Two-dimensional sheets of boron that can be lifted off a substrate are possible to make via several theoretical methods suggested in a new paper by Rice University scientists. The material could be a useful complement to graphene and other 2D materials for electronics, they said. [ + ]

A collaboration of scientists has proposed a novel triple-junction solar cell with the potential to break the 50% conversion efficiency barrier, which is the current goal in multijunction photovoltaic development. [ + ]

The major trend for test and measurement in 2013 will be a move to wireless test and measurement. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

Faults in production are difficult to eliminate in their entirety - for example, short circuits may appear in the wiring or individual consumers may experience malfunctions. Ideally, however, the machine or plant should be able to continue operation without interruption. The fuse protection on the secondary side of the 24 V power supply plays an important role in this. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]