Category Physics

Aaron McKay et al. Diamond-based concept for combining beams at very high average powers, Laser & Photonics Reviews (2017). DOI: 10.1002/lpor.201600130

In a world-leading study Macquarie University researchers have proven a method for multiplying laser power using diamond, demonstrating that a laser similar to the Star Wars ‘superlaser’ may no longer remain in science fiction. The research demonstrates a concept – reminiscent of the Star Wars Death Star sci-fi laser – where the power of multiple laser beams is transferred into a single intense output beam that can be directed to the intended target.
This new laser development has real-world and high-stakes applications in which high power lasers are seen as a key tool in areas such as defence.

“Researchers are developing high power las...

Duke University researchers have developed a new ‘spray-on’ digital memory (upper left) that could be used to build programmable electronic devices on flexible materials like paper, plastic or fabric. To demonstrate a simple application of their device, they used their memory to program different patterns of four LED lights in a simple circuit. Credit: Matthew Catenacci ==

USB flash drives are already common accessories in offices and college campuses. But thanks to the rise in printable electronics, digital storage devices like these may soon be everywhere—including on our groceries, pill bottles and even clothing...

Nanomagnets for Future Data Storage

The idea is intriguing: if only a single atom or small molecule was needed for a single unit of data (a 0 or a 1 in the case of binary digital technology), massive volumes of data could be stored in the tiniest amount of space. This is theoretically possible, as certain atoms can be magnetised in only one of two possible directions: “spin up” or “spin down.” Information could then be stored and read by the sequence of the molecules’ magnetisation directions.

However, several obstacles still need to be overcome before single-molecule magnet data storage becomes a reality...

Crystal formation within a 50 millimeter loop, taken on Expedition 6. Crystal growth investigations have been occurring on the station since before humans lived there because of the unique environment microgravity provides. Credit: NASA

Crew members aboard the ISS will begin conducting research this week to improve the way we grow crystals on Earth. The information gained from the experiments could speed up the process for drug development, benefiting humans around the world. Many proteins are too small to be studied even under a microscope, and must be crystallized in order to determine their 3D structures. These structures tell researchers how a single protein functions and its involvement in the development of disease...