Category Physics

This image shows a self-reconfiguring modular robots scheme. Credit: Iridia Lab ULB

Self-reconfiguring modular robots that can merge, split and even self-heal while retaining full sensorimotor control. Researchers at the Université libre de Bruxelles have developed self-reconfiguring modular robots that can merge, split and even self-heal while retaining full sensorimotor control. The work may take us closer to producing robots that can autonomously change their size, shape and function. The study is published in the scientific review Nature Communications.

Many robots are controlled by robotic nervous systems in which sensors and actuators are connected to a central processing unit...

1. (Schematic diagram of mushroom-shaped structure fabrication)
2. SEM image of mushroom-shaped structure
3. Image of superomniphobic property of different types of liquid

Scientists have developed a fabrication technology that can inexpensively produce surfaces capable of repelling liquids, including water and oil. The team used the photofluidization of azobenzene molecule-containing polymers to generate a superomniphobic surface which can be applied for developing stain-free fabrics, non-biofouling medical tubing, and corrosion-free surfaces. Mushroom-shaped surface textures, also called doubly re-entrant structures, are known to be the most effective surface structure that enhances resistance against liquid invasion, thereby exhibiting superior superomniphobic property.

However, the exist...

Electrotunable nanoplasmonic liquid mirror. Nature Materials, 2017; DOI: 10.1038/nmat4969

By finely tuning the distance between nanoparticles in a single layer, researchers have made a filter that can change between a mirror and a window. The development could help scientists create special materials whose optical properties can be changed in real time. These materials could then be used for applications from tuneable optical filters to miniature chemical sensors. Creating a ‘tuneable’ material has been a challenge because of the tiny scales involved. In order to tune the optical properties of a single layer of nanoparticles – which are only tens of nanometres in size each – the space between them needs to be set precisely and uniformly.

To form the layer, the team from Imperial College Lo...

Artist’s representation of Faraon’s quantum memory device. Credit: Ella Maru Studio

Smallest-yet optical quantum memory device is a storage medium for optical quantum networks with the potential to be scaled up for commercial use. For the first time, an international team led by engineers at Caltech has developed a computer chip with nanoscale optical quantum memory. Quantum memory stores information on individual quantum particles – in this case, photons of light.

This allows it to take advantage of the peculiar features of quantum mechanics (such as superposition, in which a quantum element can exist in two distinct states simultaneously) to store data more efficiently and securely...