Scientists discover how photon beam can flip the spin polarization of electrons emitted from topological insulator
(Phys.org) —Plain-looking but inherently strange crystalline materials called 3D topological insulators (TIs) are all the rage in materials science. Even at room temperature, a single chunk of TI is a good ...
Seaweed under the roof
For many coastal dwellers, seaweed washed up on the shore is nothing but a nuisance. But this raw material has proven itself capable of keeping buildings well insulated. Together with industry partners, researchers ...
First discovery of a natural topological insulator
(Phys.org) —In a step toward understanding and exploiting an exotic form of matter that has been sparking excitement for potential applications in a new genre of supercomputers, scientists are reporting ...
Engineers show feasibility of superfast materials
(Phys.org)—University of Utah engineers demonstrated it is feasible to build the first organic materials that conduct electricity on their edges, but act as an insulator inside. These materials, called ...
Scientists have discovered way to create high-quality graphene capacitor, which could deliver high-frequency electronics
(Phys.org)—Writing in PNAS, University of Manchester graphene researchers found that sandwiching a layer of the wonder material between boron nitride could produce highly-accurate capacitors.
Model that predicts real-world behaviors of insulator interfaces makes designing 'nano-electronic' materials simpler
(Phys.org)—Advances in miniaturization have made electronic devices cheaper and more powerful, but these procedures also create new challenges for materials scientists. For example, traditional silicon ...
Transistor made from vanadium dioxide could function as smart window for blocking infrared light
The transistor is the ultimate on-off switch. When a voltage is applied to the surface of a semiconductor, current flows; when the voltage is reversed, current is blocked. Researchers have tried for decades ...
Blocking infinity in a topological insulator
(Phys.org)—In bulk, topological insulators (TIs) are good insulators, but on their surface they act as metals, with a twist: the spin and direction of electrons moving across the surface of a TI are locked ...
If space shuttle is doomed, do you tell the crew?
A NASA top official wrestled with what he thought was a hypothetical question: What should you tell the astronauts of a doomed space shuttle Columbia?
Man builds most energy-efficient home he could
Saving money was never on Dennis Kaech's mind when he built his Olympia, Wash., home. But saving energy was.
Nanotech research yields bouncing liquid metal marbles (w/ video)
Coating liquid metal droplets in a nanoparticle mix creates an extra strong non-stick conductive material that retains its shape even under high impact, Australian research has found.
Physicists take photonic topological insulators to the next level
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have designed a simulation that for the first time emulates key properties of electronic topological insulators.
Researchers build SQUID device that demonstrates the Josephson effect
Paper waste used to make bricks
Researchers at the University of Jaen (Spain) have mixed waste from the paper industry with ceramic material used in the construction industry. The result is a brick that has low thermal conductivity meaning ...