Chung-Ang University researchers identify direct electron tunnelling as dominant mechanism of noise in organic photodetectors, enabling enhanced detection speed and improved image sensor performance. The discovery paves the way for miniaturized image sensors with curved designs and omnidirectional sensing capabilities.
SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Chemists from Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin found that increasing charge-acceptor molecules on semiconducting nanocrystals can lead to reduced electron transfer rates in hybrid materials. The study highlights the importance of considering ligand-ligand interactions when designing light-activated nanomaterials fo...
SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023
A new form of thin-film device technology using alternative semiconductor materials could contribute to a more sustainable IoT. Wireless power harvesting from the environment using photovoltaic cells and RF energy harvesters is being explored.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 28, 2022
Researchers developed a method to improve power conversion efficiency and stability of pure iodide and mixed-halide perovskites by using two alkylammonium halide modulators. This approach substantially reduces drops in power-conversion efficiency and retains about 80-90% of initial efficiencies after continuous operation.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJoule·DateDec 27, 2022
Researchers have developed a novel near-infrared light detection method using core-shell lanthanide nanoparticles to convert weak near-infrared light to visible light with high efficiency. This achievement promotes the proposal of a new resource- and energy-saving near-infrared light detection method, improving optical sensor sensitivi...
SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022
Researchers at NREL have developed a new growth approach to manufacturing perovskite solar cells, yielding devices with high efficiency and excellent stability. The new method uses gas quenching to suppress phase segregation, resulting in wide-bandgap solar cells with efficiencies over 20% and operational stability.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel device-engineering strategy to suppress energy conversion loss in organic photovoltaics, achieving PCE over 19%. The discovery enables OPVs to maximize photocurrent and overcome the limit of maximum achievable efficiency.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022
Researchers at Exciton Science have created perovskite solar cells with 21% efficiency, the best results ever recorded for a non-halide lead source. The novel use of lead acetate enables scalable and industrial-scale manufacturing.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2022
A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a new method to replace toxic chlorinated solvents with plant-derived alternatives in organic solar cell manufacture. The study reveals that terpene-based solvents can be used without affecting the light-capturing performance of the cells, resulting in an 85% lower carbon footprint.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 15, 2022
Researchers have developed a new low-temperature deposition process that reduces the formation of detrimental gallium oxide in bifacial CIGS solar cells. This allows for improved energy conversion efficiency, with values of 19.8% for front illumination and 10.9% for rear illumination.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Energy·TypeNews article·DateDec 14, 2022
MIT engineers create ultralight fabric solar cells that can generate 18 times more power-per-kilogram than conventional solar cells, making them ideal for wearable power fabrics or deployment in remote locations. The technology can be integrated into built environments with minimal installation needs.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalSmall Methods·DateDec 9, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers develop low-cost and eco-friendly method for high efficiency CIGSSe solar cells, achieving power conversion efficiency larger than 17%, by using aqueous spray deposition in air environment.
SourceIncheon National University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022
Researchers at Oxford University and Exciton Science created stable perovskite solar cells with comparable stability to commercial silicon photovoltaics. The new synthesis process led to thin films of greater quality, reduced defects, and enhanced stability.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022
Researchers found that red light is more efficient for growing plants while blue light is better suited for solar energy production. This breakthrough could guide global interest in agrivoltaics and identify potential applications for those systems.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEarth s Future·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A study by UPV/EHU's Ekopol and Life Cycle Thinking groups found that an alternative community lifestyle can reduce energy consumption due to the significance of energy used in goods and services. The energy footprint per inhabitant of Errekaleor neighbourhood is 24% lower than that of ACBC.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateDec 6, 2022
Concordia researchers identify vulnerabilities in smart inverters to cyberattacks, including reconnaissance, replay, DDoS, and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. These attacks can disrupt energy flow and create power oscillations, severely impeding microgrid functionality.
SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2022
Researchers found that optimizing solar panel spacing and direction can increase energy production by 2-3% through natural convection. The study's model improves estimates of solar plant efficiency, paving the way for more accurate cost predictions.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 29, 2022
Scientists at KAUST created a novel approach to secure microgrids by embedding hardware performance counters in solar inverters. This innovative solution can detect malware with over 97% accuracy using time series classifiers, providing an effective defense countermeasure for low-cost and low-complexity.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEnergy Reports·DateNov 24, 2022
Researchers at the University of Surrey have demonstrated a way to regulate and reduce unwanted energy loss in perovskite solar panels, improving their efficiency and stability. The breakthrough has exciting implications for powering spacecraft and interstellar probes.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 23, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers studied diatom shells to understand how they perform photosynthesis in low-light conditions. They found that the frustule can contribute a 9.83% boost to photosynthesis, especially during transitions from high to low sunlight.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateNov 22, 2022
Developing low-molecule non-fullerene semiconductors, researchers aim to combine the best from both worlds. Oligomer acceptors have been shown to increase performance and ensure a long operating life.
SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 21, 2022
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method to express energy loss in organic solar cells, revealing that disorder plays a significant role in determining overall energy loss. By understanding and minimizing disorder, scientists can create more efficient devices with homogeneous mixtures of materials.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJoule·DateNov 18, 2022
A team of researchers from the University of Toronto and Northwestern University has developed an all-perovskite tandem solar cell with extremely high efficiency and record-setting voltage. The prototype device demonstrates the potential of this emerging technology to overcome key limits associated with traditional silicon solar cells.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers created a new type of solar cell using phase heterojunctions, which significantly improves efficiency compared to traditional single-phase perovskites. The top layer influences performance by passivating defects and creating an advantageous energetic alignment.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 14, 2022
Scientists have recorded photocatalysis charge separation processes experimentally on Cu2O particles, revealing rapid electron transfer and slower hole trapping, enabling better understanding of photocatalytic water splitting limitations. The technique allows for spatiotemporal imaging of charge transfer in photocatalyst particles.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022
Radiation-tolerant photovoltaic cell designs could improve satellite performance by reducing radiation damage and increasing device longevity. The new ultra-thin solar cells outperform thicker devices in proton radiation tests, with nearly 3.5 times less cover glass needed for the same amount of power after 20 years.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 8, 2022
Researchers develop Janus Bi, a platform for creating highly asymmetrical nano-architectures with 2D materials, inspired by nature's efficient light transformation processes. The project aims to produce scalable nanotechnological objects with light conversion capabilities.
Researchers at Australian National University have developed a new way to boost the performance of silicon photovoltaic cells. By adding passivating contacts, they significantly reduce electrical losses and increase productivity.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalSolar·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A Ben-Gurion University scientist has presented a plan to power a lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage. The concept, which exploits the unique conditions of the Moon's polar axis and low-mass transmission lines, could offer a more affordable solution than traditional nuclear reactors.
SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalRenewable Energy·DateOct 31, 2022
Scientists from Ural Federal University have proposed a new material for transporting electrons in perovskite solar cells, achieving an efficiency of 12%. The new material is twice as cheap, easier to produce, and has technological advantages over current electron-transport materials.
SourceUral Federal University·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateOct 27, 2022
Scientists at EPFL have developed a method to enhance the packing of photosensitizer dye molecules, resulting in DSCs with power conversion efficiencies of up to 28.4% and long-term operational stability. This breakthrough offers promising prospects for applications as power supply and battery replacement for low-power electronic devices.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2022
A new study published in Nature found that globalized supply chains for the solar industry saved countries $67 billion in production costs between 2006 and 2020. The study also estimates that strong nationalistic policies could increase solar panel prices by 20-25% by 2030, hindering efforts to meet climate targets.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers at HZB develop tandem solar cells using perovskite and silicon, achieving record-breaking efficiencies of up to 29.8%. Customized nanotextures improve perovskite semiconductor materials by reducing reflection losses and parasitic absorption.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022
A research team at UNIST has developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with a special textured anti-reflective coating, increasing its power conversion efficiency to 23.50%. The device maintains its initial efficiency for 120 hours, outperforming existing devices which drop to 50% after 20 hours.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 22, 2022
Researchers have developed a vertically oriented 2D Ruddlesden–Popper phase perovskite passivation layer for efficient and stable inverted PSCs. The new design achieved a champion PCE of 21.4% in devices with outstanding humidity and thermal stability.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 20, 2022
Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a method to eliminate residual organic metal-binding ligands from transition metal oxide thin films, resulting in improved device stability and performance. The technique achieved a 20-fold enhancement in electrical conductivity and a 17.6% increase in efficiency.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2022
Researchers have developed bifacial monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells with significantly higher output power potential. The design uses transparent conductive oxide as rear electrodes, enabling the harvest of light on both sides of the device.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateOct 16, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma are collaborating with Japanese institutions to develop new organic soft electronic materials for solar power. The goal is to create more efficient photovoltaics while exploring applications beyond traditional semiconductor uses, such as wearable medical devices.
Researchers developed a durable perovskite solar cell capable of generating electricity for over 1,000 continuous hours with an efficiency of more than 20%. The team improved durability by creating a water-repellent interface between the electron and hole transport layers.
SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022
A University of Houston professor has developed a nonreciprocal solar energy harvesting system that surpasses the thermodynamic limit and clears the way to use solar power 24/7. The new system can achieve significant efficiency boosts, paving the way for practical applications in power plants.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 3, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers have developed a new type of low-cost selenium solar cell using tellurium alloy, which improves efficiency by expanding the absorption spectrum. The Se-1-x Te-x alloy system has shown promise in achieving high performance, with efficiencies over 1.85% achieved after nine months in air.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2022
Researchers found that shadows on single cells or parallel-connected cells result in similar output current decrease ratios to sunlight. However, series-connected cells experience excess power loss and temperature rise, leading to further degradation.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateSep 27, 2022
Researchers from the University of South Australia found that households with solar panels and batteries can significantly reduce their annual electricity costs when charging electric vehicles. With off-peak charging, EV owners can save up to 39.6% on energy costs, making it a more affordable option for environmentally-friendly driving.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2022
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have invented a new application of perovskites as single-crystal optical fibers with exceptional stability, efficiency, and durability. These high-performance fibers could revolutionize broadband delivery, improve medical imaging, and even enable solar-powered clothing.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 23, 2022
Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology design a novel approach to create durable organic semiconductor photocathodes, enabling high-efficiency conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. The developed photocathodes demonstrate remarkable stability and can produce hydrogen under actual sunlight.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers at Rice University have created stable and efficient halide perovskite solar cells by finding the right solvent design to apply a 2D top layer on top of a 3D bottom layer. The new method achieves high power conversion efficiencies, comparable to commercially available solar cells, while maintaining stability.
SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
A study by Duke University researchers found that rooftop solar cells can save a significant amount of water, with households saving an average of 16,200 gallons per year. Converting to solar in homes reduces the use of grid electricity and therefore also the volume of water used.
SourceDuke University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022
Researchers have developed a novel carrier doping method for p-type semiconductors, which improves photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration. The new method uses alkali ion impurities to enhance conductivity in copper(I)-based semiconductors.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2022
Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed a method to control active layer morphology in organic solar cells using water treatment. This approach led to more uniform thin films and higher power conversion efficiencies compared to non-treated samples. The study paves the way for large-scale, efficient organi...
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered that the energy level alignment between donor and acceptor components in organic solar cells is crucial for device performance. Contrary to current belief, blends with little to no difference in one energy level metric were found to be poor performers.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 13, 2022
Engineers at Rice University have discovered a way to manipulate light at the nanoscale that surpasses the traditional Moss rule for optical materials. The researchers found that iron pyrite has a high refractive index, making it suitable for applications such as virtual reality and 3D displays.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022
Researchers have successfully inserted nanotubes into bacteria, allowing for the creation of
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 12, 2022
Scientists have developed a new solar-powered laser with improved conversion efficiency, enabling more stable and efficient space-based energy generation. The design features four mirrors and laser rods, allowing for precise control over the pump cavity and minimizing thermal stress effects.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateSep 7, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers have discovered a nonlocal effect of anion segregation in mixed halide perovskite alloys, leading to the formation of a ring-shaped structure with potential applications for direct light charging. This phenomenon may not be an adverse effect but rather a useful mechanism for energy storage.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 7, 2022
A WVU professor is developing advanced software and a simulation lab to enhance power grid crisis response. The research aims to create flexible, precise, and rapid responses from both network infrastructures and human grid operators.
Scientists at Linköping University have made a breakthrough in developing stable high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. They created an ion-modulated radical doping method for Spiro-OMeTAD, which eliminates the trade-off between efficiency and stability.
SourceLinköping University·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2022
The new photodetector design combines long-range transport of optical energy with long-range conversion to electrical current, mimicking the photosynthetic complexes found in plants. The device can gather light from areas of about 0.01 mm² and achieve conversion of light to electrical current over exceptionally long distances of 0.1 nm.
A new wireless laser charging system uses infrared light to transfer high levels of power over distances of up to 30 meters, sufficient for charging sensors. The system automatically shifts to a safe low power delivery mode if an object or person blocks the line of sight, achieving hazard-free power delivery in free space.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers from TU Wien and Hebrew University develop 'light trap' that allows complete absorption of light in thin layers using mirrors and lenses. The system works by steering the light beam into a circle and then superimposing it on itself, blocking any escape.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2022
Researchers found that certain molten salts can suppress dye aggregation in dye-sensitized solar cells, improving their performance. The introduction of these ionic liquids enhances photovoltaic parameters without significantly impacting dye adsorption.
SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalRSC Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022