Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Restoring order - A spin Hall effect without all the fuss

Scientists have developed a model for what happens when ultracold atomic spins are trapped in an optical lattice structure with a 'double-valley' feature, where the repeating unit resembles the letter W. This new theory result opens up a novel path for generating what's known as the spin Hall effect, an important example of spin-transport.

Oct 20th, 2014

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Goldilocks principle wrong for particle assembly: Too hot and too cold is just right

Micro- and nanoparticles that bind under low temperatures will melt as temperatures rise to moderate levels, but re-connect under hotter conditions, a team of scientists has found. Their discovery points to new ways to create 'smart materials', cutting-edge materials that adapt to their environment by taking new forms, and to sharpen the detail of 3-D printing.

Oct 20th, 2014

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Towards controlled dislocations

Scientists have used atomic-resolution Z-contrast imaging and X-ray spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope to explore dislocations in the binary II-VI semiconductor CdTe, commercially used in thin-film photovoltaics. The results may lead to eventual improvement in the conversion efficiency of CdTe solar cells. These novel insights into atomically resolved chemical structure of dislocations have potential for understanding many more defect-based phenomena.

Oct 20th, 2014

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Nanomaterial boost for stone conservation

Castles and cathedrals, statues and spires - Europe's built environment would not be the same without these witnesses of centuries past. But, eventually, even the hardest stone will crumble. EU-funded researchers have developed innovative nano-materials to improve the preservation of our architectural heritage.

Oct 20th, 2014

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Imaging electric charge propagating along microbial nanowires

Physicists have used a new imaging technique, electrostatic force microscopy, to resolve the biological debate with evidence from physics, showing that electric charges do indeed propagate along microbial nanowires just as they do in carbon nanotubes, a highly conductive man-made material.

Oct 19th, 2014

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Atomic trigger shatters mystery of how glass deforms

A new study has cracked one mystery of glass to shed light on the mechanism that triggers its deformation before shattering. The study improves understanding of glassy deformation and may accelerate broader application of metallic glass, a moldable, wear-resistant, magnetically exploitable material that is thrice as strong as the mightiest steel and ten times as springy.

Oct 17th, 2014

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Plastic nanoparticles also harm freshwater organisms

Organisms can be negatively affected by plastic nanoparticles, not just in the seas and oceans but in freshwater bodies too. These particles slow the growth of algae, cause deformities in water fleas and impede communication between small organisms and fish.

Oct 17th, 2014

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Putting quantum forces on the map

Mapping the relationship between two quantum effects in materials known as topological insulators could facilitate the development of quantum-based, low-power electronics.

Oct 17th, 2014

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