Articles tagged with Surface Science
Researchers at the University of Arizona have created a sophisticated experimental setup to measure the interactions between single atoms and surfaces. The technique refines our understanding of the van-der-Waals force, which is crucial for chemistry, biology, and physics.
Researchers at Penn State University have successfully determined the geometry of C60 molecules on a silver surface using low-energy electron diffraction. The findings reveal a 'hole' beneath each molecule that reinforces bonding between carbon and silver, opening doors to studying technologically important molecules.
Scientists from Jülich and Göttingen have successfully visualized bulk Fermi surfaces using scanning tunnelling microscopes. This breakthrough enables direct insight into the properties of metals.
The University of Colorado at Boulder received two $11 million grants to study the lunar surface, atmosphere, and cosmos. The LUNAR team will conduct astronomical observations and investigate the early universe, while the CCLDAS project focuses on lunar dust and astronaut safety.
A new technique allows lab technicians to manipulate tiny quantities of liquid without contaminating them. Droplets can be made to bounce, float and move into the air using a bath of oil and vibrations.
Researchers at NIST discovered gold nanostars exhibit superior optical qualities for SERS, outperforming nanorods and nanospheres for enhanced signal detection. The team created gold nanostars using surface alterations and demonstrated their ability to amplify molecular signatures.
A new study shows that a sensitive laser instrument developed at the Idaho National Laboratory can detect minuscule traces of cells in Martian minerals. The technique uses a 'point-and-shoot' laser method to preserve more of the rock and reduce contamination risk, with high sensitivity crucial for NASA's search for life on Mars.
Social spiders have developed a unique foraging strategy that enables them to capture larger prey despite declining individual catch rates with colony size. This efficiency allows colonies to thrive in tropical areas but dwindle in higher elevations and latitudes.
The 2008 IOP Awards have recognized significant contributions to physics across various fields. Notably, Professor Rowan-Robinson's research on galactic dust has shed light on the main populations of galaxies in our universe.
The study provides key insights into the composition of comets, with three pockets of thin ice detected on Tempel 1. The surface ice appears to have been exposed over time through geologically active jets, revealing an abundance of organic matter and water.
Majkrzak's work on neutron reflectometry has significantly improved the field's ability to analyze atomic and magnetic structures. His research findings have numerous applications in biology, particularly in the study of materials at the molecular level.
Scientists have detected a 'whiff' of methane evaporating off the surface of Saturn's moon Titan, revealing insights into its geology and weather systems. The data from the Huygens probe also suggests that beneath the thin crust lies a material made of water ice grains.
The discovery of salty, acidic water on Mars' surface suggests the planet was once capable of cradling life. Robotic explorers like Opportunity and Spirit found evidence of shallow groundwater and wet-and-dry cycles.
A novel laser technique has been developed to identify and quantify toxic molecules, such as trichloroethylene, in the environment. The method enables quantitative studies of real-world surface processes without requiring ultrahigh vacuum conditions.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a series of phase transitions that cause silicon crystals to round their edges as they reach thermal equilibrium. This finding has implications for the manufacturing of tiny electronic components, such as wires and semiconductors, which could be designed with specific patterns.
Researchers grew a molecular film on liquid mercury, discovering four distinct patterns as molecules assemble. The study paves the way for controlling film growth and tailoring materials for nanoelectronics and nanosensor technology.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have found several new pieces to the puzzle of high-temperature superconductors by imaging the copper-oxide plane. They discovered that the surface behavior is different from when buried inside the crystal, offering additional insight into high-temperature superconductors.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a technique to create ultra-smooth gold surfaces, more than 10 times smoother than existing ones. This breakthrough can be used for scanning tunneling microscopy of biological molecules and making reflective coatings for large X-ray mirrors.