Scientists discover oxygen ‘breathing’ crystal that could transform clean energy tech.
Researchers have created a crystal that can repeatedly absorb and release oxygen at low temperatures.
Category: energy – Page 6
DARPA’s Laser Leap Proves “Energy can fly like data” as 800-Watt Beam Sets Distance Record and Opens Door to UAV and Space Uses
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 A DARPA-led team set a new record by transmitting 800 watts over 5.3 miles using optical power beaming. ⚡ Power beaming could revolutionize energy delivery to remote locations and reduce logistical challenges. 🔬 The breakthrough involved a customized receiver and a high-energy optical laser to maximize efficiency. 🌍 Future phases aim
A new crystal that ‘breathes’ oxygen expands possibilities for clean energy and electronics
A team of scientists from Korea and Japan has discovered a new type of crystal that can “breathe”—releasing and absorbing oxygen repeatedly at relatively low temperatures. This unique ability could transform the way we develop clean energy technologies, including fuel cells, energy-saving windows, and smart thermal devices.
Unified theory may reveal more superconducting materials
Electricity flows through wires to deliver power, but it loses energy as it moves, delivering less than it started with. But that energy loss isn’t a given. Scientists at Penn State have found a new way to identify types of materials known as superconductors that allow power to travel without any resistance, meaning no energy is lost.
Sweden’s most powerful laser delivers record-short light pulses
For the first time, researchers at Umeå University have demonstrated the full capabilities of their large-scale laser facility. In a study published in Nature Photonics, the team reports generating a combination of ultrashort laser pulses, extreme peak power, and precisely controlled waveforms that make it possible to explore the fastest processes in nature.
Energy-efficient ultracompact laser reduces light loss in all directions
An international team of scientists led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has developed a new type of ultracompact laser that is more energy efficient and consumes less power.
Smaller than a grain of sand, the micrometer-sized laser incorporates a special design that reduces light leakage. Minimizing light loss means less energy is required to operate the laser compared to other highly compact lasers.
The laser emits light in the terahertz region (30 μm—3 mm), a 6G communications frequency, and could pave the way for high-speed wireless communication of the future.
Researchers observe evidence of hyperbolic exciton polaritons
The ability to move electron-hole pairs—called excitons—in desired directions is important for generating electricity and creating fuels. This happens naturally in photosynthesis, making it a source of inspiration to researchers innovating optoelectronic devices.
Strong coupling between light and excitons generates bosonic quasiparticles called polaritons that express unique properties that positively affect device performance.
Researchers observed steady-state hyperbolic exciton polaritons (HEPs)—exotic kinds of exciton polaritons with attractive properties—in the van der Waals magnet, chromium sulfide bromide (CrSBr).
Inspired by Death Valley, researchers mimic a mystery of nature to make ice move on its own
In Associate Professor Jonathan Boreyko’s Nature-Inspired Fluids and Interfaces Lab, Ph.D. student Jack Tapocik watched a disk-shaped chunk of ice resting on an engineered metal surface. As the ice melted, the water formed a puddle beneath.
Even after many seconds of melting, the ice disk remained adhered to the engineered surface. At first, Tapocik was tempted to conclude that nothing would happen, but he waited. His patience paid off. After a minute, the ice slingshot across the metal plate he designed, gliding along as if it was propelled supernaturally.
The results are important because they have a host of potential applications. The methods team members developed lay the foundation for rapid defrosting and novel methods of energy harvesting. Their work has been published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.