Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Towards data storage at the single molecule level

A research team from Kiel University has successfully placed a new class of spin-crossover molecules onto a surface and improved their storage capacity. The result could theoretically increase the storage density of conventional hard drives by more than one hundred fold, enabling data carriers to be made significantly smaller.

SourceKiel University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 6, 2017

Deep-depletion: A new concept for MOSFETs

Researchers have created a proof of concept for MOSFETs using the deep depletion regime in bulk-boron-doped diamond, increasing hole channel carrier mobility by an order of magnitude. This enables more efficient power electronics and paves the way for fully exploiting diamond's potential in MOSFET applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 26, 2017

Team led by graduate student at PPPL produces unique simulation of magnetic reconnection

A team led by a Princeton University graduate student has developed a unique simulation of magnetic reconnection in space plasmas, which could lead to improved forecasts of space weather events. The new model approximates kinetic effects using fluid equations and agrees better with kinetic models than traditional simulations.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 8, 2017

Safely releasing genetically modified genes into the wild

Scientists use nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations to model gene movement and develop 'switches' that initiate and terminate gene drives, balancing genetic traits with embedded weaknesses. They also find that intense release in specific regions can trigger spreading, but can be stopped by barriers like pesticides.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2017

Simulating splash at the microscopic level

Researchers used a lattice-Botzmann method to simulate the impact of microdroplets on dry surfaces, revealing distinct physics at the microscopic level. They found that droplet sizes in spray cooling are three orders of magnitude smaller than previously studied millimeter-size droplets, and that this affects their dynamics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 11, 2017

Putting a spin on logic gates

Researchers have developed a prototype for a spin-wave majority logic gate that utilizes wave interference to process information. This innovation uses spin waves instead of classical currents or voltages, enabling the creation of nanoscale devices with improved efficiency and reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 10, 2017

Manipulating magnetic textures

A group of researchers has developed a method to control magnetism by curving nanomagnets, inducing chiral textures within the magnetization field. This discovery could lead to stable vortex-antivortex pairs for future data storage and random access memory devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 21, 2017

Bonding chips using inkjet printers

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a new bonding technique for chips using inkjet printers with silver nanoparticles, enabling the creation of rigid and flexible hybrid circuitry. The method uses inkjet printing technology to assemble surface mount devices, achieving high electrical conductivity and reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 14, 2017

Sorting machine for atoms

Physicists at University of Bonn create method to quickly and precisely sort large numbers of atoms, pushing development of future quantum computers forward. The technique allows atoms to interact with each other in targeted manner to exploit quantum-mechanical effects for calculations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2017

Micro-bubbles make big impact

A team of German researchers has developed a way to use microbubbles to power micro-robots wirelessly, offering multiple advantages over previous techniques. The approach allows for individual addressing, no on-board electronics, and scalability to sub-millimeter size.

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

Tracking the flow of quantum information

Researchers have developed a formula to understand where quantum objects land when transmitted, offering insights for controlling open quantum systems. The formula suggests that 'rain gutters' and 'gates' can be engineered to manipulate quantum objects, either after they land or during their flow.

SourceYale University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 17, 2016

Artificial muscles show more flex

Researchers have developed a new fiber that offers higher tensile stroke and is triggered at temperatures lower than its predecessors, with potential applications in medical devices and self-healing materials. The fiber's unique geometry provides greater flexibility and thermal expansion/contraction properties.

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

Researchers immobilize underwater bubbles

A research team has developed a method to 'freeze' newly created microbubbles in their tracks, enabling potential applications in medicine, such as ultrasound contrast agents and gas embolotherapy. This breakthrough could also improve the nuclear industry by controlling microbubbles in liquid sodium coolant.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 9, 2016

Minimalist swimming microrobots

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a fabrication method for swimming microrobots using just two conjoined microparticles coated with magnetic debris. The microswimmers can be controlled by an external magnetic field, allowing for control over speed and direction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 19, 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

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.