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New co-assembly strategy unlocks robust circularly polarized luminescence across the color spectrum

Researchers developed a supramolecular co-assembly platform producing chiral soft materials with strong, stable full-colour circularly polarised luminescence across the visible spectrum. The resulting structures are tunable, scalable and retain their properties for over 100 days at room temperature.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2025

Breakthrough in solar thermoelectric generation: organic radical photothermal cocrystals lead the way

Researchers have developed a new material, coronene-Br2 NDA cocrystal, which converts solar heat into electricity with an exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency of 67.2% under 808 nm irradiation. The material is integrated into a thermoelectric generator to achieve high-performance solar-thermoelectric energy harvesting.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2025

Unraveling the origin of extremely bright quantum emitters

A multi-institutional research team from Osaka University has discovered the origin of extremely bright color centers at an oxide/semiconductor interface. The study reveals a correlation between the luminescence of color centers and the density of electron traps, suggesting a specific carbon-related defect as the most promising candidate.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAPL Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Stacked up against the rest

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new method to reduce optical interference and measure the quantum coherence time of moiré excitons, which are electron-hole pairs confined in moiré interference fringes. This breakthrough enables the realization of quantum functionality in next-generation nano-semiconductors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

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

Absolute vs. relative efficiency: How efficient are blue LEDs, actually?

Researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that the absolute internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of InGaN-based blue LEDs can be as low as 27.5%, drastically lower than the standard assumption. The study's results suggest a new approach to measuring IQE, providing a more accurate picture of LED performance.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 26, 2023

Room-temperature, solid-state synthesis of high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 thin films

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully synthesized high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 thin films using a novel solid-state synthesis method. The team discovered that depositing CuI and CsI layers in specific ratios results in distinct local structures containing point defects, leading to highly efficient emissions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023

New study reveals design clues for silver-based superatomic molecules

Researchers from Japan have synthesized two di-superatomic molecules composed of Ag and evaluated the factors involved in their formation. The study found that a twist between the two icosahedral structures stabilizes the nanocluster by shortening the distance between them. Additionally, the presence of Pd and Pt central atoms was foun...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Nanoantennas directing a bright future

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed nanoantennas that significantly increase the efficiency and photoluminescence of white LEDs by replacing aluminum with titanium dioxide. This breakthrough enables the creation of intensely bright yet energy-saving solid-state lighting solutions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Light-driven molecular motors light up

Scientists have successfully created two types of light-driven molecular motors that can both rotate and fluoresce in the same molecule. This achievement demonstrates that these motors can be designed to control various functions using light energy, paving the way for potential applications in biomedical imaging and cellular processes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

Photoluminescence, a simple and ubiquitous technique, is far more capable than one might have thought

Researchers develop an all-optical approach using photoluminescence to analyze radiative and nonradiative recombination processes in semiconductors. By combining Raman spectroscopy with PL data, they can extract quantitative information on carrier recombination dynamics, including defect density and capture cross-sections.

Developing inorganic lead-free perovskite for broadband emission

Scientists have successfully developed lead-free bismuth halide perovskites with broadband emission, overcoming toxicity and instability issues of traditional lead-based materials. The new material exhibits high efficiency and stability, paving the way for potential applications in artificial lighting and displays.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Special issue of energy material advances on research state of nanocrystals

This special issue of Energy Material Advances highlights recent progress in synthesizing and tuning perovskite nanocrystals and other emerging nanocrystal materials. Research focuses on fundamental understanding of doping, synthesis, and spectroscopy, as well as applications in solar cells and light-emitting diodes.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Confined-domain crosslink-enhanced emission effect in carbonized polymer dots

A team of scientists has reported new research progress on the photoluminescence (PL) mechanism of carbonized polymer dots (CPDs), uncovering the essential roles of spatial effects within confined domains. The study reveals tunable PL performance through varying degrees of steric hindrance.

Why the world needs a better LED light bulb

Researchers have developed a new light-emitting material that doubles the intensity of existing LEDs while also being more energy-efficient. The material, cerium-doped zinc oxide, has the potential to be used in commercial LED lighting applications and could make lighting more affordable for households and businesses worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Luminescence·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

How flawed diamonds 'lead' to flawless quantum networks

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology demonstrate that lead-vacancy centers in diamond exhibit dihedral symmetry and large ground state splitting, essential properties for quantum networks. The high-pressure high-temperature treatment recovers damaged crystal lattice, leading to long spin coherence time at higher temperatures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

New sensor detects valuable rare earth element terbium from non-traditional sources

Researchers at Penn State developed a luminescent sensor that can detect and quantify low concentrations of terbium in complex acidic samples. The sensor uses a protein called lanmodulin, which is selectively binding to rare earth elements, and has the potential to help develop a domestic supply of these metals.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2021

Synthesis of new red phosphors with a smart material as a host material

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology synthesized new Mn4+-activated red phosphors with high photoluminescence intensity, revealing the relationship between crystal structure and sintering temperature. The findings have important implications for the development of high-color-rendering-index materials for LED applications.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMaterials Research Bulletin·DateJul 20, 2021

Regulating off-centering distortion maximizes photoluminescence in halide perovskites

Researchers at HPSTAR have discovered a universal relationship between regulating off-centering distortion and maximizing photoluminescence in halide perovskites. By applying high pressure, they achieved optimal PL performance, ten-fold enhancement, and new paths to high-performance optoelectronic materials.

Scientists model photoluminescence kinetics in semiconductor nanoplatelets for better optoelectroni

Researchers from Skoltech and colleagues developed two models explaining the light-emitting behavior of semiconductor nanoplatelets, which are promising building blocks for optoelectronics. The models reveal trapping of excitons at surface defects and its interplay with diffusion as key reasons for complex kinetics.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 9, 2020

Reaching 90% PL quantum yield in 1D metal halide by pressure-suppressed nonradiative loss

Researchers discovered a method to enhance the photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 1D metal halide C4N2H14PbB4 by suppressing non-radiative loss under high pressure. The findings reveal that pressure-tuned STE binding energy and confined motion of organic cations contribute to the PL enhancement.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 16, 2020

Probing semiconductor crystals with a sphere of light

Tohoku University researchers have developed a technique that improves on current photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques, allowing for the measurement of larger semiconducting crystals. The new approach uses a hollow sphere to minimize photon loss and test internal quantum efficiency, a key property of semiconductors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 6, 2019

Plasmonic pioneers fire away in fight over light

Researchers at Rice University argue that photoluminescence, not Raman scattering, is responsible for the remarkable light-emitting properties of metal nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in solar-cell efficiency and the development of new biosensors.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 28, 2019