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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

Scientists design energy-carrying particles called 'topological plexcitons'

Researchers at UC San Diego, MIT, and Harvard have engineered 'topological plexcitons,' energy-carrying particles that enhance exciton energy transfer, leading to improved solar cells and miniaturized optical circuits. The discovery provides a directionality feature for efficient energy distribution in nanoscale materials.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2016
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2016

New ORNL method could unleash solar power potential

Researchers at ORNL have developed a new method that provides unprecedented detail on energy flow in nanometer scale, enabling the improvement of solar cells' performance. The technique uses femtosecond transient absorption microscopy to extract images with single-pixel precision.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Photonics·DateMar 15, 2016

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

Artificial control of exciplexes opens possibilities for new electronics

Scientists at Kyushu University developed a strategy to widely vary the emission color and efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes based on exciplexes by changing the distance between key molecules. This technique could lead to new kinds of electronic devices with switching behavior or light emission that reacts to external factors.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2016
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.

Molecular-like photochemistry from semiconductor nanocrystals

Researchers demonstrated triplet exciton energy transfer from semiconductor nanocrystals to surface-bound molecular acceptors, extending the original excited state lifetime. This finding has implications for fields like solar energy conversion and optoelectronics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateJan 21, 2016

How copper makes organic light-emitting diodes more efficient

Researchers from KIT and CYNORA directly measured the speed of intersystem crossing in a copper complex, improving the understanding of TADF mechanisms. This leads to enhanced energy efficiency in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), with potential applications in display technology.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 12, 2016

Quantum physics meets genetic engineering

Engineered viruses were used by MIT researchers to achieve a significant efficiency boost in a light-harvesting system, utilizing quantum effects to enhance exciton transport. The team successfully more than doubled the speed of excitons, increasing the distance they traveled before dissipating.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 15, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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

Scientists move closer to '2 for 1 deal' on solar cell efficiency

Researchers explain the causes of singlet exciton fission, a process that could double electrical current from blue and green light in solar cells. By understanding this mechanism, they may develop new materials to enhance solar cell efficiency.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 16, 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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 27, 2015

Oregon researchers glimpse pathway of sunlight to electricity

Four pulses of laser light on nanoparticle photocells reveal how captured sunlight can be converted into electricity. The study, published in Nature Communications, uses a novel approach to understand multiple exciton generation in nanomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2014
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.

Magnetic fields make the excitons go 'round

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have found a way to render excitons immune to defects, improving photovoltaic devices' efficiency. The team used topological protection to create excitons that move only on the surface of materials, governed by applied magnetic fields.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2014

Solar energy gets a boost

Researchers have discovered a process called singlet fission that can increase solar cell efficiency by as much as 30 percent. This breakthrough has the potential to make solar cells more energy-efficient and widely adoptable.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 8, 2014

Pitt team first to detect exciton in metal

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have detected a fundamental particle of light-matter interaction in metals, known as an exciton. The discovery provides a microscopic quantum mechanical description of how light excites electrons in metals.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 1, 2014

Scientists achieve first direct observations of excitons in motion

Researchers at MIT and City College of New York directly image exciton movement using a new technique, enabling insights into device efficiency and natural energy-transfer processes. The study provides new information on how crystal structure affects exciton diffusion.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJun 14, 2012

Exotic particles, chilled and trapped, form giant matter wave

Physicists have successfully trapped and cooled exotic particles called excitons, condensing them into a giant matter wave that coheres at extremely low temperatures. This breakthrough allows scientists to better study the physical properties of excitons, promising applications in efficient solar energy harvesting and ultrafast computing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 24, 2012
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.

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

Terahertz pulse increases electron density 1,000-fold

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a way to create ultra-high-speed transistors and high-efficiency photovoltaic cells using terahertz pulses. The study found that exposing gallium arsenide to a single-cycle terahertz pulse increased electron density by an astonishing 1,000-fold.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2011

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
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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

Structure of plastic solar cells impedes their efficiency

Polymeric solar cells face challenges due to their interpenetrating structures, which impede the travel of energy-carrying excitons. The team hopes to develop more efficient solar cells by understanding and addressing this structural issue.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 7, 2010

Discovery brings new type of fast computers closer to reality

Scientists at UCSD have successfully built an integrated circuit that operates at 125 degrees Kelvin, a temperature easily attainable commercially with liquid nitrogen. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient computation and communication devices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 27, 2009

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
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Quantum doughnuts slow and freeze light at will: 'Fast computing and slow glass'

A team of researchers from the University of Warwick has discovered a way to use doughnut-shaped quantum dots to slow and freeze light, paving the way for more efficient and effective light-based computing. This technique has significant implications for the development of 'slow glass' that can re-release photons in sequence.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 9, 2009

Oregon physicists don't flip spin but find possible electron switch

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that manipulating excitons in a semiconductor material can control electron spin, providing a new method for selectively manipulating spins. This discovery may prove useful in emerging optic devices and quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review B·DateMay 27, 2008

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UC San Diego physicists observe new property of matter

Physicists at UC San Diego observed spontaneous coherence in excitons, a bound pair of electrons and holes that enable semiconductors to function as novel electronic devices. This discovery could lead to the development of new computing devices and insights into quantum properties of matter.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 1, 2006

Magnetism flicks switch on 'dark excitons'

Researchers at Rice University developed a new magnetic method to overcome the 'dark exciton effect' in semiconducting nanotubes, which could enable more efficient optical signals and reduced power demands in next-generation microchips.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 10, 2006

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
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

An exciting new state for excitons

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have observed a new exciton state that displays macroscopic ordering, indicating the formation of a Bose-Einstein condensate. This discovery holds promise for ultrafast digital logic elements and quantum computing devices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2002

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
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.