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New material helps record data with light

Researchers from ITMO University and their European colleagues created quasiparticles called excitons, fully controllable and room-temperature capable. These particles can generate light in LEDs and lasers, while also being used for recording optical signals.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 9, 2017

Hot on the heels of quasiparticles

Researchers have found Fermi polarons, a new type of quasiparticle, in a certain type of semiconductors. This discovery challenges the previous assumption that excitons or trions are formed instead. The study provides valuable insights into the material's properties and has implications for basic research and potential applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 2, 2016

Fast energy transport between unlike partners

Scientists have found that dye molecules can transfer energy quickly to each other, even when they are different types, which could lead to more efficient ways of harnessing sunlight. This discovery was made using special aggregates of four chromophores and was confirmed by X-ray structural analysis.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

A quasiparticle collider

Researchers create quasiparticles, directly observe collision events using laser pulses, and shed light on quasiparticles and many-body excitations in condensed matter systems. The findings demonstrate that basic collider concepts from particle physics can be transferred to solid-state research.

Warming up optoelectronic research

A team of US/UK physicists has developed a new material that can control excitons at room temperature, making it easier to manipulate these bound pairs of electrons and electron holes. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new optoelectronic devices for commercial applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 7, 2016

Building the electron superhighway

Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed a new method to create an 'electron superhighway' in organic materials, allowing electrons to flow faster and farther. This breakthrough could lead to improved solar cells and flexible electronics with enhanced efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2015

New pathway to valleytronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a new pathway to valleytronics by selectively controlling photoexcited electrons/hole pairs in different energy valleys. This technique, based on the use of circularly polarized femtosecond light pulses, enables ultrafast manipulation of valley excitons for quantum information applications.

Quasi-particle swap between graphene layers

Belgian scientists applied a particle physics analogy to describe exciton behaviour in two graphene layers, mimicking parallel worlds. The approach reveals swapping effects between layers under specific electromagnetic conditions, similar to brane theory predictions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 3, 2014

Catching some rays

Scientists have developed more efficient organic solar cells by harnessing the power of polarized excitons. This breakthrough could make solar energy a cost-effective alternative to conventional sources. Researchers are exploring new materials to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

Scientists solve mystery of colorful armchair nanotubes

Researchers at Rice University have figured out the source of colorful armchair nanotubes: hydrogen-like objects called excitons. The team found that exciton resonance occurs around a unique electronic structure in these one-dimensional materials, making them visible to our eyes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2012

Exotic quantum crystal discovered

Researchers at Kiel University have discovered a novel state of crystal matter with both compressible and incompressible properties. The discovery was made using extensive computer simulations and sheds light on the behavior of excitons, hydrogen atom-like bound states of electrons and holes.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 10, 2011

Penn researchers break light-matter coupling strength limit in nanoscale semiconductors

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully increased light-matter coupling strength in nanoscale semiconductors, paving the way for designing faster and more efficient photonic devices. By fabricating structures with surface passivation techniques, they were able to overcome the limitation of bulk materials.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2011

Light sensor breakthrough could enhance digital cameras

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new light sensor that can generate multiple excitons per photon, breaking conventional limitations in semiconductor devices. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve the sensitivity and efficiency of digital cameras, leading to better low-light picture quality.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2009

Nanotube flickering reveals single-molecule rendezvous

Researchers used nanotechnology to study exciton mobility on carbon nanotubes, revealing that each excition travels about 90 nanometers and visits some 10,000 carbon atoms during its lifespan. The unique properties of carbon nanotubes made them an ideal system for observing single-molecule reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2007

Pitt and Bell Labs researchers send 'heavy photons' over world-record distances

Researchers from Pitt and Bell Labs have successfully created a two-dimensional semiconductor structure that allows excitons to exist longer and travel farther than previously recorded. This breakthrough could lead to the development of excitonic circuits for optical communication, enabling photons to be converted directly into excitons.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 21, 2005

Chemists Create A Molecular Antenna That Harvests Light

Researchers develop dendrimer supermolecules that funnel light energy through a tree-like structure, directing it to a central point. The nanostar molecule can convert ultraviolet light into visible light with up to 99% efficiency, making it suitable for various applications such as solar energy harvesting and optical sensors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateNov 10, 1997