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Perovskite solar cells are attracting attention as next-generation solar cells. These cells have high efficiency, are flexible, and can be printed, among other features. However, lead was initially used in their manufacture, and its toxicity has become an environmental issue.

Therefore, a method for replacing lead with tin, which has a low environmental impact, has been proposed. Nevertheless, tin is easily oxidized; consequently, the efficiency and durability of tin are lower than those of lead perovskite solar cells.

To improve the durability of tin perovskite by suppressing tin oxidation, a method that introduces large organic cations into tin perovskite crystals to form a two-dimensional layered structure called Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) tin-based perovskites has been proposed. However, the internal state of this structure and the mechanism by which it improves performance have not been fully elucidated.

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Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have created a new thermometer using atoms boosted to such high energy levels that they are a thousand times larger than normal. By monitoring how these giant “Rydberg” atoms interact with heat in their environment, researchers can measure temperature with remarkable accuracy. The thermometer’s sensitivity could improve temperature measurements in fields ranging from quantum research to industrial manufacturing.

Unlike traditional thermometers, a Rydberg doesn’t need to be first adjusted or calibrated at the factory because it relies inherently on the basic principles of quantum physics. These fundamental quantum principles yield that are also directly traceable to international standards.

“We’re essentially creating a thermometer that can provide accurate temperature readings without the usual calibrations that current thermometers require,” said NIST postdoctoral researcher Noah Schlossberger.

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Polarization is a key parameter in light–matter interactions and is consequently closely linked to light manipulation, detection, and analysis. Terahertz (THz) waves, characterized by their broad bandwidth and long wavelength, pose significant challenges to efficient polarization control with existing technologies. Here, we leverage the mesoscale wavelength characteristics of THz waves and employ a mirror-coupled total internal reflection structure to mechanically modulate the phase difference between p-and s-waves by up to 289°. By incorporating a liquid crystal phase shifter to provide adaptive phase compensation, dispersion is eliminated across a broad bandwidth. We demonstrate active switching of orthogonal linear polarizations and handedness-selective quarter-wave conversions in the 1.6–3.4 THz range, achieving an average degree of linear/circular polarization exceeding 0.996. Furthermore, arbitrary polarization at any center frequency is achieved with a fractional bandwidth exceeding 90%. This customizable-bandwidth and multifunctional device offers an accurate and universal polarization control solution for various THz systems, paving the way for numerous polarization-sensitive applications.

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Quantum entanglement contains important information about quantum systems, but its calculation is challenging. Here the authors develop a quantum Monte Carlo technique for full tomography on microscopic subregions of a system, enabling extraction of multipartite quantum entanglement in large scale models.

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Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have identified a groundbreaking new superconducting material. By combining iron, nickel, and zirconium in specific ratios, they synthesized a novel transition metal zirconide, with varying proportions of iron and nickel.

While pure iron zirconide and nickel zirconide do not exhibit superconductivity, the new mixtures demonstrate superconducting properties, forming a “dome-shaped” phase diagram characteristic of unconventional superconductors. This finding represents a significant step forward in the search for high-temperature superconducting materials that could have widespread applications.

Superconductors are already integral to advanced technologies, such as superconducting magnets in medical imaging devices, maglev trains, and power transmission cables. However, current superconductors require cooling to extremely low temperatures, typically around 4 Kelvin, which limits their practicality. Researchers are focused on discovering materials that achieve zero electrical resistance at higher temperatures, especially near the critical threshold of 77 Kelvin, where liquid nitrogen can replace liquid helium as a coolant—making the technology more accessible and cost-effective.

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Programmable photonic latch memory https://opg.optica.org/oe/fulltext.cfm?uri=oe-33-2-3501&id=567359

Researchers have unveiled a programmable photonic latch that speeds up data storage and processing in optical systems, offering a significant advancement over traditional electronic memory by reducing latency and energy use.

Fast, versatile volatile photonic memory could enhance AI, sensing, and other computationally intense applications.

Programmable Photonic Latch Technology

Continue reading “Unlocking the Speed of Light: The Future of Data Storage Is Here” | >

A major measles alert has been issued for two Australian states.

An urgent measles warning has been issued for two states after a toddler arrived in Australia from Vietnam with the infectious and deadly disease.

The South Australian government issued a warning after being notified of a three-year-old infected with measles travelling from Vietnam on Singapore Airlines flight SQ279, landing in Adelaide about 8.45am on Tuesday January 14.

Over the week, the toddler visited a number of places, including Kmart and Coles supermarket in Ingle Farm Shopping Centre on Wednesday January 15 before attending the Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Friday January 17.

Continue reading “Urgent warning over deadly disease” | >

Medical breakthroughs often change lives, but some redefine what’s possible for the future of healthcare. This historic achievement brings hope to millions around the world.

Discover the story of how one doctor’s groundbreaking work is reshaping what we know about hearing loss and recovery.

Imagine living in a world of perpetual silence—where the laughter of loved ones and the melody of a favorite song are mere concepts, never experienced. For millions across the globe, this silence is a daily reality caused by hearing loss. Yet, a breakthrough in medical science has rewritten the possibilities, turning silence into sound. At the center of this transformation stands Dr. Mashudu Tshifularo, a South African surgeon whose revolutionary use of 3D-printed implants has achieved what was once deemed impossible: curing deafness.

Continue reading “South African Doctor Makes History by Curing Deafness” | >

Research into stem cells has paid off as 68-year-old Paul Edmonds remains effectively cured of both HIV and leukemia following treatment that included a breakthrough stem cell transplant in 2019. Now, five years after the treatment, Edmonds continues to live his life free of HIV and leukemia.

This makes Edmonds one of only five people in the world who have achieved full remission of HIV. Further, his 31 years of living with the virus also means he had it the longest out of the five in remission. It’s a striking accomplishment that he has remained in remission for so long and showcases just how effective these kinds of treatments can be.

Stem cell transplants aren’t a new idea, either. What particularly makes this treatment so effective and intriguing, though, is that the transplant donor had a rare genetic mutation called homozygous CCR5 delta 32. This mutation makes people immune to most types of HIV.

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