Lifeboat Foundation

Patches of chain-like molecules placed across nanoscale particles can radically transform the optical, electronic, and magnetic properties of particle-based materials. Understanding why depends critically on the three-dimensional features of these “polymer nano-patches”—which are tantalizingly difficult to reveal at a scale spanning just billionths of a meter.

Now, scientists have used cutting-edge electron tomography techniques—a process of 3D reconstructive imaging —to pinpoint the structure and composition of the polymer nano-patches. The results, published earlier this month in the journal Nature, “lay the foundation for new nanoscale architectures that could potentially enhance technologies such as self-assembled solar cells and catalysts,” said lead author Eugenia Kumacheva of the University of Toronto.

Continue reading “New Technique Reveals Powerful, ‘Patchy’ Approach to Nanoparticle Synthesis” »

Abstract: In 1959 renowned physicist Richard Feynman, in his talk “Plenty of Room at the Bottom,” spoke of a future in which tiny machines could perform huge feats. Like many forward-looking concepts, his molecule and atom-sized world remained for years in the realm of science fiction.

And then, scientists and other creative thinkers began to realize Feynman’s nanotechnological visions.

In the spirit of Feynman’s insight, and in response to the challenges he issued as a way to inspire scientific and engineering creativity, electrical and computer engineers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a design for a functional nanoscale computing device. The concept involves a dense, three-dimensional circuit operating on an unconventional type of logic that could, theoretically, be packed into a block no bigger than 50 nanometers on any side.

To all those who said it couldn’t happen for another 10+ years; this article is definitely for you.

Robert Wolkow, University of Alberta physics professor and the Principal Research Officer at Canada’s National Institute for Nanotechnology, has developed a technique to switch a single-atom channel.

Continue reading “Electrical currents can be now be switched on and off at the atomic scale” »

Technique to create alcohol from thin air has applications in renewable energy.

Henrik Fisker’s new battery company — Fisker Nanotech — says it has found a way to combine supercapacitors and batteries and produce them inexpensively.

Read more

New method for information storage via QC uncovered.

Abstract: Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have made a discovery that could lay the foundation for quantum superconducting devices. Their breakthrough solves one the main challenges to quantum computing: how to transmit spin information through superconducting materials.

Every electronic device — from a supercomputer to a dishwasher — works by controlling the flow of charged electrons. But electrons can carry so much more information than just charge; electrons also spin, like a gyroscope on axis.

Continue reading “A new spin on superconductivity: Harvard physicists pass spin information through a superconductor” »

Read more

Another article on the QC advancement; however, as I told folks synthetic diamonds are key plus the crystalized formation are proven to be very useful not only in QC processing; but also for the light-based (Quantum) networking. I see this only the beginning (as we have seen with Synthetic DNA data storage) for synthetic gem crystalize formations in their usage in technology. Hoping folks are checking out the 3D Printers creating these synthetics because we truly are on the path of seeing our world transform to new levels never imagined.

Abstract: By forcefully embedding two silicon atoms in a diamond matrix, Sandia researchers have demonstrated for the first time on a single chip all the components needed to create a quantum bridge to link quantum computers together.

“People have already built small quantum computers,” says Sandia researcher Ryan Camacho. “Maybe the first useful one won’t be a single giant quantum computer but a connected cluster of small ones.”

Continue reading “Diamonds aren’t forever: Sandia, Harvard team create first quantum computer bridge” »