Scientists create material that can both move and block heat

Scientists have invented a new way to funnel heat around at the microscopic level: a thermal insulator made using an innovative technique. They stack ultra-thin layers of crystalline sheets on top of each other, but rotate each layer slightly, creating a material with atoms that are aligned in one direction but not in the other. The result is a material that is extremely good at both containing heat and moving it, albeit in different directions -- an unusual ability at the microscale, and one that could have very useful applications in electronics and other technology.

Researchers integrate optical devices made of multiple materials onto single chip

Researchers describe a highly accurate way to assemble multiple micron-scale optical devices extremely close together on a single chip. The approach could allow high-volume manufacturing of chip-based optical systems that would enable more compact optical communications devices and advanced imagers.

Quantum dots enable infrared lasing at room temperature in silicon photonics

Researchers report on having achieved a solution-processed infrared laser at room temperature compatible with CMOS technology and tunable to emit in the telecommunications window.

Soft pressure sensor breakthrough solves field's most challenging bottleneck

Researchers solved one of the biggest problems with existing wearable pressure sensors: even the slightest amount of pressure, something as light as a tight long sleeve shirt over a sensor, can throw them off track -- and they did it by innovating a first-ever hybrid sensing approach that allows the device to possess properties of the two predominant types of sensors in use today.

Scientists demonstrated high-performance photodetectors (PDs) grown on SOI for silicon photonics

A research team has recently developed a novel semiconductor deposition scheme and demonstrated high-performance photodetectors (PDs) grown on silicon-on-insulators (SOI) for silicon photonics. These III-V photodetectors are qualified candidates for high-speed data communications in silicon photonics. These results point to a practical solution for the monolithic integration of III-V active devices and Si-based passive devices on the SOI platform in the future.

Capturing light: New ergonomic photodetector for the trillion-sensor era

Light-to-frequency conversion circuits (LFCs) are often used to overcome setbacks faced by conventional ultra-low power light sensors. However, use of LFCs can lead to chip area wastage and poor performance of photosensors. Researchers have now developed a highly photosensitive LFC with improved chip area economy, high tuneability, and superior compatibility with flexible electronics. This novel photodetector system can be used in the newly envisioned Internet-of-things (IOT) sensor systems.

Ultrathin quantum dot LED that can be folded freely as paper

Scientists have unveiled an ultrathin quantum dot LED that can be folded as freely as paper. The new device can be folded into complex 3D structures such as butterflies, airplanes, and pyramids.

3D nano-inks push industry boundaries

A new, 3D-printable polymer nanocomposite ink developed by engineers has incredible properties like conducting electricity and high tensile strength -- and many applications in aerospace, medicine and electronics.

Tuning flexible circuits with light

Researchers created flexible integrated circuits precisely tuned by illuminating an organic polymer with ultraviolet light. This work may allow for inexpensive electronics to be incorporated into wearable sensors or computers.

Winged microchip is smallest-ever human-made flying structure

By studying the aerodynamics of wind-dispersed seeds, researcher developed a flying microchip (or 'microflier') that catches the wind and passively flies through the air. Packed with ultra-miniaturized technology, including sensors and wireless communication capabilities, these microfliers could be used to monitor air pollution, airborne disease and more.

Electrons on the edge: The story of an intrinsic magnetic topological insulator

An intrinsic magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 has been discovered with a large band gap, making it a promising material platform for fabricating ultra-low-energy electronics and observing exotic quantum phenomena.

A unique material with tunable properties is explored in a new study

Researchers use mass spectroscopy and ultrafast laser pulses to interrogate chromium oxides in unprecedented detail.

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study demonstrating the emergence of localized magnetism due to a 2D nanomaterial's unique, star-like atomic-scale structure has potential for applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials, where tuning of electronic interactions can lead to a vast range of new electronic and magnetic phases.

Just by changing its shape, scientists show they can alter material properties

Scientists have observed that when the shape of a thin film of metal oxide known as titania is confined at the mesoscale, its conductivity increases. This finding demonstrates that nanoscale confinement is a way to control quantum effects.

Quantum materials cut closer than ever

A new method designs nanomaterials with less than 10-nanometer precision. It could pave the way for faster, more energy-efficient electronics.

Extreme heat exchanger created using metal 3D printing

Demonstrating next-generation energy technology, researchers are using topology optimization and metal 3D printing to design ultra-compact, high-power heat exchangers.

Interfacing stretchable circuits for deformable devices and displays

Researchers have developed a stretchable anisotropic conductive film (S-ACF) for electrical interfacing in high-resolution stretchable circuits.

Stretching the capacity of flexible energy storage

Some electronics can bend, twist and stretch in wearable displays, biomedical applications and soft robots. While these devices' circuits have become increasingly pliable, the batteries and supercapacitors that power them are still rigid. Now, researchersreport a flexible supercapacitor with electrodes made of wrinkled titanium carbide -- a type of MXene nanomaterial -- that maintained its ability to store and release electronic charges after repetitive stretching.

Actuator discovery outperforms existing technology

A newly developed electrochemical actuator using specialized organic semiconductor nanotubes is likely to become a key factor for future researchers in the fields of robotics, bioelectronics and biomedicine.

Physicists find 'magnon' origins in 2D magnet

Physicists have confirmed the topological origins of magnons, magnetic features they discovered three years ago in a 2D material that could prove useful for spintronics.