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Ultralow power consumption for data recording

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new phase change material, Cr2Ge2Te6, that achieves a significant reduction in power consumption for data recording in phase change memory (PCRAM). The material exhibits an inverse resistance change and combines low operation energy, high data retention, and fast operation speed.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 24, 2018

Straining the memory: Prototype strain engineered materials are the future of data storage

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have created prototype strain engineered materials that enable fast switching in data storage, outperforming current phase change memory technologies. The new material's energy efficiency and reduced switching time could impact new 3D memory architectures.

Wax on, melt off

Drexel University researchers develop a method to create roads that can deice themselves during winter storms by adding phase change materials like paraffin wax to the concrete mix. The technology has shown promise in melting snow and ice, reducing the need for chemicals and salt.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·DateSep 13, 2017

Breaking glass in infinite dimensions

A team of researchers, led by Sho Yaida, have found a phase transition in glasses using infinite-dimensional calculations. This discovery could significantly change the properties of glasses at low temperatures, affecting their response to heat, sound and stress.

Atomic 're-packing' behind metallic glass mystery

Researchers have solved a decades-long puzzle about metallic glasses' atomic structure using a new method combining various techniques. The study revealed a hidden amorphous phase within a certain temperature range, linked to metals' ability to form glass and potentially enabling the development of stronger novel materials.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2017

The strangeness of slow dynamics

Researchers have discovered significant deviations in dynamic phase transitions that occur when dynamics is slow, unlike conventional thermodynamic phase transitions. These findings suggest a distinct difference between DPTs and TPTs, highlighting the importance of studying non-equilibrium dynamic phenomena.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 2017

High-resolution imaging reveals new understanding of battery cathode particles

Scientists at Berkeley Lab discovered particle cracking in cathode materials during charging and discharging, reducing battery capacity and life. The research provides unprecedented mechanistic understanding of electrode material and potential ways to minimize cracking, leading to improved stability and longer battery lifespan.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2017

Making a smart material smarter

A team of researchers from Michigan State University has manipulated vanadium dioxide to make it usable in small devices, allowing for smart antennas with tunable properties. This technology could enable applications such as switching between communication bands or precise microsurgery.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateSep 15, 2015

Controlling phase changes in solids

Researchers have successfully controlled phase changes in GST material using laser light, achieving rapid and reversible changes in electro-optical properties. The results suggest GST may be a good substitute for silicon materials, with potential implications for flexible displays, logic circuits, and universal memory.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 28, 2015

Recipe for a universe

Researchers have mathematically described the phase transition between a boring empty space and an expanding universe containing mass. The theory connects quantum field theory and Einstein's relativity, suggesting that time and space can undergo a phase transition similar to liquid-solid transitions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 10, 2013

Flexing fingers for micro-robotics: Berkeley Lab scientists create a powerful, microscale actuator

Researchers developed an elegant and powerful new microscale actuator based on vanadium dioxide material, which expands and contracts in response to temperature variations. The actuators are smaller than human hair width and offer large force and displacement, suitable for biological and microfluidic applications.

Higgs excitations

Higgs excitations have been observed in a two-dimensional quantum gas near absolute zero temperature. The phenomenon, associated with spontaneous symmetry breaking, can lead to coordinated collective motion and is crucial in the Standard Model of Particle Physics.

Switching the state of matter

Researchers at RIKEN have created a new transistor that uses electrostatic accumulation of charge on a strongly-correlated material to trigger bulk switching of electronic state. The device operates at room temperature and requires only 1V to switch the material from an insulator to a metal.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2012

Mystifying materials

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed new metamaterials that exhibit negative compressibility transitions, where they contract when tensioned and expand when compressed. This discovery may enable new applications in protective mechanical devices and actuators.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 23, 2012