All-fiber ellipsometer for nanoscale dielectric coatings
Measuring the refractive index and the thickness of thin films (films with a thickness from less than a nanometer to several microns) is essential to characterize them and improve the performance of sensors and devices that employ thin films. The mos.....»»
Sub-wavelength confinement of light demonstrated in indium phosphide nanocavity
As we transition to a new era in computing, there is a need for new devices that integrate electronic and photonic functionalities at the nanoscale while enhancing the interaction between photons and electrons. In an important step toward fulfilling.....»»
Scientists compute with light inside hair-thin optical fiber
Scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, have found a powerful new way to program optical circuits that are critical to the delivery of future technologies such as unhackable communications networks and ultrafast quantum computers.....»»
Researchers design novel hollow-fiber Cu penetration electrode for efficient CO₂ electroreduction
Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into value-added chemical fuels driven by renewable electrical energy has roles in reducing net CO2 emission and in addressing energy consumption......»»
Scientists develop high-power optic fiber laser to power nano satellites
The use of lasers in space is a reality. Even though radio waves have been the backbone of space communications for ages, the demand to convey more data, in a faster way, made these lighter, more flexible, and more secure infrared rays (invisible to.....»»
Focused ion beam technology: A single tool for a wide range of applications
Processing materials on the nanoscale, producing prototypes for microelectronics or analyzing biological samples: The range of applications for finely focused ion beams is huge. Experts from the EU collaboration FIT4NANO have now reviewed the many op.....»»
Ultra-short laser flashes on demand: Controllable light pulse pairs from a single-fiber laser
In an innovative approach to controlling ultrashort laser flashes, researchers from the Universities of Bayreuth and Konstanz are using soliton physics and two pulse combs within a single laser. The method has the potential to drastically speed up an.....»»
Single-emitter super-resolved imaging of radiative decay rate enhancement in dielectric gap nanoantennas
In an era where understanding and manipulating light at the nanoscale is increasingly crucial, a paper in Light: Science & Applications reveals a significant leap forward......»»
Harnessing all-dielectric metamaterials to manipulate the polarization state of light
Polarization is one of the fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic waves. It can convey valuable vector information in sensitive measurements and signal transmission, which is a promising technology for various fields such as environmental mon.....»»
Examining how fiber content affects mechanical properties in flax and pineapple leaf fiber-reinforced plastic composites
A new study has compared the reinforcing efficiency of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and cultivated flax fiber in poly(butylene succinate) composites. PALF, a less explored but potentially sustainable alternative, outperformed flax at 20 wt.%, showcasi.....»»
A sweater made from new aerogel fiber tests warmer than one made from down
A team of chemical engineers and materials scientists at Zhejiang University in China has developed a new type of aerogel fiber that has proven to be warmer than down when woven into a sweater. In their paper published in the journal Science, the gro.....»»
Inside the matrix: Nanoscale patterns revealed within model research organism
Species throughout the animal kingdom feature vital interfaces between the outermost layers of their bodies and the environment. Intricate microscopic structures—featured on the outer skin layers of humans, as one example—are known to assemble in.....»»
Scientists engineer bacteria to make two valuable products from plant fiber
We often look to the smallest lifeforms for help solving the biggest problems: Microbes help make foods and beverages, cure diseases, treat waste and even clean up pollution. Yeast and bacteria can also convert plant sugars into biofuels and chemical.....»»
Mineral coatings could enable shelf-stable mRNA therapies
A protective mineral coating identified by University of Wisconsin–Madison biomedical engineering researchers could allow powerful messenger RNA therapeutics like COVID-19 vaccines to be stored at room temperature, making them more accessible to lo.....»»
Scientists use fiber optic cable to study Arctic seafloor permafrost
The Arctic is remote, with often harsh conditions, and its climate is changing rapidly—warming four times faster than the rest of the Earth. This makes studying the Arctic climate both challenging and vital for understanding global climate change......»»
Advances in nanoscale carrier-based approaches to enhance efficacy of podophyllotoxin
Podophyllotoxin (PPT), an aryltetralin-type lignan isolated from Podophyllum species, exhibits a wide range of biologic and pharmacologic activities, and mainly serves as an antiviral agent or antitumor drug in clinical applications......»»
Google Fiber’s 20-gig service is coming to these cities for $250 a month
Service starts in "Kansas City, North Carolina’s Triangle Region, Arizona, and Iowa." Enlarge (credit: Google) In October, Google Fiber announced a ridiculously fast new tier of its Internet service: 20Gbps symmetrical.....»»
A method for production of organic–inorganic tin halide perovskites for optoelectronic devices
Researchers at the Institute for Advanced Materials at the Universitat Jaume I in Castelló have created a method for synthesizing organic-inorganic tin halide perovskites and generating thin films or coatings from them, which, when deposited on subs.....»»
New conductive, cotton-based fiber developed for smart textiles
A single strand of fiber developed at Washington State University has the flexibility of cotton and the electric conductivity of a polymer, called polyaniline......»»
Roar of cicadas was so loud, it was picked up by fiber-optic cables
Brood X made itself known in a way that could change how we monitor insect populations. Enlarge / BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ (credit: astrida via Getty Images) One of the world’s most peculiar test beds stretches above Prince.....»»
Measuring periodical cicadas" chorus with fiber optic cables
Hung from a common utility pole, a fiber optic cable—the kind bringing high-speed internet to more and more American households—can be turned into a sensor to detect temperature changes, vibrations, and even sound, through an emerging technology.....»»