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A fix for frost: Engineers use electricity to zap ice without heat or chemicals

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new method for removing frost from surfaces using electrostatic defrosting (EDF), which can remove up to 75% of the frost without the need for heat or chemicals. The approach uses high voltage to polarize the frost, creating an electric field that detaches microscopic ice crystals.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalSmall Methods·DateNov 11, 2025

Photonic integration: Transforming the future of chip-scale applications

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking photonic integrated circuit chip that combines light source, modulator, photodiode, waveguide, and Y-branch splitter on a single substrate. The GaN-on-silicon platform reduces fabrication complexity and cost, enabling compact and high-performing devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJun 21, 2023

Renewing COVID masks

Researchers from The University of Tokyo have created a machine that can recharge N95 respirators and surgical masks to 97% efficiency. By applying a uniform voltage distribution, the device restores the mask's electrostatic charge, increasing its effectiveness.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalHeliyon·DateApr 26, 2023

NIST, collaborators develop sensitive new way of detecting transistor defects

Researchers developed a sensitive new way to detect and count transistor defects, which limit performance and reliability. The method works with traditional Si and SiC materials, identifying defect type and number with simple DC measurement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021
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Discovery of graphene switch

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have successfully measured the current-voltage curve of graphene nanoribbons suspended between two electrodes. The study reveals that a critical bias voltage triggers an abrupt change in electrical conductance for zigzag GNRs, opening new possibilities for switching devi...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCarbon·DateJun 15, 2020

A phonon floodgate in monolayer carbon

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered an unexpected gap-like feature in graphene's energy spectrum, attributed to phonon interactions. This finding opens new possibilities for graphene nanodevices and applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 21, 2008

'Electron trapping' may impact future microelectronics measurements

Researchers at NIST have uncovered an unusual phenomenon that may impact how manufacturers estimate the lifetime of future nanoscale electronics. The 'electron trapping' effect causes a temporary negative charge and heightened conductivity during recovery from stress, complicating threshold voltage shift measurements.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 26, 2008