Metamaterials step into the light

Scientists in England and Valencia, Spain, have constructed what may be the first practicalmetamaterial that manipulates visible light.

The researchers predict it could be used for subpicosecond (less than a trillionth of a second) optical switches and finely controlled laser pulses. The layered structure, in contrast to the makeup of earlier… [ IEEE Spectrum ]

Topics: Electronics | Nanotech/Materials Science | Physics/Cosmology

Comments (1)

Transparent graphene-based material could revolutionize wearable electronics, solar panels

April 28, 2012

[+]

GraphExeter, the most transparent, lightweight and flexible material ever for conducting electricity, has been invented by a team from the University of Exeter.

It could revolutionize the creation of wearable electronic devices, such as clothing containing computers, phones, and MP3 players, and smart mirrors or windows, adding computerized interactive features. Since this material is also…

Topics: Electronics | Energy | Nanotech/Materials Science

Comments (0)

Liquid solar cells that can be printed onto surfaces

April 27, 2012

[+]

USC scientists have developed a potential pathway to cheap, stable solar cells made from nanocrystals so small they can exist as a liquid ink and can be painted or printed onto clear surfaces.

The solar nanocrystals are about four nanometers in size and float them in a liquid solution, so “like…

Topics: Electronics | Energy | Nanotech/Materials Science

Comments (1)

New harvesting approach boosts energy output from bacteria

April 27, 2012

[+]

A novel energy system that increases the amount of energy harvested from microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by more than 70 times has been developed by University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) scientists.

The new approach also greatly improves energy efficiency. MFCs are emerging as a way to use bacteria to directly harvest electricity from biodegradable…

Topics: Biotech | Energy | Environment/Climate

Comments (0)