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Towards next-generation molecule-based magnets

Researchers have developed a lightweight molecule-based magnet with unprecedented magnetic properties, exhibiting a 'memory effect' at elevated temperatures. The compound contains abundant metal chromium and inexpensive organic molecules, making it a promising alternative to current inorganic commercial magnets.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Extra stability for magnetic knots

Researchers at Kiel University found that neglected magnetic interactions play a key role in stabilizing skyrmions, increasing their lifetime and opening up new material systems. The discovery could enhance the stability of skyrmions, enabling their use in future electronic devices and data storage concepts.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2020

Researchers control elusive spin fluctuations in 2D magnets

A Cornell team created a new imaging technique that enables real-time observation of critical spin fluctuations in two-dimensional magnets. By controlling these fluctuations, researchers can switch magnetism without using a magnetic field, potentially leading to the creation of more energy-efficient magnetic storage devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 29, 2020

Nanomaterial gives robots chameleon skin

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new film made of gold nanoparticles that can respond to any type of movement, enabling robots to mimic chameleons. The material's complex patterns can be displayed through programming, opening up various applications such as underwater exploration and authentication features.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2020

Magnet research takes giant leap

Scientists at the University of Central Florida and partners have successfully created anti-ferromagnetic devices that operate on the terahertz level, paving the way for ultra-fast electronics. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize guidance systems, communications, and even mimic brain function.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2020

Permanent magnets stronger than those on refrigerator could be a solution for delivering fusion energy

Scientists have proposed using permanent magnets to simplify the design and production of stellarators, which are twisty fusion facilities that can produce massive amounts of energy. This innovation could lead to the creation of simpler, non-twisted coils and lower costs for engineering and manufacturing.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 2020

The magnet that didn't exist

Scientists from QuTech have observed experimental signatures of Nagaoka ferromagnetism using an engineered quantum system. This phenomenon was predicted by Japanese physicist Yosuke Nagaoka in 1966 and has never been observed naturally. The researchers created a two-dimensional lattice of four quantum dots, which allowed them to trap t...

Short film of a magnetic nano-vortex

Physicists at the Paul Scherrer Institute recorded a short 'film' of the three-dimensional magnetic structure inside a material with nanoscale resolution. This reveals intricate patterns and domain walls that could be used to pack data more tightly than current methods.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Sustainable 3D-printed super magnets

Scientists at TU Graz have successfully manufactured super magnets with high relative density and controlled microstructures using 3D printing technology. The developed process enables efficient material use by tailoring magnetic properties according to the application, making it a promising alternative to rare earth metals.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalMaterials·DateJan 30, 2020

Magnets for the second dimension

Scientists at ETH Zurich created quadrupole magnetic building blocks that can be assembled into any two-dimensional shape using attractive south and north poles. These modules have potential applications in soft robotics and could be used to create robots controlled by a magnetic field.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·DateNov 11, 2019

Intuitive in the virtual reality

Researchers developed an electronic sensor that can process both touchless and tactile stimuli, enabling seamless interaction in virtual reality scenarios. The sensor's flexibility allows it to register a clear shift from touchless to tactile interaction, allowing for selective control of physical and virtual objects.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2019

Small magnets reveal big secrets

A microscopic process of electron spin dynamics in nanoparticles has been identified, which could have wide-ranging impact on applications in medicine, quantum computation, and spintronics. The research provides insights into the principles of energy dissipation in nanomagnets, enabling engineers to build better devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 2019

A new way to turn heat into energy

Researchers at Ohio State University have found a new method for harnessing thermal energy by exploiting paramagnetic particles, which can produce spin and generate electricity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient thermoelectric materials and energy harvesting technologies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 23, 2019

A robot with a firm yet gentle grasp

A new robot hand with a dynamic grip can adjust its stiffness to absorb shocks, keeping objects intact during collisions. This technology is valuable for industries like automotive and electronics packaging, enhancing worker safety and machine performance.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateSep 12, 2019

Molecule properties change through light

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a novel molecule that can control its magnetic properties through visible light. The discovery has significant implications for the development of flexible and processable magnetic materials, which could be used in a range of applications including data storage and chemical sensors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 9, 2019