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Let machines do the work: Automating semiconductor research with machine learning

Researchers use machine learning to automatically analyze Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) data, enabling faster and more efficient discovery of new materials. The study focused on surface superstructures in thin-film silicon surfaces and identified optimal synthesis conditions using non-negative matrix factorization.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

All-optical switching on a nanometer scale

Scientists at Max Born Institute demonstrate ultrafast emergence of all-optical switching by generating a nanometer-scale grating through interference of two pulses in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. The researchers identify an intensity ratio as a fingerprint observable for AOS in diffraction experiments.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Glasses shake things up

Scientists found that certain dynamical defects help explain the allowed vibrational modes inside amorphous solids, like glasses. These findings may lead to controlling the properties of amorphous materials.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 6, 2022

Spin keeps electrons in line in iron-based superconductor

Electronic nematicity, a key feature of iron-based superconductors, is primarily driven by spin excitations in FeSe. The study uses RIXS to reveal the spin anisotropies underlying this phenomenon, shedding light on its origin and potential impact on high-temperature superconductivity.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Electronic skin: Physicist at TU Graz develops multisensory hybrid material

A physicist at TU Graz has developed a three-in-one hybrid material that reacts to force, moisture and temperature with high spatial resolution. The smart skin has potential applications in robotics, smart prosthetics and healthcare, and its production can be easily scaled and implemented.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Paper or plastic?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a waterproof coating called Choetsu that adds strength to paper, making it a viable alternative to plastic. The coating, made from safe and low-cost chemicals, also has photocatalytic activity, protecting against dirt and bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Making a ‘sandwich’ out of magnets and topological insulators, potential for lossless electronics

Researchers create a quantum anomalous Hall insulator by stacking a ferromagnetic material between two 2D topological insulators, enabling room-temperature lossless transport. The new architecture could lead to ultra-low energy future electronics or topological photovoltaics.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2022

The opto-ionic effect: Light may increase performance of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have discovered the opto-ionic effect, where light increases the mobility of ions in ceramic materials, improving the performance of devices such as solid-state electrolytes in fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. This effect could lead to higher charging speeds and more efficient energy conversion technologies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Building a new mechanical property evaluation method for atmospherically unstable sulfide solid electrolyte

Researchers developed an indentation test to evaluate mechanical properties of sulfide solid electrolytes, crucial for all-solid-state lithium-ion secondary batteries. The method enabled accurate assessment in inert atmosphere, confirming superior mechanical properties of sulfide-type solid electrolytes.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

A ‘zigzag’ blueprint for topological electronics

Researchers have confirmed a novel quantum topological material for ultra-low energy electronics, reducing energy consumption by a factor of four. The study reveals the potential of zigzag-Xene-nanoribbons to make topological transistors with robust edge states and low threshold voltage.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Spintronics: Innovative crystals for future computer electronics

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have grown crystals with rare-earth atoms that exhibit surprising fast magnetic properties. The team found that the strength of these reactions can be adjusted by choosing different atoms, opening up possibilities for optimizing spintronics components.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

How to look thousands of kilometers deep into the Earth?

Researchers use white laser beam and diamond anvil cell to measure SiO2 glass density, yielding key information on its refractive index and path length. This breakthrough helps geoscientists understand Earth's interior and solid mantle formation.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

New insight into unconventional superconductivity

Researchers at PSI's Laboratory for Muon Spin Spectroscopy have discovered strong evidence of exotic charge order and orbital currents in a correlated kagome superconductor. The findings provide a new insight into unconventional superconductivity and its relationship with the quantum anomalous Hall effect.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

SMART researchers discover novel way to perform ‘general inverse design’ with high accuracy

Researchers from Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have discovered a way to perform 'general inverse design' with high accuracy. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with specific characteristics and properties, paving the way for revolutionizing materials science and industrial applications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Twisting elusive quantum particles with a quantum computer

Scientists from TUM and Google Quantum AI used a highly controllable quantum processor to simulate exotic particles called anyons, which can emerge as collective excitations in two-dimensional systems. The study reveals the properties of these particles through braiding statistics, a key feature of topologically ordered states.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2021

A seemingly unattainable energy transition

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by exciting an unattainable energy transition in an artificial atom using laser light. The radiative Auger process allowed them to stimulate electrons to emit energy and transfer it to another electron, achieving a seemingly impossible transition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2021
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.

Quantifying spin for future spintronics

A RMIT-led collaboration demonstrates large in-plane anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in monolayer WTe2, a quantum spin Hall insulator. The team successfully fabricates devices and observes typical transport behaviors, showing promise for future low-energy electronics.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Experiments reveal formation of a new state of matter—electron quadruplets

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have discovered a new state of matter where electrons condense into foursomes, breaking time-reversal symmetry. The findings, published in Nature Physics, offer insights into the unusual properties of this state and its potential applications.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Ultrafast and coupled -- atomic vibrations in the quantum material boron nitride

Researchers discovered ultrafast coupled atomic vibrations in few-layer hexagonal boron nitride, resulting in a frequency down-shift of the optical phonons. The study also reveals a nonlinear optical effect that can be induced by moderate power light, holding potential for optoelectronic applications.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

Stress can be good for you

UNSW researchers stabilize a new intermediate phase in a room-temperature multiferroic material under stress, boosting electromechanical response by double its usual value. This breakthrough has exciting implications for next-generation devices and provides a valuable technique for international material scientists.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Optically generated quantum fluids of light reveal exotic matter-wave states in condensed matter physics

Scientists from Skoltech and the University of Southampton created an all-optical lattice that houses polaritons, quasiparticles with half-light and half-matter properties. They demonstrated breakthrough results for condensed matter physics and flatband engineering.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2021

New opportunities for light-powered battery and fuel cell design

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that ultraviolet light can modulate oxide ion transport in a perovskite crystal at room temperature. This enables the enhancement of future battery and fuel cell functionality by increasing energy storage and output efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateSep 8, 2021

A solid favor for researchers: A new way to investigate the electric double layer effect

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science develop a new methodology to investigate the elusive electric double layer (EDL) effect in all-solid-state batteries. The study reveals that the EDL effect is dominated by the electrolyte's composition and can be suppressed through charge compensation, leading to improved performance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology study examines thin film surface symmetries

Researchers at GIST develop a non-contact, nondestructive approach to characterize crystal structures in thin films, shedding light on surface symmetries in SrRuO3. The technique offers a platform for structural characterization of surfaces and interfaces using optical techniques.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Mixing a cocktail of topology and magnetism for future electronics

Researchers explore joining topological insulators with magnetic materials to achieve quantum anomalous Hall effect, promising building blocks for low-power electronics. The 'cocktail' approach allows tuning of both magnetism and topology in individual materials, enabling operation closer to room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2021

Non-linear effects in coupled optical microcavities

Exciton-polaritons exhibit non-linear effects, including Bose-Einstein condensation and polariton lasing without occupation inversion. The study reveals energy-degenerate parametric scattering of polaritons and opens up new avenues for research on multi-level polariton systems.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Physicist Jean Dalibard awarded the 2021 CNRS gold medal

Physicist Jean Dalibard is recognized for his exceptional contributions to the dynamism and influence of French research, particularly in quantum technologies. He has made major contributions to the emergence of quantum technologies by developing sources for atoms cooled and trapped by light,.

SourceCNRS·DateJun 24, 2021

Hanging by a thread: Imaging and probing chains of single atoms

Scientists at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology create novel technique to probe monoatomic chain bonds using transmission electron microscopy and quartz length-extension resonator. They successfully measure the strength of individual Pt bonds and observe the formation and breaking of monoatomic Pt chains in real-time.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 14, 2021
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.

Physicists observe competition between magnetic orders

Researchers at the University of Bonn used ultracold atoms to study magnetic orders in coupled thin films, finding that correlations competed with original order. The study provides new insights into novel quantum phenomena and their potential applications in quantum computing and superconductors.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2021

Ecosystem dynamics: Topological phases in biological systems

Physicists at LMU Munich identified topological phases in a biological model system, showing a strong degree of polarization in evolutionary dynamics. The study applies solid-state physics concepts to understand the emergence of such effects in biology.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2020

Sticky electrons: When repulsion turns into attraction

Researchers found that repulsion between electrons is suddenly counteracted by an additional attractive force, enabling counterintuitive effects. This phenomenon could help understand unconventional types of superconductivity and explain divergences that pose a challenge for research.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 10, 2020

A new path for electron optics in solid-state systems

A novel mechanism for electron optics in two-dimensional solid-state systems has been introduced, allowing for the control of electrons at the scale of micrometers and nanometers. This breakthrough enables the engineering of quantum-optical phenomena in a variety of materials.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 14, 2020

A spreadable interlayer could make solid state batteries more stable

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new interlayer that improves the stability and performance of solid-state batteries. The soft, 'butter-like' material fills several functions and can be easily applied to the lithium metal anode.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 19, 2020
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.

Abundant element to power small devices

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has developed an iron-based thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat into electricity. The material, which is mostly iron and relatively inexpensive, has shown promise in powering small devices such as remote sensors and wearable devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 2020

Advanced memory from advanced materials

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have successfully demonstrated a method to switch a novel material between two different nonvolatile states at very high speeds and with great accuracy. This breakthrough finding has potential applications in creating high-speed memory devices that are also energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2020

Light driven proton pump in distant relative

Researchers discovered a novel light-sensitive protein in Asgard archaea that functions as an inward proton pump, opening possibilities for controlling pH levels in cells or microorganisms with light. This finding could lead to the development of new biomolecular tools and applications in optogenetics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 10, 2020
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 add order to polymer gels

Researchers have created a new polymer gel with an ordered structure, allowing for potential uses in chemical filters, sensors, and drug release. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in various fields by providing a more consistent material.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 6, 2019

A distinct spin on atomic transport

The study demonstrates simultaneous control over transport and spin properties of cold atoms, enabling the exploration of spintronics and solid-state physics. The efficiency of the atomic spin filter matches that of equivalent electronic systems, opening up new perspectives for studying quantum transport dynamics.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2019

Light work for superconductors

Using laser pulses, researchers successfully induced superconductivity in an iron-based compound at a temperature of minus 258 degrees Celsius. This breakthrough could lead to more power-efficient devices and infrastructure if it can be scaled up to room-temperature applications.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 25, 2019

Spin devices get a paint job

Physicists have developed a novel method to create high-performance spintronic devices using organic molecules, which can be easily configured for different functions. The new fabrication method uses layers of molecules that can be painted or printed onto metals, offering a promising alternative to traditional materials.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 12, 2019
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.

Immortal quantum particles

Researchers at TUM and Max Planck Institute discovered quasiparticles that don't decay, but instead oscillate between decay and rebirth. This phenomenon explains unusual stability in materials like magnetic compounds and superfluid helium.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 14, 2019

Superconduction: Why does it have to be so cold?

Researchers have found that superconductivity can be explained by applying quantum physics laws and a complex 'Feynman diagram' calculation. The new method enables a better understanding of high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 20, 2019

Magnetic field milestone

Physicists from the University of Tokyo have generated a record-breaking magnetic field of 1,200 teslas using electromagnetic flux compression. The field was sustained for over 100 microseconds, far exceeding previous records. This achievement has significant implications for material science and fusion power generation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 19, 2018
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.

Turning entanglement upside down

Physicists develop novel strategy to probe entanglement Hamiltonian, providing direct access to entanglement spectrum and facilitating investigation of complex many-particle systems. This approach enables concrete statements about entanglement properties, overcoming the challenges posed by classical computers.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 21, 2018

Tattoo electrodes from an ink-jet printer

Researchers at TU Graz have developed a novel method for creating printed tattoo electrodes that can transmit electrical impulses from human to machine. The electrodes are thin, flexible, and conformable, allowing for accurate measurements over extended periods without restricting patient mobility or comfort.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 27, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

The critical point in breaking the glass problem

Researchers from University of Bristol and Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz have found a critical point in the glass transition, enabling reconciliation of mutually incompatible interpretations. The study suggests that the thermodynamic and dynamic interpretations are different reflections of the same underlying phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 14, 2017

How the electrodes of lithium-air batteries become passivated

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University found that electrode passivation in lithium-air batteries is triggered by the binding of superoxide anion with lithium ions. They suggested using solvents, electrolytes, and materials to inhibit this process, which could lead to more efficient battery operation.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateAug 1, 2017

Sorting machine for atoms

Physicists at University of Bonn create method to quickly and precisely sort large numbers of atoms, pushing development of future quantum computers forward. The technique allows atoms to interact with each other in targeted manner to exploit quantum-mechanical effects for calculations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2017