A new technique that combines electron microscopy and laser technology enables programmable, arbitrary shaping of electron beams. It can potentially be used for optimizing electron optics and for adaptive electron microscopy, maximizing sensitivity while minimizing beam-induced damage.
Researchers have developed a technique to precisely manipulate and place nanowires with sub-micron accuracy. This discovery could accelerate the development of even smaller and more powerful computer chips.
A newly-developed 3D printing technique could be used to cost-effectively produce customized electronic 'machines' the size of insects, which enable advanced applications in robotics, medical devices and others.
Researchers have been able to successfully replace the expensive metal layer of the top electrode of perovskite solar cells with a less-expensive carbon-based electrode that can also be applied using roll-to-roll techniques. This new electrode deposition method involves the deposition of carbon and silver on a detachable plastic (PET) substrate first, with the dried electrode then pressed onto the top of the perovskite solar cell. The PET layer is then removed and can be reused.
