Crystal growth on a nano/microscale level results in the formation of 'match-head'-like, three-dimensional structures that enhance light absorption and photovoltaic efficiency.
Dec 11th, 2015
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By carefully tuning the chemical composition of a particular compound, researchers have created a 'topological crystalline insulator', whose bulk acts as an insulator but whose surface conducts electrical currents through a process that is related to the coupling between the motion and spin of electrons.
Dec 11th, 2015
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Coating nanowires with an oxide layer can enhance by an order of magnitude the probability of 'spin flips' for spintronic devices.
Dec 11th, 2015
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In a unique ultra-low vibration lab, engineers have measured how heat radiates from one surface to another in a vacuum at distances down to 2 nanometers.
Dec 10th, 2015
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Researchers have designed a new technique to create single-molecule diodes that perform 50 times better than all prior designs.
Dec 10th, 2015
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Scientists have figured out how to increase electron flows in electron guns 13,000-fold by applying a single layer of diamondoids - tiny, perfect diamond cages - to an electron gun's sharp gold tip.
Dec 10th, 2015
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As semiconductor nanowires emerge as indispensable building blocks for next-generation electronic, energy conversion, and photonic devices (i.e. solar panels, lasers), better understanding how to direct nanowire growth is vital.
Dec 10th, 2015
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Researchers have discovered a new approach to the production of fuels. Their new method can be used to produce much cleaner diesel. It can quickly be scaled up for industrial use. In 5 to 10 years, we may see the first cars driven by this new clean diesel.
Dec 10th, 2015
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Research on soft condensed matter physics focuses on substances that can be easily bent or deformed, such as liquids, foams, and gels. In this case, scientists investigated the way very thin elastic sheets wrap droplets of water.
Dec 10th, 2015
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Optimizing the performance of soft magnetic materials requires an understanding of the nanostructure and consideration of the local composition of each phase.
Dec 10th, 2015
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A mathematical problem underlying fundamental questions in particle and quantum physics is provably unsolvable, according to a new report. The findings are important because they show that even a perfect and complete description of the microscopic properties of a material is not enough to predict its macroscopic behavior.
Dec 10th, 2015
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Scientists have introduced a method for making an artificial muscle that is based on the hierarchical self-assembly of supramolecular muscle-like fibers. Using this technique, they were able to amplify a molecular motion up to the microscopic scale.
Dec 10th, 2015
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Researchers have developed a new three-drug delivery system for cancer treatment, especially metastatic melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer - and shown that the system may have particular value with cancers like this that often spread through the lymphatic system.
Dec 9th, 2015
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A new class of superhydrophobic nanomaterials might simplify the process of protecting surfaces from water.
Dec 9th, 2015
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Light and electricity dance a complicated tango in devices like LEDs, solar cells and sensors. A new anti-reflection coating lets light through without hampering the flow of electricity, a step that could increase efficiency in such devices.
Dec 9th, 2015
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Scientists report a simple method that uses nanotubes to quickly detect spoilage. It could help make sure meats are safe when they hit store shelves.
Dec 9th, 2015
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