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A four-stroke engine for atoms

Scientists have found a new phenomenon where an atomic switch has to be switched back and forth four times to return to its original state. The spin of gadolinium atoms performs one full rotation during this process. This discovery opens up possibilities for material physics and could potentially be used to store information.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Thermoelectrics: From heat to electricity

Scientists have discovered a way to optimize thermoelectric properties in one material by exploiting the Anderson transition, where electrons move freely, enabling efficient energy conversion. This breakthrough could lead to improved performance in thermoelectric devices and applications, such as power generation and waste heat recovery.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

UVA researchers harness the power of a new solid-state thermal technology

Researchers at UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a way to make a versatile thermal conductor that can be controlled on demand. This advancement has promise for managing heating and cooling in electronic devices, green buildings and space exploration, with potential applications including the Mars Rover.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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