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DNA-based switchable devices and materials
The programmable sequences and precise recognition properties of DNA provide a versatile route to two- and three-dimensional nanostructures. Switching functionality provided by the specific base-pairing interactions of DNA molecules enables the construction of stimuli-responsive machine-like devices such as smart surfaces and DNA hydrogels.
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Metamaterials and metaoptics
The control and manipulation of light using metamaterials has given rise to remarkable functionalities such as cloaking, backward wave propagation and negative refraction. The expansion of these technologies to near-visible wavelengths promises further breakthroughs in this rapidly developing field of technology.
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Laser-based imaging of individual carbon nanostructures
Laser-based imaging, including absorption, Rayleigh, Raman and photoluminescence modes, provides many advantages over other imaging techniques that make the approach particularly useful for the characterization of nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes and graphene.
Research highlightsupdated weekly
Featured highlights:
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Quantum computing: Setting the pace
A storage mechanism for entangled photons with narrow wavelength distribution is another major step toward memory devices for quantum computers.
Nature Photon.
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Nanofabrication: Spring loaded
Electrochemical co-deposition of two metals followed by the selective etching of one allows for the synthesis of nanospring structures.
Nano Lett.
Latest highlights:
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Nanomaterials: Detoxifying nanotubes
Competitive binding between blood proteins can reduce the toxicity of protein-coated carbon nanotubes toward cells.
PNAS
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Molecular actuators: Crystals take a bow
Thin, strong microcrystals containing photosensitive double bonds can flex or straighten on light exposure.
Chem. Commun.
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Luminescent materials: Three for two
A combination of thermal and mechanical stimuli causes a single luminescent liquid-crystalline material to emit three different colors.
Angew. Chem. Int. Edit.
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Magnetoresistance: Silicon joins the party
Magnetoresistance in silicon can be enhanced to match that of commercial devices by designing appropriate device geometries.
Nature
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Biological materials: Protein electronics
Similar proteins demonstrate different charge transport characteristics offering a route to biological electronic devices.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
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Carbon materials: Nanotubes team up
Computer simulations predict new carbon materials that are stiffer than carbon nanotubes and tougher than diamond.
ACS Nano
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Resistive memory: A sneaky problem solved
The combination of two types of resistive material can eliminate unwanted current paths and improve the performance of resistive memory.
Adv. Mater.
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DNA nanomaterials: Making contact
Devices consisting of single metal-bound DNA strands bridged between electrodes pave the way for new biocompatible electronics.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
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Spintronics: Graphene makes the switch
Calculations suggest that a combination of graphene nanoribbon structures could be used to create a spin valve for spintronics applications.
Appl. Phys. Lett.
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Thermoelectrics: Roughing it
Rough interfaces may be the key to improving the thermoelectric properties of bismuth/tellurium core/shell nanowires.
Adv. Mater.
