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Enantioresolution turns bright but racemic gold-silver clusters into circularly polarized emitters

Researchers successfully created circularly polarized emitters from racemic gold-silver clusters by separating them into mirror-image forms using chiral oxygen-donor ligands. The phosphate-protected enantiomer pair exhibited high photoluminescence quantum yields and luminescence dissymmetry factors.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

A new metal-free and water-soluble molecule that can produce florescence and used as MRI contrast material

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a novel molecule that can produce fluorescence and serve as an MRI contrast agent, addressing limitations of current imaging techniques. The molecule, a water-soluble and metal-free compound, demonstrates improved imaging depth and reduced toxicity compared to existing agents.

SourceKyushu University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Toward smart light sources

Researchers developed a comprehensive physical model explaining how temperature affects the fundamental characteristics of emitted light, including color, intensity, and randomness. The discovery opens new possibilities for designing advanced light sources, optical sensors, and thermally based photonic systems.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2026

Seeing the unseen: Scientists demonstrate dual-mode color generation from invisible light

Researchers develop a rigid organic crystal that emits red light under UV irradiation through excimer formation and generates green light through second harmonic generation under near-infrared exposure. The dual-mode optical behavior operates independently within the same crystal without interference.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2026

Tuning color through molecular stacking: A new strategy for smarter pressure sensors

Researchers have developed a new way to produce fluorescence by using molecular stacking, which can lead to the creation of smarter and more sensitive pressure sensors. The study focused on two crystalline organoboron compounds that exhibit piezofluorochromism, changing color in response to pressure.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

Triboluminescence of metal halide perovskite films

Researchers discovered that MHP films exhibit triboluminescence when scraped with metals like copper, gold, or platinum, due to friction-induced charge transfer. This phenomenon is universally observed across commonly studied MHP films. The enhancement of PL is attributed to the accumulation of positive charges on the perovskite surfac...

Over a decade in the making: Illuminating new possibilities with lanthanide nanocrystals

Scientists at NUS and partner universities demonstrated highly efficient electroluminescence from lanthanide nanocrystals, marking an unprecedented level of control over exciton dynamics. The breakthrough enables devices to shift their color output across the visible to near-infrared spectrum with great efficiency.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025

Crystal-free mechanoluminescence illuminates new possibilities for next-generation materials

Scientists at OIST have created crystal-free films of photoluminescent compounds that exhibit mechanoluminescence when stimulated through mechanical forces. This breakthrough removes the need for complex crystal design and engineering in creating mechanoluminescent materials.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2025

Efficient deep-blue LEDs based on colloidal CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets meeting the Rec.2020 standard

Researchers developed efficient deep-blue light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) using colloidal CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets, achieving record-breaking performance with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 6.81%. The devices also exhibit stable deep-blue emission and precise color coordinates that fully satisfy the stringent Rec.2020 requirement.

Recyclable luminescent solar concentrator from lead-free perovskite derivative

Scientists have developed a recyclable luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) using a lead-free perovskite derivative, which absorbs sunlight and emits fluorescence to generate electricity. The LSC exhibits high power conversion and optical efficiencies, as well as self-healing and reversible transition properties.

Artificial biosensor can better measure the body’s main stress hormone

A new artificial biosensor developed by University of California, Santa Cruz's Andy Yeh can accurately measure cortisol levels across all relevant ranges for human health. The sensor uses a smartphone camera to detect light emissions, providing high sensitivity and dynamic range for detecting small molecule analytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 28, 2025

Scientists pioneer 3D temperature mapping inside living tissue using light and AI

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique that maps temperature in three dimensions within biological tissue using invisible light and artificial intelligence. This new technology has the potential to improve early disease detection and treatment monitoring without the need for costly or invasive imaging technologies.

SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2025

World’s first: Lithuanian scientists’ discovery may transform OLED technology and explosives detection

Researchers have observed the luminescence of an excited complex formed by two donor molecules, opening possibilities for developing simpler, more efficient OLED devices. The discovery also enables the creation of sensitive sensors capable of detecting low concentrations of explosive substances.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateJul 8, 2025

Designing molecules that produce color-changing circular light for 3D displays and security printing

Scientists develop mechanochromic luminescence using chiral pyrenylprolinamides, a significant step towards widespread implementation of materials with switchable solid-state CPL. The findings provide new design guidelines for creating molecules that enable solid-state CPL switching through mechanical stimuli.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 10, 2025

SNU researchers develop ultra-high efficiency next-generation perovskite light-emitting diodes by strengthening perovskite lattice

Researchers at Seoul National University developed ultra-high efficiency perovskite nanocrystal LEDs by incorporating conjugated molecular multipods to strengthen the lattice and reduce dynamic disorder, leading to improved luminescence efficiency. This achievement is expected to significantly accelerate the commercialization of next-g...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

Electrical stimulation for brighter persistent luminescence

Researchers create a new yellow-green luminescent material to address growing industrial demand for brighter afterglow. They successfully apply an electric field stimulation method, increasing the initial luminance of the SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor and demonstrating its potential for high brightness long afterglow emission.

Novel method enhances size-controlled production of luminescent quantum dots

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a novel approach to monitoring quantum dot formation, enabling real-time control over nanoparticle growth and precise emission color. This technique has several advantages over conventional synthesis strategies, including reduced waste and improved equipment efficiency.

Keeping the lights on

A study published in Applied Physics Letters reveals that decreasing carbon concentration can increase the amount of light emitted from GaN crystals. The researchers found a threshold concentration above which carbon atoms become a significant factor in dissipating energy, leading to improved internal quantum efficiency.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2024

Synthesizing π-extended carbohelicene-based circularly polarized luminescence emitters

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new strategy to synthesize 3D π-extended carbohelicenes, overcoming molecular distortions and achieving CPL brightness of up to 513 M–1 cm–1. The study provides a solid groundwork for further research and development of high-performance carbohelicenes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

New colorful plastic films for versatile sensors and electronic displays

Scientists from Osaka University create borane molecules that exhibit red-shifted light emission upon binding to fluoride, enabling versatile materials for electronic display and chemical sensing applications. The researchers also achieve fine-tuning of the color of light emission by adjusting the quantity of added fluoride.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

All in NaY(WO4)₂:Er³⁺/Yb³⁺: Quantum cutting, upconversion, and temperature sensing

Researchers developed highly efficient photo split, near-infrared upconversion emission and suitable temperature sensing for thermal management in silicon-based solar cells by adjusting Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ doping concentrations in NaY(WO₄)₂ phosphor. An efficiency of up to 173% was achieved.

A highly efficient open-shell singlet luminescent diradical with strong magnetoluminescence properties

A new type of luminescent diradical has been created, showing high photoluminescence and photo-stability. The material demonstrates significant single-molecule magnetoluminescence properties, achieving a giant ML value of 210% at a magnetic field of 7 T.

Intervalence charge transfer of Cr³⁺-Cr³⁺ aggregation for NIR-Ⅱ luminescence

The team achieves NIR-Ⅱ broadband luminescence via intervalence charge transfer in LaMgGa₁₁O₁₉, exhibiting dual-emission (NIR-I and NIR-II) with high efficiency and luminescence external efficiency of 18.9%. The luminescence shows anti-thermal quenching behavior and longer decay lifetime associated with the anomalous NIR-II emission.

Hackmanite changes color also upon exposure to nuclear radiation – memory trace from radiation enables new applications

Researchers at the University of Turku discovered that hackmanite changes color when exposed to nuclear radiation, retaining a memory trace that allows it to be reused. This unique property enables the development of reusable radiochromic films for measuring radiation doses and mapping dose distribution.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Linked lanthanides shine light on field of crystal engineering

Scientists have connected two soft crystals and observed energy transfer between them, leading to the potential development of sophisticated materials. The study used rare earth metals called lanthanides, which can luminesce, to create a molecular train that exhibited green luminescence at one end and yellow luminescence at the other.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Building molecular bridges: New crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes

A new study from Tokyo Institute of Technology introduces a novel crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes. This approach allows for monomeric emission and suppressed intermolecular interactions, enabling the creation of highly dense crystalline structures with controlled electronic properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Nanodiamonds are a cell's best friend

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed the smallest nanodiamonds capable of detecting temperatures on the nanoscale inside cells and organelles. These nanodiamonds utilize silicon-vacancy color centers to gauge luminescence, enabling precise temperature sensing with sub-kelvin accuracy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2022