Using the geometric and material properties of a unique nanostructure, Boston College researchers have uncovered a novel photonic effect where surface plasmons interact with light to form ‘plasmonic halos’ of selectable output colour. [ + ]

For polymer-based organic photovoltaic cells, which are far less expensive to manufacture than silicon-based solar cells, scientists have long believed that the key to high efficiencies rests in the purity of the polymer/organic cell’s two domains - acceptor and donor. Now, however, an alternate and possibly easier route forward has been shown. [ + ]

Directed assembly is a growing field of research in nanotechnology in which scientists and engineers aim to manufacture structures on the smallest scales without having to individually manipulate each component. [ + ]

Using technology for finding underground mineral deposits, the CSIRO has developed a sensor that will detect bombs on the sea floor. Although untested in water, it has been proved in a stationary laboratory environment. [ + ]

A Kansas State University researcher is developing more efficient ways to save costs, time and energy when creating nanomaterials and lithium-ion batteries. [ + ]

I am in the market for a cross between a serious and sophisticated piece of electronic equipment and something that will incorporate a mind-wave-reading device to prevent me from feeling I am wasting a third of my life by being forced to watch television advertisements that interest me not in the slightest. [ + ]

Until recently, ‘wearable robots’ were the stuff of science fiction. In the last 10 years, however, advances in robotics, microelectronics, battery and electric motor technologies have advanced to the point where it has become practical to develop exoskeletons to aid people with disabilities. [ + ]

The teeth of a marine snail found off the coast of California are being used to create less costly and more efficient nanoscale materials to improve solar cells and lithium-ion batteries. [ + ]

A JQI photodetector beats the quantum limit by a factor of 4. [ + ]

A new design for a basic component of all computer chips boasts the highest ‘carry mobility’ yet measured. [ + ]

The smallest InGaAs transistor ever built is providing a pathway that will allow the number of transistors on microchiops to continue to double every two years. [ + ]

The demand for an extension of the operation temperature range to 200°C has been promoted by several trends. [ + ]

A recent study of the batteries commonly used in hybrid and electric-only cars has revealed an unexpected factor that could limit the performance of batteries currently on the road. [ + ]

Rose madder - a natural plant dye once prized throughout the Old World to make fiery red textiles - has found a second life as the basis for a new ‘green’ battery. [ + ]

A low-temperature, controllable and stable method has been developed to dope graphene films using self-assembled monolayers (SAM) that modify the interface of graphene and its support substrate. Using this concept, a team of researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology has created graphene p-n junctions - which are essential to fabricating devices - without damaging the material’s lattice structure or significantly reducing electron/hole mobility. [ + ]