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Diamonds are a chip's best friend

Researchers at Kyoto University have determined the magnitude of spin-orbit interaction in acceptor-bound excitons in a semiconductor. The study revealed two triplets separated by a spin-orbit splitting of 14.3 meV, supporting the hypothesis that two positively charged holes are more strongly bound than an electron-and-hole pair.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Bright and tough: A material that heals itself and glows

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have created a self-healing material that can emit high levels of fluorescence when absorbing light, leading to improved durability for organic solar cells. The material's unique structure allows it to self-repair without external stimuli or energy, making it suitable for various environments.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Nanoscale manipulation of exciton–trion interconversion in a MoSe2 monolayer via tip-enhanced cavity-spectroscopy

Researchers have developed a novel 'nano active control platform' to control excitons and trions, providing valuable insights into the optical properties of two-dimensional semiconductors. The breakthrough discovery enables real-time analysis of nano-light properties with exceptional spatial resolution.

Light it up: reimagining the optical diode effect

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a magnetoelectric antiferromagnet LiNiPO4 that exhibits large nonreciprocal absorption of light. The material's unique property allows for the switchable optical diode effect, potentially enabling more compact and efficient optical isolators.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Status report on emerging photovoltaic technology published by SPIE Journal of Photonics for Energy

The report highlights key applications and pathways to commercialization for emerging PV technologies, including new materials and device concepts. It also discusses strategies to exceed current limits in solar PV energy conversion and challenges facing efforts to scale up globally.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 9, 2024

Pioneering diamond manufacturing: Enhancing efficiency and precision with energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing techniques

Energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing technologies for diamonds improve surface quality and material removal rates, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. Researchers analyzed four latest polishing techniques, including laser polishing, ion beam polishing, plasma-assisted polishing, and laser-assisted polishing.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 21, 2023

UCF researcher discovers new technique for photon detection

A new technique for photon detection has been developed by UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, offering ultra-sensitive detection at room temperature. The method uses a phase-change material to modulate the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the way for low-cost, high-efficiency uncooled infrared detectors and imaging systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon, graphene, using terahertz pulses. The graphene discs briefly turned into strong magnets, with magnetic fields in the range of 0.5 Tesla, and showed promise for developing future magnetic switches and storage devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Polarized hetero-structured luminant: The “marriage” of 2D materials and 0D quantum dots

Researchers developed an all-inorganic nano-heterostructure luminant with enhanced sensitivity, stability, and efficiency, paving the way for multifunctional optical control devices. The 0D/2D configuration enables polarized blue fluorescence and multifunctional capabilities.

Autonomous lab discovers best-in-class quantum dot in hours; it would have taken humans years

Researchers at NC State University developed an autonomous system called SmartDope to synthesize 'best-in-class' materials for specific applications in hours or days. It uses a self-driving lab to manipulate variables, characterize optical properties, and update its understanding of the synthesis chemistry through machine learning.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Photonics team develops high-performance ultrafast lasers that fit on a fingertip

Researchers have developed high-performance ultrafast lasers on nanophotonic chips, enabling compact devices for GPS-free precision navigation, medical imaging, food safety inspection and other applications. The new technology has the potential to enable futuristic chip-scale atomic clocks, biological imaging and more.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Atomic dance gives rise to a magnet

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform a rare-earth crystal into a magnet by using chirality in phonons. Chirality, or the twisting of atoms' motion, breaks time-reversal symmetry and aligns electron spins, creating a magnetic effect.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Bartering light for light: Scientists discover new system to control the chaotic behavior of light

Researchers at CUNY Graduate Center design stadium-shaped cavity to study and control light's complex behavior. By adjusting light intensity and delay, they demonstrate coherent control using reflectionless scattering modes, paving the way for better energy storage, computing, and signal processing.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Scientists discover ‘flipping’ layers in heterostructures to cause changes in their properties

Researchers found that changing the stacking order of layers in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors creates new optoelectronic devices with tailor-made properties. The study reveals dark excitons exclusively located in the top layer, which can be utilized for optical power switches in solar panels.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2023

Scientists film soundwaves in a crystal

Researchers used a unique X-ray technique to capture soundwaves' propagation in a diamond crystal, revealing ultrafast structural phenomena that were previously beyond scientific reach. The breakthrough enables real-time imaging of solid materials with unprecedented resolution and speed.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2023

3D-printed plasmonic plastic enables large-scale optical sensor production

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed 3D-printed plasmonic plastic, enabling the mass production of optical sensors that can detect hydrogen gas. The composite material has unique optical properties, allowing it to filter out molecules except hydrogen, making it ideal for various applications.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2023

Researchers unveil new flexible adhesive with exceptional recovery and adhesion properties for electronic devices

Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2023

Better cybersecurity with new material

Researchers at Linköping University develop a new type of quantum random number generator based on perovskite light emitting diodes, providing improved randomness and security. The technology has the potential to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 4, 2023

Growing triple-decker hybrid crystals for lasers

By controlling the arrangement of multiple layers within crystals, researchers can tune the materials' optoelectronic properties and emit light of specific energies. This technique has significant implications for applications such as LEDs, solar cells, and lasers.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023

A route to ultra-fast amplitude-only spatial light modulation using phase-change materials

A team of researchers developed a one-of-a-kind spatial light modulator capable of ultra-fast, amplitude-only modulation without modifying the optical phase. The device uses chalcogenide phase change materials, achieving improvements that could be exploited in wavefront shaping experiments and communications.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateAug 9, 2023

Fanning the flames

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that wildfires emit dark brown carbon, a potent climate-warming particle that absorbs solar radiation. This finding has broad implications for climate models and highlights the need to revise existing approaches to account for the unexpected effects of brown carbon.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

New robot boosts solar energy research

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

A KAIST research team develops a washable, transparent, and flexible OLED with MXene nanotechnology​

A KAIST research team created a water-resistant, transparent, and flexible OLED using MXene nanotechnology. The material can emit and transmit light even when exposed to water. The study focused on producing an adequate encapsulation structure and suitable process design to improve the reliability of MXene OLED.