NEWSROOM

Crystals are solid materials made up of particles that arrange themselves in repeating patterns. This process of self-assembly—“orchestrating order from chaos,” as the researchers describe it—was once thought to follow a predictable, classic pattern of growth. But instead of always forming building block by building block, scientists are learning that crystals can grow through more complex pathways.

MIT engineers have found a way to fabricate a metamaterial that is both strong and stretchy. The base material is typically highly rigid and brittle, but it is printed in precise, intricate patterns that form a structure that is both strong and flexible.

Researchers from Max Born Institute have demonstrated a successful way to control and manipulate nanoscale magnetic bits — the building blocks of digital data — using an ultrafast laser pulse and plasmonic gold nanostructures. The findings were published in Nano Letters.

By bridging the gap between traditional magnetic insulators and more complex electronic systems, the study opens new avenues for advancements in spintronics and quantum computing.

Optical characterization of the synthesized AA-stacked hBN revealed enhanced second-harmonic generation (SHG)—a hallmark of non-centrosymmetric crystal structures—indicating promising applications in nonlinear optics. Additionally, the material exhibited sharp band-edge emission in the DUV region, suggesting its potential for high-efficiency optoelectronic devices operating in the DUV spectrum.

Researchers at Westlake University have disclosed a two-dimensional (2D) mechanically interlocked polymer (MIP) that mimics medieval chainmail at the molecular scale. This micrometer-scale 2D material exhibits exceptional flexibility and stiffness, potentially revolutionizing next-generation lightweight protective gear and smart armor systems.