Imagine a world where light, instead of merely bouncing off surfaces or passing through transparent materials, is controlled in a completely new and unexpected way. Scientists have recently taken a major step in this direction by discovering what is called a “photonic axion insulator.” While this term might sound complicated, the underlying idea is both […]
The interplay between the electron and phonon dynamics in 2D materials is a complex and fascinating subject. By examining the behaviour of NbSe₂ on graphene, a new study has provided new insights into how substrates influence superconductivity through moiré phonons. In recent years, the study of two-dimensional (2D) materials has transformed the field of condensed […]
Superconductivity, the phenomenon where electrical current flows without resistance, has long captivated scientists and engineers. This unique state of matter holds promise for revolutionizing technologies, from power grids to magnetic levitation. A recent study delves into the intriguing world of graphene-based superconductors, shedding light on how twisting multiple layers of graphene can influence their superconducting […]
Cement is a fundamental material in modern construction, used in everything from buildings to bridges. One of its key components, tricalcium aluminate (C₃A), plays a crucial role in determining cement’s setting time and durability. A recent study has provided new insights into how C₃A behaves under heat, combining computer simulations with experimental data to deepen […]
Spintronics is a field of technology that focuses on using the spin of electrons—an intrinsic property that can be thought of as a tiny magnetic moment—to store and process information. This concept is based on the fact that electrons, in addition to carrying electric charge, also have a “spin,” which can be oriented in different […]
In certain materials, when we apply an electric field (it could be that of light) that vibrates at a certain frequency, it can create a direct current, a steady flow of electrical charge. This current is special because its strength depends on the square of the electric field’s strength. This phenomenon is called “shift current.” […]
Topological insulators are materials with special universal properties, which are protected against perturbations. Such properties are theoretically described by topology, a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of geometrical objects that are unchanged by continuous deformations. Concretely, topological insulators are electronic materials that have a bulk band gap like an ordinary insulator but have […]
A diode is an electronic device with two electrodes. In the obsolescent thermionic diode a heated cathode emits electrons, which flow across the intervening vacuum to the anode when a positive potential is applied to it. The device permits flow of current in one direction only as a negative potential applied to the anode repels […]
Periodic responses to nonperiodic energy inputs, such as oscillations, are hallmarks of living systems. Researchers have devoted considerable efforts to understanding and mimicking natural self-assembled structures and functions to systems composed of nonbiological components. This has rendered remarkable developments in regulating interparticle interactions to form static and dynamic self-assemblies. Dynamic assemblies can, under suitable stimuli […]
Adopting a more sustainable energy portfolio is imperative to address and alleviate the impacts of climate change. A key process is energy harvesting versus energy “production”. In this vein, a potentially viable approach involves the conversion of dissipated heat into electrical energy via the use of thermoelectricity. This method has the potential to contribute significantly […]