Nov 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) A crystal’s shape is determined by its inherent chemistry, a characteristic that ultimately determines its final form from the most basic of details. But sometimes the lack of symmetry in a crystal makes the surface energies of its facets unknowable, confounding any theoretical prediction of...
Physicist identifies how electron crystals melt
Nov 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) The mysterious changes in phases of matter – from solid to liquid and back again – have fascinated Eun-Ah Kim since she was in lower elementary school in South Korea. Without cold drinking water readily available, on hot days the children would bring bottles of frozen water...
How to fire projectiles through materials without breaking anything
Nov 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) It sounds a bit like a magic trick: Some materials can be shot through with fast, electrically charged ions without exhibiting holes afterwards. What would be impossible at the macroscopic level is allowed at the level of individual particles. However, not all materials behave the...
New magnetometer designed to be integrated into microelectronic chips
Nov 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) Researchers at the UPC’s Department of Electronic Engineering have developed a new type of magnetometer that can be integrated into microelectronic chips and that is fully compatible with the current integrated circuits. Of great interest for the miniaturisation of electronic systems and sensors, the study...
Researchers take first step towards controlling photosynthesis using mirrors spaced nanometers apart
Nov 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) With the help of mirrors, placed only a few hundred nanometers apart, a research team has managed to use light more efficiently. The finding could eventually be useful for controlling solar energy conversion during photosynthesis, or other reactions driven by light. For example, one application...