Category Technology/Electronics

Artist’s rendition of optically-defined quantum circuits in a topological insulator. Credit: Peter Allen

In contrast to using advanced nanofabrication facilities based on chemical processing of materials, this flexible technique allows for rewritable ‘optical fabrication’ of devices. The electrons in topological insulators have unique quantum properties useful for developing low-power spin-based electronics and quantum computers. However, making even the simplest experimental circuits with these materials has proved difficult because traditional semiconductor engineering techniques tend to destroy their fragile quantum properties. Even a brief exposure to air can reduce their quality.

The researchers report the discovery of an optical effect that allows them to “tune” the energy of electro...

Characterization of VO2 films grown on a 3-inch r plane sapphire substrate

Penn State Materials scientist have just discovered a way to give the workhorse transistor a big boost, using a new technique to incorporate vanadium oxide, one of a family of materials called functional oxides, into the device.

Vanadium dioxide have an unusual property: metal-to-insulator transition. In the metal state, electrons move freely, while in the insulator state, electrons cannot flow. This on/off transition, inherent to vanadium dioxide, is also the basis of computer logic and memory.

Benchmark of VO2 thin films.

If they could add vanadium oxide close to the transistor it could boost the transistor’s performance...

A NASA spinoff is a technology, originally developed to meet our mission needs that has been transferred to the public. Here’s a list of just a few NASA spinoff technologies (in no particular order):
1. Enriched Baby Food: While developing life support for Mars missions, NASA-funded researchers discovered a natural source for an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a key role in infant development. The ingredient has since been infused in more than 99% of infant formula on the market and is helping babies worldwide develop healthy brains, eyes and hearts.

2. Digital Camera Sensors: Whether you take pictures and videos with a DSLR camera, phone or even a GoPro, you’re using NASA technology...

This new technology used both a heating and then a cooling process to operate the robotic finger. Results from the study showed a more rapid flexing and extending motion of the finger as well as its ability to recover its trained shape more accurately and more completely, confirming the biomechanical basis of its trained shape. Credit: Florida Atlantic University

This robotic finger could be adapted for a prosthetic device, such as on a prosthetic hand. It uses a shape memory alloy, a 3D CAD model of a human finger, a 3D printer and a unique thermal training technique. “We have been able to thermomechanically train our robotic finger to mimic the motions of a human finger like flexion and extension,” said Engeberg...