Nano and Quantum…

Topics: Materials Science, Nanomaterials, Phonons, Quantum Computers, Quantum Mechanics, Superconductors Argonne researchers have developed a cutting-edge technique to study atomic vibrations near material interfaces, opening doors to new quantum applications in computing and sensing. Scientists are racing to develop new materials for quantum technologies in computing and sensing for ultraprecise measurements. For these future technologiesContinue reading “Nano and Quantum…”

Defeat of the Boltzmann Tyranny…

A finished device: Optical microscope image of the transistor (left) and an ultra-scaled vertical nanowire (right). (Courtesy: Y Shao) Topics: Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanoengineering, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, Semiconductor Technology A new transistor made from semiconducting vertical nanowires of gallium antimonide (GaSb) and indium arsenide (InAs) could rival today’s best silicon-based devices. The new transistors areContinue reading “Defeat of the Boltzmann Tyranny…”

Nano Over Nukes…

Heat trap The proposed nanoparticle warming method. (Courtesy: Aaron M. Geller, Northwestern Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics) Topics: Aerogels, Exoplanets, Mars, Materials Science, Nanomaterials, NASA, Planetary Science. Thermodynamics Suffice it to say, Mr. Musk’s nuking the Martian planet idea is impractical, and a nonstarter, but to show that he’s mature about it,Continue reading “Nano Over Nukes…”

Goldene…

Researchers have synthesized sheets of gold that are one atom thick. Credit: imaginima/Getty Topics: Graphene, Materials Science, Nanoengineering, Nanomaterials, Solid-State Physics It is the world’s thinnest gold leaf: a gossamer sheet of gold just one atom thick. Researchers have synthesized1 the long-sought material, known as goldene, which is expected to capture light in ways that couldContinue reading “Goldene…”

Black Silicon…

Fluorine gas etches the surface of silicon into a series of angular peaks that, when viewed with a powerful microscope, look much like the pyramid pattern in the sound-proofing foam shown above. Researchers at PPPL have now modeled how these peaks form in silicon, creating a material that is highly light absorbent. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 PublicContinue reading “Black Silicon…”

10x > Kevlar…

Scientists have developed amorphous silicon carbide, a strong and scalable material with potential uses in microchip sensors, solar cells, and space exploration. This breakthrough promises significant advancements in material science and microchip technology. An artist’s impression of amorphous silicon carbide nanostrings testing to its limit tensile strength. Credit: Science Brush Topics: Applied Physics, Chemistry, MaterialsContinue reading “10x > Kevlar…”

The “Tiny Ten”…

Researchers are working to overcome challenges related to nanoscale optoelectronic interconnects, which use light to transmit signals around an integrated circuit. IMAGE: PROVIDED BY NCNST Topics: Biology, Materials Science, Nanoengineering, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, Quantum Mechanics The promise of nanotechnology, the engineering of machines and systems at the nanoscale, is anything but tiny. Over the past decade alone,Continue reading “The “Tiny Ten”…”

All-Solid-State Batteries

Comparison of cathode volume changes in all-solid-state cells under low-pressure operation. Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology Topics: Batteries, Chemistry, Climate Change, Lithium, Materials Science, Nanomaterials Often referred to as the “dream batteries,” all-solid-state batteries are the next generation of batteries that many battery manufacturers are competing to bring to market. Unlike lithium-ion batteries,Continue reading “All-Solid-State Batteries”

Quasicrystal Legos…

A mathematical tool called a fast Fourier transform maps the structure in a way that reveals the 12-fold symmetry of the quasicrystal. The fast Fourier transform of the electron microscope image of the quasicrystal is shown on the left, while the transform of the simulated crystal is shown on the right. Image credit: Mirkin ResearchContinue reading “Quasicrystal Legos…”

Graphite to Gold…

Artist’s rendition of the electron correlation, or the ability of electrons to talk with each other, can occur in a special kind of graphite (pencil lead). @ Sampson Wilcox, MIT Research Laboratory of Electronics Topics: Entanglement, Graphene, Materials Science, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology MIT physicists have metaphorically turned graphite, or pencil lead, into gold by isolating fiveContinue reading “Graphite to Gold…”