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Scientists unravel the mysteries of irreversibility in electrochromic thin films

Scientists from Tokyo University of Science and NIMS Japan have evaluated the irreversibility of LixWO3 thin films. They found that irreversible Li+ trapping and Li2WO4 formation are different processes, with proportions of 7.7% and 50.9%, respectively.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021
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.

Copper and PTFE stick together to support better 5G

Osaka University researchers have created an adhesive-free method to strongly combine copper foil with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), reducing transmission losses in electronic circuits. The heat-assisted plasma treatment technique improves adhesion strength without adding intermediate layers.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Generating entangled photons with nonlinear metasurfaces

A new approach to generating quantum-entangled photon pairs uses nonlinear metasurfaces to enhance and tailor photon emissions. The researchers achieved a five-order-of-magnitude increase in the brightness of entangled photons, with a highly configurable platform that can control entanglement and direction.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Toward scaling up nanocages to trap noble gases

Researchers developed a method to scale up nanocages to trap noble gases like krypton and xenon. The team used commercial materials and found the optimal temperature range for trapping gas atoms inside the cages.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalSmall·DateSep 1, 2021

LED material shines under strain

Berkeley Lab researchers developed a method to increase the efficiency of LED devices by applying mechanical strain to thin semiconductor films. This approach reduces exciton annihilation, allowing for high-performance LEDs even at high brightness levels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021
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.

Keeping it random

Scientists created a reliable true random number generator using atomically thin two-dimensional films, overcoming long-term stability issues and power consumption concerns. The innovation uses memristors to produce fluctuating electronic signals with an exceptionally high degree of randomness.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2021

In situ extraction and detection of DNA is an im-pore-tant development

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method for detecting single DNA molecules directly from individual cells, eliminating the need for subsequent steps. The 3D-integrated nanopore allows for efficient delivery of released DNA molecules to the sensing zone, enabling robust detection and analysis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021
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.

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology study examines thin film surface symmetries

Researchers at GIST develop a non-contact, nondestructive approach to characterize crystal structures in thin films, shedding light on surface symmetries in SrRuO3. The technique offers a platform for structural characterization of surfaces and interfaces using optical techniques.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Mixing a cocktail of topology and magnetism for future electronics

Researchers explore joining topological insulators with magnetic materials to achieve quantum anomalous Hall effect, promising building blocks for low-power electronics. The 'cocktail' approach allows tuning of both magnetism and topology in individual materials, enabling operation closer to room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2021

Siddha Pimputkar recognized for early-career success in crystal growth

Siddha Pimputkar, an assistant professor at Lehigh University, has received the American Association for Crystal Growth (AACG) Young Scientist Award for his outstanding contributions to crystal growth. His research focuses on synthesizing bulk and thin-film single-crystal nitrogen-containing materials.

SourceLehigh University·DateAug 2, 2021

Squeeze the shock out: What different phases of piezoelectric materials tell us

Researchers at GIST discovered a correlation between S-polymorph phases and high piezoelectric response in lanthanum-doped bismuth ferrite thin films. The study suggests that ultrafast piezoelectric devices with sub-microsecond response times can be created using strain engineering.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalActa Materialia·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Let there be light! New tech to revolutionize night vision

Researchers developed an ultra-compact thin film that can be used on standard glasses to see clearly in the dark. The technology has the potential to transform infrared light into visible images at room temperatures.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJun 15, 2021

Ion-selective smart porous membranes

Researchers created a responsive porous SiO2 thin film with an extremely thin thickness of 8nm, controlling surface charge and selective ion permeation in response to pH changes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 13, 2021

The first hydroxide conductivity in anion conducting polymer thin films

Scientists from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have successfully developed a new humidity measurement technique for anion conducting polymer thin films. The study revealed high hydroxide ion conductivity of 0.05 S cm^-1, comparable to thick membrane forms.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemSusChem·DateMay 7, 2021

Surfaces can be designed with antiviral properties to mitigate COVID-19

Researchers discovered that optimally designed surfaces can accelerate virus decay, rendering them less likely to contribute to disease spread. The optimal design combines surface wettability and physical texture, creating a thin film that evaporates quickly.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 4, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Instrument at BESSY II shows how light activates MoS2 layers to become catalysts

Researchers at BESSY II discover that low-intensity blue light can alter the properties of MoS2 layers, making them metallic and catalytically active. This finding could enable the production of hydrogen as an energy carrier with no CO2 emissions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 5, 2021

Scientists develop elements for the future electronics

Researchers at Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University are developing thin films made from biological macromolecules such as proteins and amino acids. These unique materials exhibit self-organization ability and can be assembled into certain structures, potentially solving energy efficiency limitations in modern electro...

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalSymmetry·DateMar 2, 2021

On-chip erbium-doped lithium niobate microcavity laser

Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University have successfully designed and fabricated a microcavity on a lithium niobate chip, achieving integrated light source in the communication band. The innovative technology realizes the potential of lithium niobate thin films for efficient optoelectronic integration.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 30, 2020
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.

Printed solid-state batteries

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method for creating high-quality, high-performance solid-state electrolyte thin films. This 'printing and radiative heating' approach enables rapid production of dense and uniform films with superior ionic conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2020

Solar cells: Mapping the landscape of Caesium based inorganic halide perovskites

A team at HZB explores compositions of CsPb(BrxI1?x)3 for their potential to improve the stability and efficiency of solar cells. The study reveals tunable optical band gaps between 1.73 and 2.37 eV, making these mixtures suitable for multi-junction solar cell applications.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateNov 16, 2020

Coating plastics by porous nanofilm

Researchers from Tohoku University developed a new method for creating MOF thin films with designable pores, opening up its use for humidity sensing, gas sensing and resistive switching devices. The 'layer-by-layer' method involves sequential immersing of substrates into ingredient solutions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 9, 2020

Printing organic transistors

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a new method for printing organic transistors, which could lead to the development of new display technologies and wearable electronic products. The breakthrough uses a lyophobic surface and a special U-shaped metal-film pattern to create uniformly grown semiconductor films.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

Energy-harvesting plastics pass the acid test

A KAUST team engineered self-powered devices using a conducting polymer containing PEDOT:PSS chains, which exhibited improved thermoelectric behavior. The researchers discovered that polyethylenimine coating enhanced the device's lifetime and energy harvesting capabilities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 6, 2020
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.

Customising an electronic material

PSI scientists investigate strontium-iridium oxide, an antiferromagnetic material, to systematically control its magnetic and electronic properties. By manipulating thin films, they can fine-tune the material's properties, leading to potential applications in data storage.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2020

Theoretically, two layers are better than one for solar-cell efficiency

A team of researchers suggests using two thin films of different materials to create affordable and efficient solar cells. The proposed configuration achieves a 34% efficiency rate, surpassing the efficiency of individual components.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 15, 2020

A chemist from RUDN developed a new type of one-molecule thick water-repellent film

Researchers at RUDN University have developed a new type of two-dimensional nanofilm from calixarene molecules, which can be used as protective coatings in electronics. The films' stability was found to depend on the length of hydrocarbon chains in the original macromolecules.

SourceRUDN University·JournalMaterials Today Communications·DateSep 9, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Photonics researchers report breakthrough in miniaturizing light-based chips

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created the smallest electro-optical modulator yet, a key component of photonics-based chips. The breakthrough uses lithium niobate to control how light moves through its circuits, paving the way for larger-scale photonic integrated circuits with improved performance.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020

New fabrication method brings single-crystal perovskite devices closer to viability

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new method to fabricate perovskites as single-crystal thin films, resulting in flexible single-crystal films with controlled area, thickness, and composition. These single-crystal films showed greater efficiency and enhanced stability than polycrystalline counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2020

Microscopy technique reveals nanoscale detail of coatings as they dry

A new microscopy technique reveals the interactions between particles in thin film coatings as they dry, shedding light on their properties and behavior. The research has implications for pharmaceutical devices used to deliver drugs.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 10, 2020

Invention: "Nanocage" tool untangles (molecular) spaghetti

Researchers at University of Vermont develop nanocage tool that can select and activate specific polymer chains in a lab, opening doors to new possibilities for precision chemistry and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalChem·DateJul 10, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Robust high-performance data storage through magnetic anisotropy

A team of scientists has found that iron-platinum thin films exhibit minimal expansion when heated, making them suitable for HAMR memories. The discovery was made using ultrashort X-ray pulses to measure the crystal lattice's response to laser excitation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 10, 2020

Trapping the Sun: New thin-film technology uses sustainable components for solar panels

Scientists have developed a novel thin-film technology using bronze and brass alloys, which are composed of non-toxic earth-abundant materials. The new method allows for the creation of efficient CZTSSe solar cells with diverse applications, including electronic devices and vehicles.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 25, 2020

Ecofriendly nano-fabrication achieved with biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles

Researchers developed a new process using biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles to fabricate self-cleaning antireflective glass surfaces. The eco-friendly approach eliminates microplastic waste, a significant environmental concern.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 28, 2019
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.

Turning up the heat to create new nanostructured metals

Scientists developed a new approach to create metal-metal composites with a 3-D interconnected structure in thin films. The heat-driven process, called thin-film solid-state interfacial dealloying (SSID), has potential applications in catalysis, energy generation and storage, and biomedical sensing.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateNov 20, 2019

A technology to transform 2D planes into 3D soft and flexible structures

Researchers developed a new technology to produce flexible 3D medical devices by selectively bonding polymeric thin films using plasma. This method overcomes limitations of existing flexible 3D structures, enabling mass production with customized shapes and wire patterns.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 21, 2019

Solar cells with new interfaces

Scientists from NUST MISIS and University of Rome Tor Vergata developed a new approach to design perovskite solar cells using MXene, increasing efficiency by more than 25% compared to original prototypes. The innovative material enhances charge extraction through interfaces.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 30, 2019
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.

Creating 'movies' of thin film growth at NSLS-II

Scientists use Coherent Hard X-ray Scattering to study thin film growth, producing a 'movie' that depicts the process more accurately than traditional techniques. The research could improve the performance of organic solar cells and provide insights into the quality of films.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2019

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, June 17, 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an online tool to evaluate the moisture durability of a building's envelope, enabling better-informed decisions for energy efficiency. Additionally, the lab has pioneered a new technique using pressure to manipulate magnetism in thin film materials used in electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 2019

Single nanoparticle dynamics and smart window tinting

Researchers demonstrate a way to boost smart glass window tinting rates by analyzing single-particle resolution optical imaging. The study finds that optimizing thin film architectures can increase tinting speeds and reduce inefficiencies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019
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.

Excitonic radiative decay faster than thermal dephasing in ZnO thin films

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered that zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films exhibit the fastest excitonic radiative decay rate ever recorded, surpassing thermal dephasing rates. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-fast and energy-efficient photonic devices with non-thermogenic properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 2019

New method opens the way for cutting tools with longer lifetime

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a theoretical model that simulates the degradation of hard cutting materials. The model, published in Materials journal, enables the manufacturing industry to save time and money by developing tools with greater hardness and resistance.

SourceLinköping University·JournalMaterials·DateMar 8, 2019

Chemists 'print' sensors for nano-objects

Researchers from ITMO University create sensors that can detect and analyze nano-objects using inkjet printing technology. The sensors work by measuring changes in color caused by the attachment of nanoscale objects to a transparent film.

SourceITMO University·JournalNanoscale·DateMar 4, 2019

Transforming magnetic storage might stem from the vision of quantum

Researchers have developed a new tabletop method to characterize ultrafast magnetic storage devices, which could lead to faster information processing technologies. The method uses high-harmonic generation of laser light in iron thin films to measure electron spin on a quadrillionth-of-a-second time scale.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateMar 4, 2019
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.

Detecting light in a different dimension

Scientists improved graphene's response to light by 600% using self-assembling wire-like nanostructures. The new design enhances light absorption and charge transfer, enabling faster detection of low-level light in various applications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalACS Photonics·DateNov 13, 2018

Nanosized ferroelectrics become a reality

Researchers at the University of Groningen have successfully created nanosized ferroelectric materials using hafnium oxide, which can store information like magnetic bits. The discovery could lead to more efficient and compact computer memory by leveraging the unique properties of these materials.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 22, 2018

Controlling organic semiconductor band gaps by electron-acceptor fluorination

The study introduces a fluorinated electron-acceptor unit that precisely controls the energy levels within an organic semiconductor, leading to improved hole and electron injection and transport. The resulting thin film solar cell exhibits high photovoltaic performance with a power conversion efficiency of up to 3.12%.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateOct 16, 2018

Novel use of NMR sheds light on easy-to-make electropolymerized catalysts

Researchers have characterized the electrochemical properties of polyaniline and polyaspartic acid thin films using NMR techniques. They found that PASP outpaces polyaniline in catalyzing hydroquinone and catechol oxidation, suggesting its potential as a catalyst.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateOct 5, 2018
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.

Lighting it up: A new non-toxic, cheap, and stable blue photoluminescent material

Researchers have designed a novel photoluminescent material that emits blue light when excited and is stable under ambient conditions. The material, Cs3Cu2I5, has potential applications in optical and electronic devices, including white luminescent films and blue LEDs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 19, 2018

Carbon in color: First-ever colored thin films of nanotubes created

Researchers at Aalto University developed a method to control the fabrication of carbon nanotube thin films, producing colored thin films for various applications. The breakthrough uses aerosols of metal and carbon, with small doses of carbon dioxide tuning the growth of nanotubes.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 28, 2018

A colossal breakthrough for topological spintronics

Scientists have developed BiSb alloys with a colossal spin Hall effect and high electrical conductivity, making them suitable for ultra-low-power SOT-MRAM devices. The breakthrough could accelerate the development of non-volatile memories for IoT applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 31, 2018
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.

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

High performance nitride semiconductor for environmentally friendly photovoltaics

Researchers have developed copper nitride semiconductors that can replace toxic materials in photovoltaic cells, offering a brighter future for solar energy. The unique nitriding technique and fluorine doping enable efficient p-type and n-type conduction, promising scalable and low-cost manufacturing routes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 3, 2018

Psst! A whispering gallery for light boosts solar cells

Researchers at NIST have developed a nanoscale coating for solar cells that absorbs up to 20% more sunlight, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNanotechnology·DateApr 13, 2018

High efficiency solar power conversion allowed by a novel composite material

A composite thin film made of two different inorganic oxide materials significantly improves the performance of solar cells by optimizing its ability to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. The material achieves a record power conversion efficiency of up to 4.2%, making it promising for future solar technologies.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 9, 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.

Scientists created multifunctional protein-polymer films

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed protein-dendrimer films with self-assembly properties, retaining enzyme activity and function. The films show promise as biosensor materials and bioactive dressings for medical applications.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPolymer·DateMar 5, 2018

Rutgers-led innovation could spur faster, cheaper, nano-based manufacturing

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new method for processing nanomaterials that could lead to faster and cheaper manufacturing of flexible thin film devices. The 'intense pulsed light sintering' method uses high-energy light to fuse nanomaterials in seconds, retaining conductivity while reducing temperatures.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRSC Advances·DateFeb 14, 2018

Three's company: New alloy sets magnetism benchmark

Researchers have created a stable thin film made from iron, cobalt, and manganese that boasts an average atomic moment potentially 50% greater than the Slater-Pauling limit. The new alloy features a magnetization density of 3.25 Bohr magnetons per atom, besting the previously considered maximum of 2.45.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 13, 2018

Researchers engineer ultra-sensitive temperature sensor

Developed in Brazil, the device measures temperatures in a wide band between 80-750 kelvin using spectroscopy and has applications in manufacturing and biological processes. It can be used in electronic equipment identification and detection of viral or bacterial infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 11, 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.

Making the Internet of Things possible with a new breed of 'memristors'

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new breed of 'memristors' that can store data for more than 10 years without power and work with low voltages. These ferroelectric tunnel junctions have the potential to revolutionize neuromorphic computing and enable efficient IoT processing.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 10, 2018