Resonant Infrared Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation, allows for the creation of delicate organic-inorganic crystals with improved scalability and durability.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJan 3, 2018

Standardizing perovskite aging measurements

Researchers propose a standardized measurement method for perovskite solar cell stability, addressing the lack of comparable data across laboratories and companies. The study investigates environmental factors affecting perovskite degradation, revealing specific behaviors that distort experimental results.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 2, 2018

UNIST professor receives 2017 Korea Scientists Awards

Distinguished Professor Sang Il Seok at UNIST received the 2017 Korea Scientists Award for his outstanding contributions to energy sector through manufacturing high-efficient halide perovskite solar cells. His research has been recognized worldwide and cited over 5,000 times in prestigious scientific journals.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateDec 26, 2017

Guanidinium stabilizes perovskite solar cells at 19 percent efficiency

Scientists at EPFL Valais Wallis discovered that guanidinium can improve perovskite stability, delivering an average power conversion efficiency of 19.2% and stabilizing performance for 1000 hours under continuous light illumination. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 8, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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

Quantum-emitting answer might lie in the solution

A team of researchers has demonstrated a simple approach for coupling solution-synthesized cesium lead tribromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite nanocrystals to silicon nitride photonic cavities, enhancing room temperature light emission by an order of magnitude.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 28, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

A curious quirk brings organic diode lasers one step closer

Scientists have successfully created the first continuous-wave lasing in an organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite semiconductor, which could be a crucial step towards developing electrically driven devices. By adjusting the material's temperature, they avoided a phenomenon known as lasing death and achieved over an hour of lasing.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 20, 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

Mechanochemistry paves the way to higher quality perovskite photovoltaics

Researchers have developed a method to produce high-quality perovskite photovoltaics using mechanochemistry, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced structural defects. The production process involves grinding powders to create homogeneous perovskites with fewer defects, which improves the cell's performance.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 7, 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

Inorganic-organic halide perovskites for new photovoltaic technology

Inorganic-organic halide perovskites have distinctive advantages for high efficiency solar cells, with recent breakthroughs in developing efficient hole transport material free PSCs. Significant ion transport has been found to redistribute doping and defects, affecting photoelectric behavior and stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 5, 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.

Osaka university roll the dice on perovskite interfaces

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method to model the structure of perovskite oxide interfaces using a Bayesian probability-based computer program. This approach provides fast and accurate results, allowing for easier analysis of complex structural data.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateOct 25, 2017

UNIST researchers develop highly stable perovskite solar cells

Researchers at UNIST have developed highly stable perovskite solar cells using fluorine-functionalized graphene nano-platelets, overcoming the material's notorious instability. This breakthrough could lead to next-generation solar cells with high efficiencies and low costs.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 25, 2017

Missing atoms in a forgotten crystal bring luminescence

A team of researchers at KAUST discovered the origin of strong photoluminescence in Cs4PbBr6, a perovskite material. Heating the crystal to 180°C irreversibly destroys its photoluminescence, but creates CsPbBr3 nanocrystals that act as traps for excitons, leading to efficient re-emission of light.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateOct 10, 2017
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.

Forget about it

Researchers develop a quantum perovskite material that exhibits adaptive response to repeated proton insertion and removal, resembling brain's desensitization. This property enables effective programming of the material like a computer.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2017

Scientists from MSU proposed a way of increasing the efficiency of solar batteries

Researchers from MSU found that changing the ratio of components in light-absorbing perovskite layers influences film structure and solar cell efficiency. By studying intermediate compounds formed during crystallization, they discovered a key factor affecting perovskite crystal shape and solar cell performance.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 5, 2017

Perovskite solar cells reach record long-term stability, efficiency over 20 percent

Researchers have developed a new method to deposit CuSCN layers on perovskite films, resulting in stabilized power-conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. The introduction of a thin spacer layer of reduced graphene oxide allows the cells to achieve excellent operational stability, retaining over 95% of their initial efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

A little tension yields enormous solar crystals

Scientists at KAUST and Oxford University have created a method to produce centimeter-scale, highly pure perovskite crystals by exploiting surface tension. This technique enables the growth of large-area perovskites without being limited to specific metal cations.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateSep 26, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Researchers set time limit for ultrafast perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells could generate electricity more efficiently by harnessing the kinetic energy of electrons moving at high speeds. The study found that electrons retain their highest levels of energy for up to 10 quadrillionths of a second, limiting the time frame for extraction.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2017

A simple additive to improve film quality

Glycol ethers added to thin film manufacturing boost perovskite crystal structure and efficiency, increasing solar cell performance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateSep 18, 2017

Green light for ultra-fine display colors

Scientists have made a breakthrough in producing ultra-pure green light for high-resolution displays, exceeding 97-99% of the Rec.2020 standard. The new technology uses simple room-temperature processes and inexpensive materials, paving the way for low-cost industrial production.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 6, 2017

Defects in next-generation solar cells can be healed with light

Defects in perovskites can be permanently healed with light and humidity, accelerating the development of cheap and high-performance solar cells. The process involves exposure to light, oxygen, and controlled humidity levels, which create a protective shell that locks in improvements.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJoule·DateSep 6, 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.

Insect eyes inspire new solar cell design from Stanford

Stanford University scientists have created a compound solar cell with perovskite microcells encapsulated in hexagonal scaffolds, inspired by the insect compound eye. The design increases fracture resistance without compromising efficiency, and the cells withstand extreme temperatures and humidity.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 31, 2017

Perovskite solar cells go single crystal

Researchers have successfully grown single crystalline films of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 on electron-collecting substrates, exhibiting excellent photovoltaic properties. The resulting devices achieve high efficiency rates, closing the gap with traditional silicon-based solar cells and offering a promising solution for renewable energy.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 28, 2017

Shape-shifters soak up sunshine

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a crystalline material that changes shape in response to light, showcasing its potential applications in novel optoelectronic devices

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 27, 2017

The power of perovskite

Researchers at OIST have improved the stability of perovskite solar cells by inserting a thin polymer layer, extending their lifespan four-fold. They have also developed a new method to manufacture perovskite LEDs using chemical vapor deposition, which could lead to lower-cost and more efficient lighting solutions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateAug 18, 2017
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.

Fewer defects from a 2-D approach

Scientists at KAUST have discovered that two-dimensional layers of perovskite material can achieve higher purity levels than their three-dimensional counterparts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2017

UNIST hits new world efficiency record with perovskite solar cells

Researchers at UNIST have achieved a new world record efficiency performance of 22.1% in small cells and 19.7 percent in 1-square-centimeter cells using perovskite solar cells. The breakthrough is made possible by careful control of growth conditions to fix defects that reduce photoelectric efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 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.

Non-toxic alternative for next-generation solar cells

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the US has demonstrated a non-toxic alternative to lead for use in next-generation solar cells, using bismuth oxyiodide. The material shows comparable performance to current silicon-based solar cells, with efficiencies up to 22%.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 18, 2017

Meniscus-assisted technique produces high efficiency perovskite PV films

Researchers developed a meniscus-assisted solution printing (MASP) technique to fabricate high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with large crystals. The process boosts power conversion efficiencies by controlling crystal size and orientation, resulting in stable and efficient solar cells.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2017

New class of 'soft' semiconductors could transform HD displays

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a new type of semiconductor that can emit multiple bright colors from a single nanowire, challenging traditional quantum dot displays. The 'soft' semiconductors use ionic bonds instead of covalent bonds, making them easier to reconfigure and produce.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017
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.

Ultra-stable perovskite solar cell remains stable for more than a year

Scientists have developed an ultra-stable perovskite solar cell with a constant efficiency of 11.2% for more than 10,000 hours, resolving stability issues and paving the way for commercialization. The 2D/3D hybrid perovskite design efficiently absorbs light across the visible spectrum and transports electrical charges.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2017

A new spin on electronics

Researchers at University of Utah have discovered that organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites possess contradictory properties necessary to make spintronic devices work, enabling exponentially more data processing and overcoming size limitations in traditional electronics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 29, 2017

Solar cells more efficient thanks to new material standing on edge

Researchers developed a new perovskite material that overcomes water sensitivity, creating stable and efficient solar cells with a ten percent efficiency rate. The material's ability to self-organize in an edge-standing structure increases electron circulation, improving energy conversion.

SourceLund University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 23, 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.

Next-gen solar cells could be improved by atomic-scale redesign

New research reveals the mechanism behind perovskite solar cell breakdown in air, which causes significant degradation and reduces their efficiency. By understanding this process at an atomic scale, scientists have proposed possible solutions to engineer defects out of the material.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2017

Mixed valence states in lead perovskites

Scientists have discovered a new class of materials with mixed valence states in lead perovskites, exhibiting charge ordering and high thermopower. The study reveals the key to stabilizing these unusual valence states through tuning the energy levels of Pb 6s and TM 3d orbitals.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 9, 2017

Light can improve perovskite solar cell performance

EPFL scientists have found that light plays a crucial role in controlling the morphology of perovskite crystals, leading to improved photovoltaic performance. The study reveals that the presence of light accelerates the formation of perovskites and enhances crystal growth.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

NREL's new perovskite ink opens window for quality cells

Scientists at NREL developed a new perovskite ink with a long processing window, allowing for the production of high-efficiency solar cells. The ink was tested using blade-coating and produced indistinguishable film morphology and device performance.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 18, 2017

Revealing the microscopic mechanisms in perovskite solar cells

Researchers have confirmed that doping spiro-OMeTAD with LiTFSI prevents holes from getting trapped, allowing them to move freely and generate electrical current. This process was observed using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and demonstrated a two-order-of-magnitude increase in the number of electron spins.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 21, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Nanotube film may resolve longevity problem of challenger solar cells

Researchers from Aalto University have developed a nanotube film that can replace traditional materials in perovskite solar cells, improving their stability and lifetime. The new material has conductivity as high as possible and can be made transparent and thin, making it suitable for use as the front contact of the cell.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 17, 2017

Perovskite edges can be tuned for optoelectronic performance

Researchers have developed layered 2D hybrid perovskites with nanometer thickness, improving optoelectronic performance for efficient devices. The discovery of layer-edge-states at the edges of perovskite layers enables uninhibited charge transport and enhances photovoltaic and light-emitting properties.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2017

Printable solar cells just got a little closer

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new chemical reaction that enables the growth of an electron-selective layer made of nanoparticles in solution, directly on top of the electrode. This breakthrough reduces the manufacturing temperature and improves efficiency, paving the way for low-cost, printable solar panels.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2017

NREL research pinpoints promise of polycrystalline perovskites

Scientists from NREL found that surface recombination significantly affects the performance of polycrystalline perovskite solar cells. The study suggests that improving surface properties could lead to more efficient devices, with potential applications in photodetectors and light-emitting diodes.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 7, 2017
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.