Applied Physics

From folds and cuts to linkages

Researchers create collapsible scissored surfaces based on networks of interconnected scissor mechanisms that can transform into curved surfaces. The new approach completes a trilogy of metamaterial design principles: origami (folds), kirigami (cuts), and pantograph lattices (linkages).

Oh, snap: Fabrics with multiple stable shapes

Researchers at Harvard's SEAS have created unique machine-knitted fabrics that 'snap' between multiple stable shapes, exhibiting multistability. The team embedded fine conductive yarns to create soft, stretchable electric switches that change state as the textile snaps back and forth.

All-angle acoustic topological insulators: from omnidirectional antennas to angle-tunable Klein tunneling

Researchers developed a platform to move Dirac points in momentum space, allowing for free sound steering. Two fully passive devices were built: a scanning topological antenna and an angle-tunable Klein tunneling device.

Two Lehigh University AI projects selected for DOE Genesis Mission funding

Two Lehigh University AI projects have been selected for funding from the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission. The RIVER-AI project will improve flood- and water-level prediction, while the REACT project aims to accelerate reactor-scale fusion energy by developing an AI-enabled digital twin. These awards strengthen Lehigh University...

USC leads national AI research project to accelerate scientific discovery

USC is leading a national research team developing AI to predict turbulence, a challenge in physics and engineering that affects technologies daily. The approach could make scientific simulations faster and more accurate, enabling researchers to tackle complex problems.

New laser technology could help stop deadly fake alcohol

Researchers at Adelaide University developed a laser-based technology to detect toxic methanol in sealed spirit bottles, even through colored glass. The system uses Raman spectroscopy to identify the unique chemical 'fingerprint' of a liquid through its packaging.

The invisible wearable: New skin sensors revolutionizing health monitoring

Researchers have developed ultrathin, invisible on-skin electrodes that can measure biological signals without altering appearance or social interactions. These new sensors achieve this by closely matching the appearance and texture of natural skin, reducing reflections and eliminating visibility.

NSF selects Rochester, New York, as national laser innovation hub

The University of Rochester-led NSF STELLAR Engine launches to strengthen US competitiveness in global markets by advancing lasers and laser application research. The project aims to bring New York laser research, development, and manufacturing to a scale that can compete globally.

"Semiconductors enter the era of skyscrapers": Stacking chips like high-rise buildings to boost performance

Researchers developed a technology to stack ultrathin semiconductor chips with improved integration density, overcoming challenges of chip thickness and warpage. The process enables the reliable stacking of over ten chips, potentially leading to significant improvements in AI semiconductor performance.

Electronics that learn: Würzburg team builds brain-inspired components

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed components that can reproduce key functions of neurons and synapses, enabling adaptive electronics. These brain-inspired components use complex oxide materials to create 'electron highways' that can be precisely controlled, allowing for targeted training and adaptation.

Researchers identify new superconductors, unlocking process that could yield thousands more

Physicists have identified two new superconductors, YRu3B2 and LuRu3B2, using machine-learning to filter material combinations. This breakthrough aims to find a room-temperature superconductor, which could slash global energy consumption and reduce the heat footprint of ICT sector.

Kilometer-scale high-resolution fast non-line-of-sight imaging achieved by laser reflective tomography

Researchers have introduced laser reflective tomography to overcome the speed-resolution trade-off in NLOS imaging, achieving kilometer-scale high-resolution imaging without scanning mechanisms. This innovative approach combines single-point detection with multi-angle projection data for accurate scene reconstruction.

Assessing clinical skills through the examiner's eyes

A pilot study found that an examiner-worn, neck-mounted camera can supplement the observation and review of clinical skills during OSCE assessments. The results showed moderate to strong agreement between live and video-based assessments, with the wearable camera enabling more observations to be evaluated than the fixed camera.

Scientists measure hidden quantum forces that could power a new generation of pharmaceutical drugs

Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.

WVU physicists unlock plasma’s mysteries with lasers

Researchers at WVU are developing new laser-based techniques to observe plasma behavior in unprecedented detail, allowing them to examine how charged particles and energy move between plasmas and material surfaces. This study could lead to improved understanding of plasma sheaths and their role in surface wear and material lifetime.

Rayleigh-driven ethanol cluster inference based on non-contact optical sensing and deep learning

Researchers developed a non-contact optical sensing strategy to detect ethanol molecules in air using light-field distortions and deep learning. The system employs a graphene-based Fresnel lens to focus light through interference, capturing minute changes in the focal spot formed by the lens.

NTU Singapore scientists create optical skyrmions using a two-century-old light phenomenon

Researchers have created stable patterns of light called optical skyrmions using a laser and a small circular disc, generating up to four related topological field patterns simultaneously. This method offers a simpler way to generate, study and adjust optical skyrmions, which hold potential for future data storage and computing systems.

HKU Tea hosts Super Angel and Going Global Innovation Forum in Gianhai to drive cross-border tech collaboration and global expansion

The University of Hong Kong hosted a Super Angel and Going Global Innovation Forum in Qianhai, Shenzhen, to foster collaboration and drive global expansion for high-potential ventures. The event highlighted the growing importance of internationalization amid a rapidly evolving global innovation landscape.

Thermal imaging reveals hidden defects in freestanding oxide membranes

Researchers developed a lock-in thermography-based method to rapidly characterize structural imperfections in freestanding oxide membranes. The study found distinct thermal responses for different types of defects, including microcracks and wrinkles, enabling efficient defect screening and quality evaluation.

A team at Polytechnique Montréal is tackling one of the biggest barriers to scaling artificial intelligence

A team at Polytechnique Montréal has developed a new material that enables direct light processing on silicon chips, reducing the need for signal conversion and amplification. This breakthrough could help sustain the next wave of AI at scale by giving light a larger role in data processing.

Rock-paper-scissors game reveals new thermal transport phenomenon: Robust temperature localization and topological phase transition

A novel thermal transport phenomenon is discovered in an actively controlled system, where heat continuously accumulates towards one boundary, forming a robust temperature localization profile. The phenomenon exhibits remarkable robustness against external disturbances and topological transitions.

Improved omnidirectional small moving object detection with an enhanced YOLO model

A new framework combines a custom-built training dataset with transfer learning to improve the detection accuracy of small and distant objects in omnidirectional videos. The proposed model achieved an overall accuracy of 90%, significantly higher than conventional models for small moving objects.

Thermal imaging reveals altermagnetic domains in RuO2 for first time, opening path to new spintronic applications

A research team has achieved a major breakthrough in characterizing altermagnets, a newly discovered class of magnetic materials. They successfully visualized magnetic domains in RuO2 using lock-in thermography and the spin-dependent Peltier effect, resolving long-standing challenges in this emerging field.

Turning surroundings into a 'virtual screen' could help machines to better see in 3D

A new approach enables computers and machines to capture images at higher resolution and faster speed, making it impervious to reflective surfaces. The technology uses a virtual screen created by repurposing the surroundings of specular objects.

From interface retreat to interface anchoring: A paradigm shift in solar thermal energy storage

Researchers measure energy below a zeptojoule–enough for a red blood cell to move a nanometer

Scientists have successfully measured incredibly small amounts of energy using a novel calorimeter technique, achieving a world-first in sensitivity. The breakthrough could pave the way for counting individual photons and detecting elusive dark-matter axions in space.

Powerful shrinking technique could enable devices that compute with light

Ultra-compact silicon photonic "vernier caliper" spectrometer achieves picometer-scale resolution over a broad bandwidth

Researchers developed a compact silicon photonic 'Vernier Caliper' spectrometer with near-uniform resonator responses across a broad wavelength range. The device resolves fine spectral peaks as little as 0.74 pm, outperforming commercial benchtop spectrometers in accuracy.

All-surface 3D carbon circuitry on glass: A maskless laser printing breakthrough for next-generation semiconductor packaging

A global research team developed an 'All-Surface' 3D laser patterning technique to directly draw highly conductive carbon circuitry on transparent glass. This technology overcomes conventional 2D lithography limits, enabling the fabrication of complex 3D interconnected electrodes and redistribution layers.

AiiDAlab: Software that drives research forward

AiiDAlab simplifies material research and simulations by automating workflow management, analysis, and visualization. Researchers can now focus on gaining new insights without requiring advanced computing skills.

New fiber-optic sensing method reads strain and displacement through electrical signals

Good vibrations for quantum communications

Scientists have successfully demonstrated atomic spin qubit interaction with a single-quantum sound wave, opening up new possibilities for quantum information storage and sensing applications. The experiment uses phonons to interact with atomic defects in diamond, enabling precise measurement of forces and temperatures.

BMFTR awards millions in funding for fusion research – Dr. Yannik Zobus of GSI/FAIR secures a young investigators group

HKU Nobel Laureate Professor Ferenc Krausz elected as International Member of U.S. National Academy of Sciences

How rock removes CO2 from the atmosphere

Researchers at TU Wien have demonstrated a remarkable mineralogical mechanism where certain minerals convert CO2 into solid carbonate quickly, mediated by water. This process enables rapid CO2 capture and storage in rocks, potentially solving the issue of atmospheric CO2 removal.

Ultraviolet light that fits on a chip

The Harvard-led team demonstrates a micron-scale photonic device that generates two orders of magnitude more UV light on a chip than previous approaches. By converting red light to UV light through frequency upconversion, the researchers create high-power, low-loss, compact UV sources.

Polygonal generalized perfect spatiotemporal optical vortices for advanced field manipulation

Researchers introduce generalized perfect spatiotemporal optical vortices with topological-charge-independent sizes and fully controllable geometric shapes. The new method achieves higher modulation efficiency and improved energy utilization, exceeding 90%.

From ship wakes to soft tissues: Exploring fluid and solid surface-wave physics

Researchers discovered that ultrasoft elastic materials generate a V-shaped wake similar to boat wakes, blurring the distinction between wave behavior on solids and fluids. This finding could lead to new approaches for soft-tissue diagnostics and understanding the properties of natural and engineered soft materials.

Simple robots that collectively build and excavate are inspired by ants

Researchers developed a fleet of cooperative robots that, like ants, can spontaneously organize to build and dismantle structures without central control. They identified key parameters needed for excavation and building performance using simple local rules.

Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires

Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.

MIT researchers find self-organizing “pencil beam” laser could help scientists design brain-targeted therapies

Researchers leveraged a surprise discovery to devise a new bioimaging method that captures 3D images of the human blood-brain barrier 25 times faster than existing technology. This technique enables scientists to test whether new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases reach their targets in the brain.

No batteries, just body heat: demonstrating the potential of battery-free sensing

A team of researchers at The University of Osaka has created a wireless EEG transmission system that can operate without external power sources. The system harnesses energy from the temperature difference between the human body and surrounding air, allowing it to function reliably even in hot summer conditions.

Texas A&M opens world’s largest academic controlled-explosions lab

The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.

Twisted nanoparticles sorted by light

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science demonstrated a method for manipulating metallic chiral nanoparticles using circularly polarized light. By confining light to an evanescent field near the surface of ultra-thin optical fibers, they selectively transported left- and right-handed particles based on their chirality.

Scientists unlock new route to extreme light intensities

A team of physicists has discovered a way to boost the intensity of high-power laser light, opening up new possibilities for experiments in quantum electrodynamics. The breakthrough uses an unusual process to create extremely bright ultraviolet light, which can be focused into a tiny point creating immense energy concentration.

How can scientists visualize cellular life with greater precision?

Salk scientists and collaborators advance visualization technology using visible-spectrum antigen-stabilizable fluorescent nanobodies (VIS-Fbs), reducing background fluorescence by up to a hundredfold. The new probe enables high spatial and temporal precision, allowing for real-time tracking of dynamic changes in living models.

New insights into how bacteria manage DNA

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed new methods to study DNA management in bacteria, revealing that DNA shape and flexibility play critical roles in gyrase activity. The study identifies specific DNA sequences that guide gyrase binding and interaction with the enzyme.

Millimeter-scale resolution in fiber-optic sensing: single-ended technique advances infrastructure monitoring

Researchers develop signal-processing method to suppress distortions, achieving 6mm spatial resolution in single-ended Brillouin sensing. This enables early detection of damage or abnormal conditions in aging infrastructure.

Aston University researcher helps solve a decades-old ultrafast lasers puzzle

Researchers have developed a unified mathematical model explaining two types of 'breathing' solitons in ultrafast lasers, overcoming decades-old puzzle. The new framework accurately predicts complex behaviors and reveals underlying mechanisms.

New physics-based AI model opens frontiers in dielectric materials exploration

Researchers at Tohoku University developed an AI-based method integrating physics-based modeling for rapid screening of material candidates. The approach significantly improves accuracy by evaluating basic properties before predicting complex ones.

Ultra-sensitive multi-band infrared polarization photodetector based on 1T'-MoTe2/2H-MoTe2 van der Waals heterostructure

The device exhibits outstanding performance across a broad optical spectrum, with high responsivity and specific detectivity. Its polarization-sensitive detection capability enables the direct deciphering of light's polarization state without external filters.

'Like liquid metal': Entangled, staple-like particles could inspire new generation of materials

Researchers at CU Boulder explore entangled particles for strong, adaptable materials. They found a 'two-legged' particle shape with optimal geometry delivers maximum entanglement, combining strength and toughness.

Perovskite nanocrystals in glass for high-efficiency and ultra-high resolution dynamic displays

Researchers develop fluoride-engineered perovskite nanocrystal glass for high-efficiency, full-color emission and ultra-high-resolution holographic displays. The glass matrix enables stable and efficient photoluminescence of PNCs, driving the creation of high-quality dynamic displays.

The once-theoretical skyrmion could unlock supercomputing memory

Researchers have discovered a new understanding of skyrmions, highly stable structures that can be moved with minimal electrical current. This breakthrough has significant implications for nanocomputing and the development of ultra-power-saving devices.

Ability to harness quantum speed gains now within sight after researchers solve massive simulation problem in a heartbeat

A team at Aalto University has developed a quantum-inspired algorithm that enables the solution of colossal problems in quantum materials. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new quantum materials for use in quantum computers and dissipationless electronics.

Bright quantum light emission achieved at room temperature in 2D semiconductors

Researchers have successfully created a high-efficiency quantum light source that emits bright lights even at room temperature using 2D semiconductors. The achievement is made possible by confining excitons in a tiny region via nanohole-induced confinement and neutralizing excess charges.

When light gets trapped at nanoscale: New ways to power the future of optoelectronics

Researchers explore new design strategies for metasurfaces and BICs, enabling scalable light control and efficient optoelectronic platforms. These advances have practical implications for applications in lasing, sensing, nonlinear optics, wavefront shaping, and imaging.

Making light spin with a gold nanorod

By striking a gold nanorod off-center with an electron beam, researchers created rotating circular polarization in light, a property useful for controlling information encoding and transmission. This simple approach could enable new ways to encode, route, and process information using light.

Researchers reveal new method for dialing up superconductivity

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new method for controlling superconductivity by manipulating the surrounding environment. By adjusting electron interactions, they were able to switch the material's superconductivity on and off, revealing a simpler way to control atomic power behind superconductivity.

Imaging technique captures more information about ultrafast microscopic processes