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Tiny probe could produce big improvements in batteries and fuel cells

Scientists have developed a new nanoscale probe to study electrochemical properties, which could lead to significant improvements in battery and fuel cell performance. The device can measure local variations in material properties, allowing researchers to better understand how electrochemical systems work.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 31, 2016

Calculating the mechanics of a rough sphere

Researchers create simulation model to account for sphere roughness in experiments, enabling accurate measurements and electrical conductivity. The model predicts a sweet spot for optimal contact area, reducing friction and minimizing damage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 31, 2016

Doubling down on Schrödinger's cat

A team of Yale scientists has created a more exotic type of Schrödinger's cat-like state that can exist in two boxes simultaneously, leveraging entanglement to enable error correction and logical operations in quantum computing. This breakthrough builds upon decades of development in circuit quantum electrodynamics.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diamonds closer to becoming ideal semiconductors

Scientists have developed a new technique to dope single-crystal diamonds with boron at relatively low temperatures without degrading the crystal. This breakthrough enables selective doping, allowing for more control when making devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 24, 2016

Why vocal fry?

Researchers are studying the lowest vocal register, called vocal fry, to better understand its emotional properties and how it affects listeners. The technique has become popular in pop and country music, with female singers' use of vocal fry rating them as more expressive.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 2016
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.

Physicists discover flaws in superconductor theory

Researchers discovered significant deviations from the Critical State Model, revealing unexpected behavior favorable for practical applications. The study suggests using 'trapped field magnets' in various new ways and applications, including replacing expensive low-temperature superconducting magnets with more affordable alternatives.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 8, 2016

Cooling chips with the flip of a switch

Researchers at Penn State University have developed a unique blend of ferroelectric polymers that can hold absorbed heat even after the external field has been switched off. This allows the material to generate cooling when the field is turned on, but no subsequent heating when the field is turned off.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 5, 2016

Printing nanomaterials with plasma

Researchers developed a new method that uses plasma to deposit nanomaterials onto flexible surfaces and 3-D objects. The technique can produce wearable chemical and biological sensors, flexible memory devices, batteries, and integrated circuits with improved efficiency and reduced costs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 22, 2016

Using statistics to predict rogue waves

Researchers have created a statistical model to forecast extreme waves, which are large and spontaneous ocean waves that can be deadly. The model uses joint statistics of multiple points in time or space to capture wave heights and turbulent air flows, greatly reducing complexity and obeying the Fokker-Planck equation.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Celestial bodies born like cracking paint

A Duke University theorist proposes that the universe's varied body sizes are a result of internal tension release through hierarchical formation. This concept is rooted in Bejan's constructal law, which states that flowing systems will tend towards easier architecture by releasing tension through smaller, more numerous bodies.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 1, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Why celestial bodies come in different sizes

Researchers propose that a universe with diverse body sizes reduces gravitational tension faster due to the natural tendency of systems to evolve toward reduced tension. This phenomenon is a manifestation of the Constructal Law, which states that natural systems facilitate flow.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 1, 2016

New physics and application of antiferromagnet uncovered

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a new physics of antiferromagnets, where an applied current induces magnetization switching in neighboring ferromagnets. The findings enable the development of ultralow-power integrated circuits and neuromorphic computing devices with fast and reliable control.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 17, 2016

Absorbing acoustics with soundless spirals

Researchers at CNRS and University of Lorraine develop a coiled-up acoustic metasurface that achieves total acoustic absorption in very low-frequency ranges. The absorber's deep-subwavelength thickness enables it to handle large wavelengths with reduced size structure, making it physically practical for most applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 9, 2016
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.

Two-in-one packaging may increase drug efficacy and reduce side effects

Researchers developed a device that produces tiny capsules with multiple inner ingredients, which can be triggered to mix and release toxic product only near the tumor site. The method has shown promise for increasing drug efficiency while reducing side effects in cancer treatment.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 11, 2016

It's official! Element 113 was discovered at RIKEN

A RIKEN group led by Kosuke Morita has discovered element 113, the first superheavy element found in Asia. The discovery was confirmed through a series of experiments that demonstrated the decay chain of the new element.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPure and Applied Chemistry·DateJan 3, 2016

Move aside carbon: Boron nitride-reinforced materials are even stronger

Researchers have discovered that boron nitride nanotubes can create even stronger and more stable materials when combined with lightweight polymers than previously thought. The unique properties of boron nitride nanotubes make them an attractive alternative to carbon nanotubes for aerospace and other industries.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 22, 2015
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.

Kestrel inspires unpowered, autonomous glider to climb higher

Researchers have developed an autonomous fixed-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) inspired by the way kestrels hover above their prey. The MAV gains height from convenient updrafts, making it more efficient and extending its working range for tasks such as package delivery and surveillance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateDec 17, 2015

Using cycling to explain why physics isn't a drag

Scientists and teachers developed a simple spreadsheet-based method to teach aerodynamic drag to 14-15 year olds. Students measured speed and frontal area while biking, then calculated the drag coefficient using an Excel spreadsheet. The approach engaged students and showed that computers can simplify complex physics problems.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics Education·DateDec 10, 2015

Exploring the physics of a chocolate fountain

The study, published in European Journal of Physics, uses classic work on 'water bells' to explain why the falling curtain of chocolate pulls inwards. Surface tension is the primary force responsible for this phenomenon.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateNov 24, 2015
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.

Stretch the new flex for programmable rubber keyboard

Scientists at the University of Auckland have created a soft, flexible, and stretchable keyboard using dielectric elastomers. The keyboard can flex and stretch, recovering from drops and impacts, making it ideal for various applications such as gaming and motion capture.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateNov 24, 2015

Forming glass shapes: Lowering the 'softening temperature' via electric field

Researchers at Lehigh University and the University of Colorado Boulder discovered that an electric field can lower the softening temperature of glass, allowing for significant energy savings in traditional forming approaches. This phenomenon has potential applications in micro- and nano-forming operations and high-precision nanostamping.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 3, 2015

Wall-less Hall thruster may power future deep space missions

Researchers have optimized a novel wall-less Hall thruster design, suitable for long-duration deep space missions. The new design enables scientists to observe hidden plasma regions, facilitating investigation of plasma instability and anomalous electron transport.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 27, 2015

A 'hot' new development for ultracold magnetic sensors

Researchers from Loughborough and Nottingham Universities developed a multi-SQUID device that can operate at 77 K, outperforming standard 4.2 K SQUID magnetometers. The new design uses flux focusers to achieve high temperature performance with low noise levels.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 20, 2015
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.

Double the (quantum) fun

A team of researchers has developed a detailed analysis of the electrical characteristics of double-quantum-dot transistors, which could help design better devices for manipulating single electrons. The device's stability and geometry were found to be crucial in determining its electrical parameters.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 6, 2015

New surfaces delay ice formation

Researchers create biphilic surface that repels water in some areas and attracts it in others, delaying frost formation even at 6 degrees below freezing. The unique condensation dynamics on the surface cause small droplets to merge and release energy, delaying freezing for over 3 hours.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 6, 2015

Iron-gallium alloy shows promise as a power-generation device

Researchers have discovered an iron-gallium alloy called Galfenol that can generate significant amounts of power when subjected to strong impacts. The material converts mechanical energy into magnetic energy with high efficiency and can be used to create wireless impact detectors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 29, 2015
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.

A thermal invisibility cloak actively redirects heat

A new thermal cloak developed by researchers in Singapore can render objects thermally invisible by redirecting incident heat. The active thermal cloaking system has the potential to fine-tune temperature distribution and heat flow in electronic and semiconductor systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 21, 2015

Half diamond, half cubic boron, all cutting business

Scientists at Sichuan University develop an alloy combining diamond and cubic boron nitride, exhibiting superior hardness and wear resistance when cutting through steel and granite. The novel process enables mass production of the alloy, which could revolutionize various industrial materials processing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 8, 2015

Studying kangaroo cartilage could help human treatment

Studying kangaroo cartilage reveals how shoulder and knee joints behave differently, leading to improved treatments and better implants. The researchers identified the collagen network as a key factor in absorbing forces without damaging.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 8, 2015

Droplets levitate on a cushion of blue light

Scientists applied over 50 volts across a weak hydrochloric acid drop, causing it to rise into the air above a glowing plasma layer. The effect is similar to Leidenfrost levitation but uses electricity instead of heat.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 11, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New device converts DC electric field to terahertz radiation

Researchers have designed a new device that can convert a DC electric field into a tunable source of terahertz radiation. The device exploits surface plasmon resonance in hybrid semiconductors to produce coherent terahertz emission, with potential applications in medical imaging and security.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 4, 2015

A droplet's pancake bounce

Researchers developed a novel surface structure with gradient features to control droplet bouncing, enabling anti-icing capabilities for various applications. The new surface design prevents ice formation and reduces the contact time between droplets and surfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 4, 2015

Biodegradable, flexible silicon transistors

Researchers developed a biodegradable silicon transistor using cellulose nanofibrillated fiber substrate, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional silicon-based transistors. The device exhibited superior performance and microwave-frequency operation capabilities comparable to existing semiconductor transistors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 2015
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.

Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor may take smartphone security to new level

A new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor measures 3D images of a finger's surface and tissue, making biometric solutions more robust and secure. The technology, developed by the University of California, Davis, has potential applications in medical diagnostics and personal health monitoring.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 29, 2015

Discovery paves way for new kinds of superconducting electronics

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method to control electrical transport through high-temperature superconductors, enabling the creation of sophisticated electronic devices capable of measuring tiny magnetic fields in the brain or heart. This breakthrough paves the way for improved satellite communications and novel tech...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 22, 2015

Fabricating inexpensive, high-temp SQUIDs for future electronic devices

Researchers have developed a new method to create oxide Josephson junctions, which could lead to high-temperature superconducting electronics. The direct-write approach allows for mass production of high-quality junctions, reducing costs and enabling applications such as biomedical magnetic imaging.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 22, 2015
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.

Diamonds are for temperature

Scientists have created tiny diamond-based probes that can measure temperature with high accuracy, from near-cryogenic cold to slightly above the melting point of aluminum. The probes use luminescent signals from green glowing diamond defects and can detect fast thermal variations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 16, 2015

Communicating with hypersonic vehicles in flight

A new approach has been proposed to communicate with spacecraft as they re-enter the atmosphere, utilizing a matched layer in the antenna to replicate special conditions that enhance signal transmission. This method could also be applied to other hypersonic vehicles, such as military planes and ballistic missiles.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 16, 2015

An inexpensive rival to graphene aerogels

Researchers created a cheap alternative to graphene aerogels for electromagnetic absorption, with properties similar to graphene aerogels. The new material has low loss and wide effective bandwidth, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 2, 2015

Measuring the mass of molecules on the nano-scale

Researchers developed coupled microcantilevers that can measure mass on the order of nanograms in a liquid environment with only a 1 percent margin of error. This enables weighing individual molecules, ideal for biological processes such as DNA hybridization and protein characterization.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 2, 2015

New technique speeds nanoMRI imaging

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new multiplexing technique that accelerates nanoMRI imaging, enabling faster and more efficient scanning of nanoscale objects. The technique cuts normal scan time from two weeks to just two days.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 26, 2015
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.

Scientists print low cost radio frequency antenna with graphene ink

Researchers from the University of Manchester have printed a radio frequency antenna using compressed graphene ink, demonstrating its potential for commercial use in low-cost applications. The antenna is flexible, environmentally friendly, and could be mass-produced at a lower cost than traditional metals.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 19, 2015

Tunable liquid metal antennas

North Carolina State University researchers develop tunable liquid metal antenna controlled by voltage, allowing for dynamic changes in operating frequency and radiation pattern. This innovation enables miniaturization and adaptation to correct near-field loading problems, making it highly desirable for mobile devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 19, 2015

Probing the secrets of the universe inside a metal box

Researchers have designed and tested a magnetic shield that provides more than 10 times better shielding than previous state-of-the-art shields. The device enables high precision measurements of fundamental particles, potentially revealing previously hidden physics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 12, 2015

Artificial muscles created from gold-plated onion cells

Artificial muscles made from gold-plated onion cells have been created by National Taiwan University researchers. The onions' cell structure allows them to bend and stretch in different directions depending on the applied voltage, enabling unique actuation modes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 5, 2015

Nondestructive 3-D imaging of biological cells with sound

Scientists at Walailak University and Hokkaido University report the first full 3D scan of a single biological cell, achieving micron resolution with picosecond ultrasonics. This technique allows for nondestructive imaging of living cells, opening new avenues for studying their physical properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

Carbon nanotube computing?

Researchers at Durham University and the University of São Paulo discovered a correlation between single-walled carbon nanotube concentration and computational capability in composite materials. The emerging field of 'evolution-in-materio' uses natural evolution principles to train materials to mimic electronic circuits.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 7, 2015

Future electronics based on carbon nanotubes

A team of researchers has found a way to strip out metallic carbon nanotubes from arrays using a simple, scalable procedure, leaving behind semiconducting nanotubes suitable for electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to the development of smaller, faster, and cheaper electronic devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 7, 2015

Physicists shed light on mysterious tongue condition

Geographic tongue (GT) is characterized by evolving red patches on the tongue surface due to loss of papillae. New research reveals GT can spread in circular or spiral patterns, with spiral patterns indicating a more acute condition that lingers for a long time.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 31, 2015

Squeeze to remove heat: Elastocaloric materials enable more efficient, 'green' cooling

Researchers have discovered elastocaloric materials that can change temperature in response to mechanical stress, enabling more efficient solid-state refrigeration. These materials could lead to environmentally-friendly replacements for traditional cooling technologies, with potential applications in household refrigerators, air condit...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 24, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Goldilocks material' could change spintronics

A team at Trinity College in Dublin has discovered a new class of magnetic materials based on Mn-Ga alloys, which could revolutionize data storage and increase wireless data transmission speeds. The material has unique properties that make it immune to external magnetic fields and free from demagnetizing forces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 24, 2015

Winter hack: Textured rubber that grips slick, icy surfaces

Researchers have created a textured rubber material that provides better traction on ice, offering a potential solution for slip-resistant winter boots. The material, made of glass fibers embedded in a compliant rubber, was developed to reduce incidents of pedestrian slips and falls on icy surfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 17, 2015

A new spin on spintronics

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University has developed a new radiation-resistant spintronic material that can maintain its spin-dependence after being irradiated. This breakthrough could enable electronic devices to work in harsh environments, such as space-based communications satellites.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015

Electronics you can wrap around your finger

Researchers have developed a thin film that maintains electric and magnetic properties even when highly curved, paving the way for wearable devices. The new material improves upon existing materials by reducing leakage current and increasing flexibility.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 10, 2015

Extreme-temperature electronics

Researchers discover molybdenum disulfide thin-film transistors functional at high temperatures, demonstrating potential for extreme-temperature electronics. The material's stable operation after two months suggests new applications in harsh environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Industrial pump inspired by flapping bird wings

Researchers have created a pump that moves fluid using vibration instead of a rotor, potentially capturing wasted mechanical energy and reducing noise in industrial situations. The design mimics the movement of birds' flapping wings, which manipulate airflow to move themselves.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 3, 2015