Articles tagged with Thin Films
A team of researchers has solved a puzzle in fluid mechanics using an experiment featuring an ink-on-milk maze. The study reveals how the presence of surfactants in milk helps the ink/soap mixture navigate the maze by exploiting variations in surface tension.
Researchers developed mucoadhesive films combining xyloglucan and green tea extract to treat oral mucositis, a painful inflammation caused by cancer treatment. The films demonstrated high strength and adhesion forces comparable to commercial products, showing promise as a novel treatment for oral mucositis.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a compact cooling technology that can continuously pump away heat using layers of flexing thin films. The prototype lowered ambient temperatures by 16 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 25 degrees at the source of heat, offering a simpler design without greenhouse-gas-generating coolants or liquids.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a simple method to measure deformations in thin membrane materials using photogrammetry and a single camera. This technology can accurately detect wrinkle size and wavelength, enabling more efficient spacecraft operations.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in decoding the growth process of Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a 2D material with unique versatility. The findings reveal the formation of nanoporous hBN, expanding its potential environmental applications, including sensing and filtering pollutants.
A new cobalt-manganese-iron alloy thin film demonstrates high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, a key aspect for fabricating MRAM devices using spintronics. This breakthrough offers a new candidate for memory materials and contributes to the development of novel spintronics memory devices.
A team of researchers at TIFR Hyderabad has devised a strategy to enhance control over the separation of chemical isomers using a nanoporous metal-organic framework. This approach enables fine-tuning of molecular interactions and diffusion processes, allowing for more efficient and sustainable separation methods.
Researchers at UVA confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, providing a breakthrough in understanding thermal conductivity. The validation of Matthiessen's rule paves the way for refining materials that interconnect circuits in advanced computer chips.
Researchers have discovered a highly electrically conductive material with low thermal conductivity, challenging the link between electrical and heat conduction. This finding could lead to new developments in building materials, performance apparel and energy storage solutions.
Researchers developed a spray coating that absorbs blue light and converts it to red light, increasing crop yield by up to 9% in field trials. The technology has the potential to extend greenhouse seasons, reduce energy consumption, and improve fruit taste.
Researchers developed a new method to create ultra-responsive thin films, enhancing wireless communications, electronics, and other technologies. The approach enables faster data transmission speeds and reduced latency, paving the way for next-generation 5G and emerging 6G networks.
Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute have found a quantum phenomenon known as time-reversal symmetry breaking occurring at the surface of the Kagome superconductor RbV₃Sb₅ at temperatures up to 175 K. This discovery sets a new record for the temperature at which this phenomenon is observed among Kagome systems.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, paving the way for advancements in technology and more efficient devices. The study validated Matthiessen's rule in ultra-thin copper films, providing a blueprint to mitigate thermal bottlenecks.
Researchers create flexible, lightweight, and durable antennas using kirigami and MXene nanomaterials. The antennas can be adjusted to change transmission frequency by simply pulling or squeezing the shape, making them ideal for soft robotics and aerospace applications.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have created a new form of graphene oxide without internal pores, significantly improving hydrogen ion barrier properties. The non-porous film exhibits up to 100,000 times better performance than conventional films, with potential applications in protective coatings and rust prevention.
Researchers have developed a new engineering approach to on-chip light sources, enabling the widespread adoption of photonic chips in consumer electronics. The innovation involves growing high-quality multi-quantum well nanowires using a novel facet engineering approach, which enables precise control over the diameter and length of the...
Researchers developed a novel block copolymer that can create finely detailed structures on semiconductor chips with half-pitch sizes of less than 10 nanometers. The new compound achieves 7.6 nm line width, outperforming conventional block copolymers.
The research team has successfully demonstrated the control of thermal radiation by metasurfaces, achieving circularly polarized light with full control over emission direction. This breakthrough enables the creation of custom light sources with desired spectral, polarization, and spatial features for various applications.
A Japanese research team developed a new method for producing large-area nanosheets with exceptional electronic, optical, mechanical, and chemical properties. The 'spontaneous integrated transfer method' uses the spontaneous spreading phenomenon of wetted nanosheets to create uniform films in just one minute.
A team from Osaka Metropolitan University has created a way to control the growth of crystals on metal-organic frameworks thin films, reducing light scattering and resulting in high-quality films. These advanced films are expected to be used as optical sensors, optical elements, and transparent gas adsorption sheets.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated a technique for creating strain sensors that can function both in air and underwater. The sensors, called 'amphibious,' enable applications such as wildlife monitoring and biomedical research.
The layered multiferroic material nickel iodide (NiI2) has been found to have greater magnetoelectric coupling than any known material of its kind, making it a prime candidate for technology advances. This property could enable the creation of magnetic computer memories that are compact, energy-efficient and can be stored and retrieved...
Researchers have developed MXene/CNT Janus films with high electrical conductivity, robust mechanical strength, and excellent thermal camouflage performance. These films demonstrate exceptional electromagnetic shielding capabilities and can detect infrared radiation, making them ideal for harsh environment applications.
Scientists have discovered a material that can harness waste heat, increasing energy efficiency and sustainability. The researchers found that thinner cadmium arsenide films exhibit higher thermoelectric sensitivity, allowing for more efficient cooling in cryogenic environments.
Researchers at IBS have developed a damage-free dry transfer printing technique for flexible electronic devices, overcoming existing challenges such as the use of toxic chemicals and mechanical damage. The new method allows for high-quality electronic materials to be transferred to flexible substrates without damage.
Researchers have discovered unusual transport phenomena in ultra-clean SrVO3 samples, contradicting long-standing scientific consensus. The study's findings challenge theoretical models of electron correlation effects and offer insights into the behavior of transparent metals.
Researchers have developed a novel perovskite-based anode material with mixed hole–proton conduction, achieving high efficiency at low and medium temperatures. The breakthrough could pave the way for important technological advancements in energy technologies.
A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a new type of hafnia-based ferroelectric memory device that can store 16 levels of data per unit transistor. The device operates at low voltages, high speeds and exhibits stable characteristics.
Researchers have identified a class of materials called antiferroelectrics that produce an electromechanical response up to five times greater than conventional piezoelectric materials, even in films as thin as 100 nanometers. This breakthrough could enable the development of next-generation electronics and devices.
A new method for visualizing molecular orbitals has been developed, enabling scientists to analyze molecular dynamics and deformations in molecular films more easily. The technique, called PhaseLift-based photoemission orbital tomography (POT), allows for precise visualization of electronic states with a single set of measurements.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a method to produce high-quality perovskite films at room temperature, significantly increasing their efficiency from under 20% to 24.4%. This simplified process reduces energy use and lowers carbon dioxide emissions, making it suitable for flexible indoor and outdoor energy generation.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of Pittsburgh studied how pure spin currents move through chiral materials. They found that the direction of spin injection affects its absorption in chiral materials, which could enable the design of energy-efficient spintronic devices for data storage, communication,...
A new atomically-thin material has been discovered that can switch between an insulating and conducting state by controlling the number of electrons. This property makes it a promising candidate for use in electronic devices such as transistors.
Researchers led by POSTECH Professor Yong-Young Noh discovered that tellurium oxide can function as a p-type semiconductor in oxygen-deficient environments. They successfully engineered high-performance amorphous p-type oxide Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs) with exceptional hole mobility and on/off current ratio.
A team at KU Leuven has developed a TFT-based microprocessor that can be produced in two foundries, showcasing the potential of a 'foundry' business model for flexible electronics. The research demonstrates feasibility and paves the way for innovation in thin-film technology.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a comprehensive model of the quantum-mechanical effects behind photoluminescence in thin gold films, which could drive the development of solar fuels and batteries. The study reveals unexpected quantum effects emerging in films as thin as 40 nanometers.
Scientists at Linköping University have created sheets of gold only a single atom layer thick, termed goldene. This material has given gold new properties that can make it suitable for applications such as carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen production, and selective production of value-added chemicals.
Scientists from Osaka University create borane molecules that exhibit red-shifted light emission upon binding to fluoride, enabling versatile materials for electronic display and chemical sensing applications. The researchers also achieve fine-tuning of the color of light emission by adjusting the quantity of added fluoride.
Researchers visualize chiral interface state at atomic scale for the first time, allowing on-demand creation of conducting channels. The technique has promise for building tunable networks of electron channels and advancing quantum computing.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to synthesize hundreds of new 2D materials, expanding the possibilities for energy storage, catalysis, and water purification. The study uses a three-step process, including large-scale computations and chemical exfoliation, to identify and create suitable materials.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed a combined microscopy technique that captures the nanoscale behavior of azo-polymer films triggered by laser light. This allows for real-time observation with high spatiotemporal resolution, shedding light on the mechanism of light-driven deformation in these materials.
Scientists at KAUST have observed that water droplets condense onto a cold surface coated with oil exhibit complex dance-like motion. This phenomenon could lead to more efficient water harvesting systems, especially in arid regions. The research aims to optimize collective motion of condensing droplets to increase condensation rates.
Researchers at Linköping University developed improved neutron mirrors coating silicon with iron and silicon mixed with boron carbide to increase efficiency in material analysis. This enables more neutrons to reach instruments, improving experiments.
Researchers have discovered dynamic piezoelectricity in ferroelectric hafnia, which can be changed by electric field cycling. This phenomenon offers new options for microelectronics and information technology. The study also suggests the possibility of an intrinsic non-piezoelectric ferroelectric compound.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed an ultraviolet laser-processing technique for fabricating complex microstructures, enabling the creation of biohybrid actuators capable of complex, flexible movements. The method involves forming curved microgrooves on a substrate and aligning muscle cells in an anisotropic manne...
A research group at Chuo University developed a novel non-destructive inspection technique combining multi-functional photo monitoring devices with image data-driven three-dimensional restoration methods. The technique precisely evaluates target objects by compositional identifications and structural reconstructions, providing a breakt...
Researchers create a simple method to instantly bond layers made of the same or different types of hydrogels using a thin film of chitosan. The new approach has potential to broadly advance new biomaterials solutions for multiple unmet clinical needs, including regenerative medicine and surgical care.
Researchers developed a UV-sensitive tape that can transfer 2D materials like graphene with ease, reducing damage and increasing efficiency. The new technology allows for flexible plastics to be used in device substrates, expanding potential applications.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a spray coating for grapes that can prevent off-flavors caused by wildfire smoke. The coatings, made with cellulose nanofibers and chitosan, block or capture wildfire smoke compounds, protecting wine quality.
Scientists have developed a new biocompatible material that can conduct electricity efficiently in wet environments and interact with biological media. The modified PEDOT:PSS enables the creation of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with high performance and excellent characteristics.
The study introduced a silver-dispersive chalcogenide thin film for use in memristive devices, addressing data retention and endurance challenges. The device demonstrated reliable state retention and endurance, even at high temperatures, and achieved a recognition rate of ~92% in the MNIST database.
Engineers have discovered a method to increase the stability of perovskite solar cells using bulky additives, which could enable the production of cheaper solar panels. The study suggests that larger molecules with specific configurations are most effective at preventing defects in the cells.
Researchers at KAIST have developed a micro-vacuum assisted selective transfer printing (µVAST) technology to improve the transfer of microLED chips. The technology uses laser-induced etching to create micro-hole arrays on glass substrates, allowing for precise alignment and higher adhesion switchability.
Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia developed an ultra-thin electronic tattoo that can generate localized tactile sensations. The device uses electro-thermo-pneumatic actuation to produce a force on the skin, allowing users to perceive touch.
Researchers at CSU and the University of St. Andrews created an effective antimicrobial material that slowly releases nitric oxide, killing bacteria and fungus over time.
Researchers have developed a new self-assembling nanosheet that can create functional and sustainable nanomaterials for various applications. The material is recyclable and can extend the shelf life of consumer products, enabling a sustainable manufacturing approach.
A team of scientists at Aalto University has created a bio-based transparent film from lignin nanoparticles, offering an alternative to toxic synthetic materials. The coating can be used on glasses, windshields, and other surfaces, and also displays coloured films with structural colours.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a record-thin MOF film that performs exceptional hydrogen-nitrogen separation. The breakthrough uses an innovative crystallization method to create uniform two-dimensional films with unprecedented thickness.
A new type of flexible neural electrode has been developed, which can accurately match the mechanical properties of brain tissue. The electrode was tested in epilepsy rat models, demonstrating accurate measurement of neural responses and stimulation of specific brain regions.
GIST researchers found that nano-sized pits on AlN surfaces cause graphene degradation at higher temperatures, leading to GaN film exfoliation failure. The study's results demonstrate the importance of substrate chemical and topographic properties for successful remote epitaxy.