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Artificially introduced atomic-level sensors enable measurements of the electric field within a working semiconductor device

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a technique to measure the electric field within a working semiconductor device, enabling studies of next-generation electronics. The approach exploits single electron spins and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, promising spatial resolution of 10 nm for complex devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 2, 2017

Electrons at the speed limit

Researchers at ETH Zurich have investigated how electrons respond to extremely fast electric fields, reaching speeds of up to petahertz. They observed that the absorption of diamond varied characteristically following the rhythm of the oscillating electric field, confirming the dynamical Franz-Keldysh effect.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2016

How repeated spot microdischarges damage microdevices

Researchers found that repeated spot microdischarges in microelectronic devices cause a temperature increase, which reduces the electric field and leads to preferential breakdown at the previous discharge location. This study provides insights into the role of residual heat build-up and its impact on device stability.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMay 18, 2016

Personal cooling units on the horizon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a nanowire array that can cool about 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit using 36 volts, an electric field level safe for humans. The material is flexible, can be powered by a 500g battery pack for two hours, and could potentially be incorporated into firefighting gear or athletic uniforms.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 28, 2016

Choreographing the dance of electrons

Researchers at NUS have discovered a method to manipulate electrons in thin semiconductors by encapsulating them in atomically thin materials and applying external electric and magnetic fields. This technique enables reversible control of electron behavior, paving the way for new applications in high-temperature superconductivity.

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

Electric eel: Most remarkable predator in animal kingdom

The electric eel has been found to possess intricate maneuvering techniques, allowing it to double its electrical shock on larger prey. Its electrical system also enables remote control over prey muscles, producing strong muscle contractions. The eel uses high-voltage pulses to track fast-moving prey and detect hidden meals.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 28, 2015

Electric eels curl up to deliver even more powerful shocks

Researchers have discovered that electric eels can double the power of their electrical discharge by curling up their bodies, allowing them to handle larger and more struggling prey. This behavior enables the eels to induce involuntary fatigue in prey, rendering them temporarily immobilized.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 28, 2015

Moving sector walls on the nano scale

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a technique to manipulate domain walls in multiferroic materials, which could lead to new technologies in data storage and electronics. The discovery shows that domain walls can be selectively shifted or altered using electrical fields, paving the way for new applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 5, 2015

Desirable defects

Researchers have discovered a new way to harness the defects in liquid crystals to create novel meta-materials with potential applications in optics and electronics. By exploiting these 'defect lines', scientists can remotely interact among colloidal particles, allowing for energy-efficient control and unprecedented plasticity.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2015

Got (fresh) milk?

Researchers have developed a new technology to preserve milk without refrigeration or chemicals, reducing waste and increasing income for small farmers. Pulsed electric fields can kill bacteria and extend shelf life without constant electricity supply.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMar 24, 2015

Microbot muscles: Chains of particles assemble and flex

University of Michigan researchers demonstrate how chains of self-assembling particles can form and extend when exposed to an alternating electric field. This innovation could enable electronics that rewire on demand and pave the way for development of tiny, mobile robots with potential applications in medicine and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 10, 2014