Category archives: Materials

Large multi-directional spin-to-charge conversion in a low symmetry semimetal at room temperature

Large multi-directional spin-to-charge conversion in a low symmetry semimetal at room temperature

Condensed matterMaterialsNanotechnology

By DIPC

Symmetry is a unifying principle that governs all aspects of physics. The physical properties of crystalline solids are no different. But, as symmetry is progressively lowered through the 32 crystallographic point groups, novel transport effects emerge. Crystal symmetry dictates also the geometry of a phenomenon that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years […]

First ever antiferromagnetic topological insulator discovered

First ever antiferromagnetic topological insulator discovered

Condensed matterMaterialsQuantum physics

By DIPC

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. Topological insulators are electronic materials that have a bulk band gap like an ordinary insulator but have conducting […]

Next generation nanoprobes for the microspectroscopic study of biosystems

Next generation nanoprobes for the microspectroscopic study of biosystems

Condensed matterMaterialsNanotechnologyQuantum physics

By DIPC

Nonlinear processes are attractive in microscopy and spectroscopy since they can be excited with light in the near‐infrared, which offers several advantages, from a deep tissue penetration capability or a reduced photodamage due to the lower photon energy, to a spatially more confined probed volume, which can result in an improved lateral resolution. These processes […]

Excited-state aromaticity

Excited-state aromaticity

ChemistryMaterials

By DIPC

We usually take for granted that aromaticity is something that belongs to the ground state of a molecule; but the fact is that nothing forbids aromaticity appearing in an excited state. In the same way that molecular properties are largely affected by the ground-state aromaticity, excited-state aromaticity can guide the understanding of excited-state processes, the […]

Direct observation of dynamic tube dilation in entangled polymer blends

Direct observation of dynamic tube dilation in entangled polymer blends

ChemistryCondensed matterMaterialsPhysics

By DIPC

One of the unique features of the chemistry of carbon (and, to some extent, silicon) is its ability to form long chains of atoms. Polymers are substances that have macromolecules composed of many repeating units (known as ‘mers’). Many naturally occurring substances are polymers, including rubber and many substances based on glucose, such as the […]

The attosecond dynamics underlying the photoelectric effect

The attosecond dynamics underlying the photoelectric effect

Condensed matterDIPC Attosecond PhysicsMaterialsPhysics

By DIPC

In 1882, Heinrich Hertz devoted himself to the study of electromagnetism, including the recent and still generally unappreciated work of Maxwell. Two years later he began his famous series of experiments with electromagnetic waves. During the course of this work, Hertz discovered the photoelectric effect, which has had a profound influence on modern physics. The […]

A theory of spin hall magnetoresistance to study magnetism at interfaces

A theory of spin hall magnetoresistance to study magnetism at interfaces

Condensed matterMaterialsQuantum physicsTheoretical physics

By DIPC

The interactions between moving charges and magnetic fields can be quite complicated; more if we consider the quantum effects. One example is the collection of Hall effects. Imagine that we have a conductor or a semiconductor through which a current is flowing. Then we apply a strong transverse magnetic field. As a result, we can […]

Soft robots of the future may depend on new materials that conduct electricity, sense damage and self-heal

Soft robots of the future may depend on new materials that conduct electricity, sense damage and self-heal

MaterialsMechanical EngineeringRobotics

By Invited Researcher

Robots used to be restricted to heavy lifting or fine detail work in factories. Now Boston Dynamics’ nimble four-legged robot, Spot, is available for companies to lease to carry out various real-world jobs, a sign of just how common interactions between humans and machines have become in recent years. And while Spot is versatile and […]