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Anomalous splitting of image-potential states on HOTI Bi(111) provides a new spectroscopic window into possible monopole-like topological magnetoelectric responses

A team of researchers used low-temperature STM to investigate image potential states on Bi(111), a material with higher-order topological character. They observed a strikingly unexpected splitting feature, which they propose is related to a monopole-like topological magnetoelectric response.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2026

Pioneering second-order nonlinear vibrational nanoscopy for interfacial molecular systems beyond the diffraction limit

Researchers overcome spatial resolution limit of sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy by utilizing plasmonic near-field confinement. This breakthrough enables direct visualization of nanoscale orientation heterogeneity in interfacial molecular domains.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2026

Atomically-tailored single atom platforms hold promise for next-generation catalysis

Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome limitations in single-atom catalysts by creating one-dimensional organic polymers capable of selectively binding metal atoms. The platform marks a major advance in single atom catalysis, enabling stronger gas binding compared to other structures.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

New possibilities for scanning tunnelling microscopy

Scientists have developed a new method for scanning tunnelling microscopy that enables the investigation of buried interfaces and atomic-scale structures. The technique allows for high-spatial resolution analysis of both surface and subsurface layers, revealing local magnetic properties and stacking sequences.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2025

Autonomous AI assistant to build nanostructures

Researchers at TU Graz are developing a self-learning AI system to position individual molecules quickly and autonomously, enabling the construction of highly complex molecular structures. The goal is to build logic circuits in the nanometre range using quantum corrals made from complex-shaped molecules.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalComputer Physics Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2025

Advancing the synthesis of two-dimensional gold monolayers

Scientists at Lund University and Hokkaido University have successfully synthesized 2D gold monolayers with remarkable thermal stability and potential catalytic utility. The team used a novel bottom-up approach combined with high-performance computations to create macroscopically large gold monolayers with unique nanostructured patterns.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Single atoms show their true color

Physicists at Michigan State University have developed a new approach that combines high-resolution microscopy with ultrafast lasers to detect misfit atoms in semiconductors. The technique enables researchers to spot defects with unparalleled precision, which is critical for the performance of modern electronics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 4, 2024

Riddle of Kondo effect solved in ultimately thin wires

Physicists have directly observed the Kondo effect in a single artificial atom using a scanning tunnelling microscope. The team confirmed a decades-old prediction by validating their experimental data against theoretical models. This breakthrough paves the way for investigating exotic phenomena in magnetic wires.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Just wait a femtosecond

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba created a scanning tunneling microscopy system that captures images as fast as 30 femtoseconds, allowing for faster study of rapid processes in materials. This advancement enables researchers to understand ultrafast dynamics and behavior of materials more accurately.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Photonics·DateSep 7, 2022

Study led by Wu Kai and Zhou Xiong published in Science to visualize on-surface ethylene polymerization

Researchers visualize ethylene polymerization on ordered iron carbide surface using in situ technology, revealing molecular insertion mechanism and chain initiation process. The study clarifies the scientific debate regarding chain initiation over Phillips catalysts and provides a method for controlling product chain length distribution.

SourcePeking University·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 2022

Chemists design "molecular sea of flags"

Researchers create large molecular rings that self-assemble into a sheet-like structure on surfaces, allowing for adjustable mesh size and attachment of bulky molecules. This technology has the potential to enable novel catalysts and measure nanomechanical properties of proteins.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 26, 2021

Nano dominoes with molecules

Researchers successfully manipulated a single molecule into an upright position and measured its stability, gaining insights towards fabricating electrical components and circuits at the atomic level. The findings have potential applications in creating ultrasensitive sensors, quantum dots, and quantum computers.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

Electrons caught in the act

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a technique to visualize ultrafast electron motion with sub-nanoscale spatial resolution, enabling the study of semiconductor device operation and potential defect control. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Photonics·DateJan 21, 2021

Autonomous robot plays with NanoLEGO

Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence system that autonomously learns how to grip and move individual molecules, overcoming the complexity of nanoscale manipulation. The system uses reinforcement learning to find optimal movement patterns, enabling targeted assembly and separation of molecules.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 3, 2020

Manipulating nanoscale light in nanocavity of scanning tunneling microscope junctions

A research team at the Fritz-Haber Institute in Berlin demonstrated manipulation of nanolight spectrum by shaping plasmonic gold tips with a focused ion beam milling technique. The spectral response was investigated using scanning tunneling luminescence, revealing precise control over Fabry-Pérot type interference of surface plasmon po...

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 6, 2019

Visualization of molecular soccer balls

A research team led by the University of Tsukuba has successfully imaged single Li+@C60 molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study provides valuable insights into the electronic properties of lithium-doped fullerenes, which can be used to optimize their performance in optoelectronic and switching devices.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCarbon·DateMay 9, 2018

Tracking a solvation process step by step

Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum tracked individual water molecules attaching to an organic molecule, exploring hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. The study uses low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, providing insights into solvation processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 21, 2017

Single molecule switch

Researchers successfully demonstrated a reliable and reproducible single molecule switch, enabling electric current to flow between electrodes through the molecule or not. The breakthrough could lead to advancements in molecular electronics.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2017

New window into the nanoworld

Researchers have captured images of terahertz electron dynamics of a semiconductor surface on the atomic scale, unlocking a new window into the nanoworld. The breakthrough allows for ultrafast observation of atomic processes with unprecedented precision.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 21, 2017

Trickling electrons

At temperatures near absolute zero, electrons exhibit their quantum nature and form a granular medium, consisting of individual particles that trickle through a conductor. This phenomenon can be explained by quantum electrodynamics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2016