http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/electronics/ News and Research in Electronics. Read about new discoveries in electronics including electronic circuits, polymer-based electronics, nanotubes and more. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/electronics/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155313.htm The electrostatic motor, used more than 200 years ago by Benjamin Franklin to rotisserie a turkey, is making a comeback in a promising new design for motors that is light, soft, and operates without external electronic controllers. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155309.htm A new technique inspired by elegant pop-up books and origami will soon allow clones of robotic insects to be mass-produced by the sheet. Devised by engineers, the ingenious layering and folding process enables the rapid fabrication of not just microrobots, but a broad range of electromechanical devices. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214100723.htm Carbon nanotubes and graphene consist of just a couple of layers of carbon atoms, but they are lighter than aluminium, stronger than steel and can bend like spring-coils. Physicists have been studying the unique properties of the materials, which in future may result in improved electronics and light, strong material. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214100723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133709.htm Researchers in California report that they have significantly enhanced polymer solar cells' performance by building a device with a new "tandem" structure that combines multiple cells with different absorption bands. The device had a certified power-conversion efficiency of 8.62 percent and set a world record in July 2011. After the researchers incorporated a new infrared-absorbing polymer material into the device, the device's architecture proved to be widely applicable and the power-conversion efficiency jumped to 10.6 percent -- a new record -- as certified by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135341.htm Researchers have developed a new nanotechnology platform for the development of molecule-based electronic components using the wonder material graphene. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132719.htm Scientists have found an iron-based superconductor that operates at the highest known temperature for a material in its class. The discovery inches iron-based superconductors closer to being useful in many practical applications. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202803.htm Scientists have developed a "biological computer" made entirely from biomolecules that is capable of deciphering images encrypted on DNA chips. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163752.htm For the first time, researchers have developed crystalline materials that allow an optical fiber to have integrated, high-speed electronic functions. The potential applications of such optical fibers include improved telecommunications and other hybrid optical and electronic technologies, improved laser technology, and more-accurate remote-sensing devices. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151035.htm Wonder material graphene has been touted as the next silicon, with one major problem -- it is too conductive to be used in computer chips. Now scientists have given its prospects a new lifeline. Scientists have now literally opened a third dimension in graphene research. Their research shows a transistor that may prove the missing link for graphene to become the next silicon. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201142404.htm Researchers have developed a relatively fast, easy and inexpensive technique for inducing nanorods to self-assemble into aligned and ordered macroscopic structures. This technique should enable more effective use of nanorods in solar cells, magnetic storage devices and sensors, and boost the electrical and mechanical properties of nanorod-polymer composites. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201142404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131121243.htm Atomic-level defects in graphene could be a path forward to smaller and faster electronic devices. With unique properties and potential applications in areas from electronics to biodevices, graphene, which consists of a single sheet of carbon atoms, has been hailed as a rising star in the materials world. Now, a new study suggests that point defects, composed of silicon atoms that replace individual carbon atoms in graphene, could aid attempts to transfer data on an atomic scale by coupling light with electrons. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131121243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140935.htm A kitchen gadget that vacuum seals food in plastic inspired a physicist to improve the performance of organic transistors for potential use in video displays. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135441.htm A rare combination of electric and magnetic properties in a now readily producible material could improve electronic memory devices. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124183752.htm Researchers have examined the challenges facing scientists building the next generation of materials and innovative electronic devices and identified opportunities for taking the rational material design in new directions. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124183752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124150413.htm Physicists have identified a property of "bilayer graphene" that the researchers say is analogous to finding the Higgs boson in particle physics. The physicists found that when the number of electrons on the BLG sheet is close to 0, the material becomes insulating -- a finding that has implications for the use of graphene as an electronic material in the semiconductor and electronics industries. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124150413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112115.htm Researchers have developed a new method for creating elastic conductors made of carbon nanotubes, which will contribute to large-scale production of the material for use in a new generation of elastic electronic devices. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102917.htm Scientists have selectively grown polymer nanowires using only irradiation with a pulsed laser, in a region limited to the area of irradiation. They also succeeded in imparting diverse functionalities to the nanowires by doping with various species of nanomaterials. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182916.htm The beauty of an electron’s spin is that it responds very rapidly to small magnetic fields. Such external magnetic fields can be used to reverse the direction of spin. In this way, information can be carried by a flow of electrons. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093637.htm Materials scientists have developed a new reactive silver ink for printing high-performance electronics on ubiquitous, low-cost materials such as flexible plastic, paper or fabric substrates. The reactive ink has several advantages over particle-based inks: low processing temperature, high conductivity, and the ability to print very small features. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112111940.htm A new discovery shows that the flexibility and durability of carbon nanotube films and coatings are intimately linked to their electronic properties and could impact flexible electronic devices such as solar cells and wearable sensors. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112111940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111134047.htm Similar to the way pavement, softened by a hot sun, will slow down a car, graphene slows down an object sliding across its surface. But stack the sheets and graphene gets more slippery, say theorists who developed new software to quantify the material's friction. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111134047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211557.htm Engineers have discovered that the new material graphene conducts heat about 20 times faster than silicon, making it an option as a semiconductor material that could produce quieter and longer-lasting computers, cellphones and other devices. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155944.htm The prospect of electronics at the nanoscale may be even more promising with the first observation of metallic conductance in ferroelectric nanodomains. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109132608.htm Smaller and more powerful electronics requires the understanding of 'quantum jamming' physics, experts say. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109132608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102914.htm An engineering professor has made a breakthrough discovery with graphene, a material that could play a major role in keeping laptops and other electronic devices from overheating. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143603.htm Can organic matter behave like a fridge magnet? Scientists have now shown that it can. Researchers took nonmagnetic graphene and then either 'peppered' it with other nonmagnetic atoms like fluorine or removed some carbon atoms from the chicken wire. The empty spaces, called vacancies, and added atoms all turned out to be magnetic, exactly like atoms of, for example, iron. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105101451.htm Chemists have developed novel glass ceramics for dentistry. The new kind of glass ceramic with a nanocrystalline structure seems to be well suited to be used in dentistry due to its high strength and its optical characteristics. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105101451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104135408.htm Scientists have used supercomputers to uncover the properties of a promising form of graphene, known as graphene nanowiggles. What they found was that graphitic nanoribbons can be segmented into several different surface structures called nanowiggles. Each of these structures produces highly different magnetic and conductive properties. The findings provide a blueprint that scientists can use to literally pick and choose a graphene nanostructure that is tuned and customized for a different task or device. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104135408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111725.htm A relay reaction of hydrogen atoms at a single-molecule level has been observed in real-space. This way of manipulating matter could open up new ways to exchange information between novel molecular devices in future electronics. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140345.htm A fundamental problem that has long puzzled scientists has been solved after more than 70 years. An international team of researchers has discovered a subtle electronic effect in magnetite, the most magnetic of all naturally occurring minerals. The effect causes a dramatic change to how this material conducts electricity at very low temperatures. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105815.htm NIST has issued the world's first reference material for single-wall carbon nanotube soot. The new NIST material offers companies and researchers a badly needed source of uniform and well-characterized carbon nanotube soot for material comparisons, as well as chemical and toxicity analysis. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105815.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133938.htm Engineers have developed a self-healing system that restores electrical conductivity to a cracked circuit in less time than it takes to blink. As a crack propagates, microcapsules filled with liquid metal break open and the liquid fills the gap, restoring electrical flow. The technology is especially attractive for applications where repair is impossible, such as a battery, or finding the source of a failure is difficult, such as an air- or spacecraft. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219203953.htm Researchers have developed a new kind of electro-thermal nanoprobe that can independently control voltage and temperature at a nanometer-scale point contact. It can also measure the temperature-dependent voltage at a nanometer-scale point contact. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219203953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135851.htm Scientists have devised a method to guide endoscopic "capsules" on a more precise course through the small intestine to detect difficult-to-diagnose tumors or wounds, or allow for biopsies or drug delivery. The ability to manipulate the capsule, he says, will not only lead to better diagnosis capabilities, but a less invasive and quicker procedure as well. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190031.htm Researchers have developed a promising new inexpensive technique for fabricating large-scale flexible and stretchable backplanes using semiconductor-enriched carbon nanotube solutions. To demonstrate the utility of their carbon nanotube backplanes, the researchers constructed an artificial electronic skin device capable of detecting and responding to touch. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207132920.htm Scientists have engineered one of the world's smallest electronic circuits. It is formed by two wires separated by only about 150 atoms or 15 nanometers. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207132920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206151536.htm Researchers have created a new type of transistor made from a material that could replace silicon and have a 3-D structure instead of conventional flat computer chips. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206151536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102708.htm Scientists have developed a method for mechanically controlling the geometry of a single molecule, situated in a junction between a pair of gold electrodes that form a simple circuit. The manipulations produced over tenfold increase in conductivity. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082255.htm After having revealed the electronic advantages of molybdenite, researchers in Switzerland have now taken the next definitive step. The researchers have made a chip, or integrated circuit, confirming that molybdenite can surpass the physical limits of silicon in terms of miniaturization, electricity consumption, and mechanical flexibility. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125402.htm Researchers have invented a new type of electronic switch that performs electronic logic functions within a single molecule. The incorporation of such single-molecule elements could enable smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient electronics. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130161541.htm Researchers outline the first practical demonstration of carbon nanotube transistor based printed circuits for display backplane applications revealing CNT's viable candidacy as a competing technology alongside amorphous silicon and metal oxide semiconductor solution as a low-cost and scalable backplane option. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130161541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125160906.htm Researchers discovered a collective electronic state not seen before in the bulk of either two individual insulating oxides, thus demonstrating that electrons at their interface can now exhibit ferromagnetism. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125160906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133512.htm A multi-institution team of researchers has combined modern materials research and an age-old metallurgy technique to produce an alloy that could be the basis for a new class of sensors and micromechanical devices controlled by magnetism. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113259.htm Researchers demonstrate a new method for making transparent electrodes from nanomaterials. By fusing AgNWs with metal oxide nanoparticles and organic polymers, highly transparent conductors were produced that could provide an alternative to the ITO. The research team has also built solar cells using the new electrodes and found that the performance of the cell is comparable to that of solar cells made with indium tin oxide. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104155.htm By adding carbon nanotubes to a glass-like metal compound, researchers have devised a new breed of field emission electrodes. This technology, which produces a stream of electrons, may have promising applications in the consumer electronics industry. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111118091200.htm A common feature of sailboards, aircraft and electronic circuits is that they all contain resins used for their lightness, strength and resistance. However, once cured, these resins can no longer be reshaped. Only certain inorganic compounds, including glass, offered this possibility until now. Combining such properties in a single material seemed impossible until now. Researchers have just developed a new class of compounds capable of this remarkable feat. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111118091200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114111718.htm Model by model, the electronics in a car are being moved closer to the engine block. This is why the materials used for the electronics must resist increasing heat – so the glass solder being used as glue must be continually optimized. For the first time ever, a robot takes on the task of developing new types of glass and examining their characteristics. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114111718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110094844.htm Copper's days are numbered, and a new study could hasten the downfall of the ubiquitous metal in smart phones, tablet computers, and nearly all electronics. This is good news for technophiles who are seeking smaller, faster devices. Researchers have discovered that they could enhance the ability of graphene to transmit electricity by stacking several thin graphene ribbons on top of one another. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110094844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108201544.htm In the world of engineering, “noise” – random fluctuations from environmental sources such as heat – is generally a bad thing. In electronic circuits, it is unavoidable, and as circuits get smaller and smaller, noise has a greater and more detrimental effect on a circuit’s performance. Now some scientists are saying: if you can’t beat it, use it. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108201544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161257.htm Physicists may have earned silicon carbide –– a semiconductor commonly used by the electronics industry –– a role at the center of a new generation of information technologies designed to exploit quantum physics for tasks such as ultrafast computing and nanoscale sensing. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121229.htm Researchers have developed the world's most efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) on plastic. This result enables a flexible form factor, not to mention a less costly, alternative to traditional OLED manufacturing, which currently relies on rigid glass. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121221.htm Scientists are building the world's most advanced extreme-ultraviolet microscope to study and design the photolithography masks, materials, patterns, and architectures essential to the next generation of integrated circuits. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027173539.htm New observations could improve industrial production of high-quality graphene, hastening the era of graphene-based consumer electronics. By combining data from several imaging techniques, engineers found that the quality of graphene depends on the crystal structure of the copper substrate it grows on. Copper with higher index numbers tends to have lower-quality graphene growth. Two common crystal structures, numbered (100) and (111), have the worst and the best growth, respectively. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027173539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027132504.htm Researchers have developed a prototype wireless sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of a key ingredient found in many explosives. The device, which employs carbon nanotubes, is printed on paper or paper-like material. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027132504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026122416.htm The "electronic nose," which detects odors, has a companion among emerging futuristic "e-sensing" devices intended to replace abilities that once were strictly human-and-animal-only. It is a "magnetic tongue" -- a method used to "taste" food and identify ingredients that people describe as sweet, bitter, sour, etc. Scientists report on use of the method to taste canned tomatoes. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026122416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025113213.htm Researchers from Spain and Belgium report on the innovative use of carbon nanotubes to create mechanical components for use in a new generation of micro-machines. While the electronics industry has excelled in miniaturizing components, with individual elements approaching the nanoscale (or a billionth of a meter), reducing the size of mechanical systems has proved much more challenging. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025113213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024101450.htm Organic solar cells have the potential to convert sunlight into electrical energy in an economical and environmentally friendly fashion. The challenge is that they still work less efficiently than inorganic semiconductors. Ultrafast measurements on hybrid cells now reveal a route to double their efficiency. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024101450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084234.htm Thanks to a recently discovered effect in magnetic tunnel structures, thermoelectric voltages in nano-electronic junctions can be controlled. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020171446.htm Slices of graphene oxide in a solution arrange themselves into a nematic liquid crystal. At a sufficient concentration, giant flakes will form a gel, a precursor to manufacturing metamaterals and fibers. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020171446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025251.htm Researchers have created a device small enough to fit on a computer chip that converts continuous laser light into numerous ultrashort pulses, a technology that might have applications in more advanced sensors, communications systems and laboratory instruments. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025251.htm