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    Category Physics

    Exotic ring-shaped Magnetic Effects ie Skyrmions created under Ambient Room Conditions for the 1s time

    October 8, 2015, Categories  Technology/Electronics, Physics

     

    This brings skyrmions a step closer to use in real-world data storage as well as other novel magnetic and electronic technologies, ie the basis for a new type of computer memory that never loses its grip on the data it stores. Until just recently, magnetic skyrmions had only been seen at very low temperatures and under powerful magnetic fields.

    The magnetic force in each individual atom in a magnet ie “magnetic moments” all line up the same way. But under extreme conditions, certain magnetic materials (such as MnSi or FeCoSi) can, instead, develop spots where the moments curve and twist, forming a winding, ring-like configuration...

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    Laser Spectroscopy of Ultrathin Semiconductor reveals rise of ‘Trion’ Quasiparticles: central to Energy Apps

    October 8, 2015, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics

    In a pump-probe experiment, the pump laser pulse first excites the 2D material, and later, at controllable time-delays, the probe laser pulse returns to the energy-pumped site to provide information about the evolution of the pump’s effect on the material. In the ORNL experiment, absorption of pumped energy first generated two excitons, X1 and X2. Dissociation of these excitons through hole trapping at the substrate freed their electrons. Then the arriving probe pulse generated new electron–hole pairs, which joined the remaining free electrons to form trions T1 and T2. Credit: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy

    In a pump-probe experiment, the pump laser pulse first excites the 2D material, and later, at controllable time-delays, the probe laser pulse returns to the energy-pumped site to provide information about the evolution of the pump’s effect on the material. In the ORNL experiment, absorption of pumped energy first generated two excitons, X1 and X2. Dissociation of these excitons through hole trapping at the substrate freed their electrons. Then the arriving probe pulse generated new electron–hole pairs, which joined the remaining free electrons to form trions T1 and T2. Credit: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy

    Quasiparticles – excitations that behave collectively like particles – can be difficult to detect...

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    Unexpected Role of Electrons in Creating Pulsating Auroras

    October 8, 2015, Categories  Physics, Astronomy/Space

    time lapse of a pulsating aurora, Jan. 3, 2012

    This all-sky movie shows a time lapse of a pulsating aurora on Jan. 3, 2012. Scientists compared the video, taken in Poker Flat, Alaska, over the course of three minutes, with satellite measurements of the numbers and energies of electrons raining down from the magnetosphere to better understand how electrons transfer energy to the upper atmosphere and create the auroras. The black mark traces the satellite foot point—the place where the satellite is magnetically connected to the aurora—of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite. Credits: NASA

    Thanks to a lucky conjunction of 2 satellites, a ground-based array of all-sky cameras, and some spectacular aurora borealis, researchers have uncovered evidence for an unexpected role that electrons have in creating the dancing au...

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    From Trees to Power: Engineers build Better Energy Storage Device

    October 7, 2015, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Lightweight and high-power density capacitors are of particular interest for the development of hybrid and electric vehicles. The fast-charging devices allow for significant energy saving, because they can accumulate energy during braking and release it during acceleration. Credit: Xuan Yang and Kevin Yager

    Lightweight and high-power density capacitors are of particular interest for the development of hybrid and electric vehicles. The fast-charging devices allow for significant energy saving, because they can accumulate energy during braking and release it during acceleration. Credit: Xuan Yang and Kevin Yager

    New work demonstrates an improved 3D energy storage device constructed by trapping functional nanoparticles within the walls of a foam-like structure made of nanocellulose. The foam is made in one step and can be used to produce more sustainable capacitor devices with higher power density and faster charging abilities compared to rechargeable batteries...

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