High sound pressure piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers using sputtered potassium sodium niobate.

This work presents air-coupled piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs) with high sound pressure level (SPL) under low-driving voltages by utilizing sputtered potassium sodium niobate KNaNbO (KNN) films. A prototype single KNN pMUT has been tested to show a resonant frequency at 106.3 kHz under 4 V with outstanding characteristics: (1) a large vibration amplitude of 3.

Circular-Gate Nanoscale Air Channel Transistors: Achieving ultralow Subthreshold Swing and Working Voltage.

As electronics advance toward higher performance and adaptability in extreme environments, traditional metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) face challenges due to physical constraints such as Boltzmann's law and short-channel effects. Nanoscale air channel transistors (NACTs) present a promising alternative, leveraging their vacuum-like channel and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling characteristics. In this study, a novel circular gate NACT (CG-NACT) is purposed, fabricated on a 4-inch silicon-based wafer using a CMOS-compatible process.

Dynamic 3D metasurface holography via cascaded polymer dispersed liquid crystal.

Metasurface with natural static structure limits the development of dynamic metasurface holographic display with rapid response and broadband. Currently, liquid crystal (LC) was integrated onto the metasurface to convert the passive metasuface into an active one. But, majority of LC-assisted active metasurfaces often exhibit trade-offs among degree of freedom (DoF, typically less than 2), information capacity, response speed, and crosstalk.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: a half-century historical perspective.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has evolved significantly over fifty years into a powerful analytical technique. This review aims to achieve five main goals. (1) Providing a comprehensive history of SERS's discovery, its experimental and theoretical foundations, its connections to advances in nanoscience and plasmonics, and highlighting collective contributions of key pioneers.

Highly Oriented WS Monolayers for High-Performance Electronics.

2D transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) semiconductors represent the most promising channel materials for post-silicon microelectronics due to their unique structure and electronic properties. However, it remains challenging to synthesize wide-bandgap TMDCs monolayers featuring large areas and high performance simultaneously. Herein, highly oriented WS monolayers are reproducibly synthesized through a templated growth strategy on vicinal C/A-plane sapphire wafers.

Versatile carrier-free binary nanodrug based on metformin/epigallocatechin gallate nanoparticles: exploring its properties and potential in cancer treatment.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an important active component extracted from green tea, has attracted much attention due to its multiple biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. Meanwhile, metformin (Met), a classic drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, exhibits additional benefits such as hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. However, metformin often causes gastrointestinal reactions when used alone, affecting patients' quality of life.

Native Defect-Dependent Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in p-Type Dopable Wide-Bandgap NiO.

NiO is a wide-bandgap p-type metal oxide that has extensive applications in optoelectronics and photocatalysts. Understanding the carrier dynamics in p-type NiO is pivotal for optimizing device performance, yet they remain largely unexplored. In this study, we employed femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to delve into the dynamics of photogenerated carriers in NiO films containing distinct prominent native defects: undoped NiO with oxygen vacancies () and O-rich NiO (denoted as NiO) with nickel vacancies ().

Orbital Current Pumping From Ultrafast Light-driven Antiferromagnetic Insulator.

The orbital Hall effect originating from light materials with weak spin-orbit coupling, has attracted considerable interest in spintronic applications. Recent studies demonstrate that orbital currents can be generated from charge currents through the orbital Hall effect in ferromagnetic materials. However, the generation of orbital currents in antiferromagnets has so far been elusive.

Fluid-Actuated Nano-Micro-Macro Structure Morphing Enables Smart Multispectrum Compatible Stealth.

Modern detection technology has driven camouflage technology toward multispectral compatibility and dynamic regulation. However, developing such stealth technologies is challenging due to different frequency-band principles. Here, this work proposes a design concept for a fluid-actuated multispectral compatible smart stealth device that employs a deformable mechanochromic layer/elastomer with a channeled dielectric layer.

Instruction-responsive programmable assemblies with DNA origami block pieces.

DNA nanotechnology has created a wide variety of nanostructures that provide a reliable platform for nanofabrication and DNA computing. However, constructing programmable finite arrays that allow for easy pre-functionalization remains challenge. We aim to create more standardized and controllable DNA origami components, which could be assembled into finite-scale and more diverse superstructures driven by instruction sets.

Two-Dimensional Organic-Inorganic van der Waals Hybrids.

Two-dimensional organic-inorganic (2DOI) van der Waals hybrids (vdWhs) have emerged as a groundbreaking subclass of layer-stacked (opto-)electronic materials. The development of 2DOI-vdWhs via systematically integrating inorganic 2D layers with organic 2D crystals at the molecular/atomic scale extends the capabilities of traditional 2D inorganic vdWhs, thanks to their high synthetic flexibility and structural tunability. Constructing an organic-inorganic hybrid interface with atomic precision will unlock new opportunities for generating unique interfacial (opto-)electronic transport properties by combining the strengths of organic and inorganic layers, thus allowing us to satisfy the growing demand for multifunctional applications.

Patterning technologies of quantum dots for color-conversion micro-LED display applications.

Quantum dot (QD) materials and their patterning technologies play a pivotal role in the full colorization of next-generation Micro-LED display technology. This article reviews the latest development in QD materials, including II-VI group, III-V group, and perovskite QDs, along with the state of the art in optimizing QD performance through techniques such as ligand engineering, surface coating, and core-shell structure construction. Additionally, it comprehensively covers the progress in QD patterning methods, such as inkjet printing, photolithography, electrophoretic deposition, transfer printing, microfluidics, and micropore filling method, and emphasizes their crucial role in achieving high precision, density, and uniformity in QD deposition.

Recent Progress and Challenges of Li-Rich Mn-Based Cathode Materials for Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Li-rich Mn-based (LRM) cathode materials, characterized by their high specific capacity (>250 mAh g¹) and cost-effectiveness, represent promising candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. However, their commercial application is hindered by rapid capacity degradation and voltage fading, which can be attributed to transition metal migration, lattice oxygen release, and the toxicity of Mn ions to the anode solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Recently, the application of LRM cathode in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) has garnered significant interest, as this approach eliminates the liquid electrolyte, thereby suppressing transition metal crosstalk and solid-liquid interfacial side reactions.

Semantic Scene Completion in Autonomous Driving: A Two-Stream Multi-Vehicle Collaboration Approach.

Vehicle-to-vehicle communication enables capturing sensor information from diverse perspectives, greatly aiding in semantic scene completion in autonomous driving. However, the misalignment of features between ego vehicle and cooperative vehicles leads to ambiguity problems, affecting accuracy and semantic information. In this paper, we propose a Two-Stream Multi-Vehicle collaboration approach (TSMV), which divides the features of collaborative vehicles into two streams and regresses interactively.

Angle-Controlled Nanospectrum Switching from Lorentzian to Fano Lineshapes.

The tunability of spectral lineshapes, ranging from Lorentzian to Fano profiles, is essential for advancing nanoscale photonic technologies. Conventional far-field techniques are insufficient for studying nanoscale phenomena, particularly within the terahertz (THz) range. In this work, we use a U-shaped resonant ring on a waveguide substrate to achieve precise modulation of Lorentzian, Fano, and antiresonance profiles.

Efficient and Stable Deep-Blue 0D Copper-Based Halide TEACuI with Near-Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield for Light-Emitting Diodes.

Achieving deep-blue light with high color saturation remains a critical challenge in the development of white light-emitting diode (LED) technology, necessitating luminescent materials that excel in efficiency, low toxicity, and stability. Here, we report the synthesis of [N(CH)]CuI (TEACuI) single crystals (SCs), which exhibit deep-blue photoluminescence (PL) at 450 nm. These crystals are characterized by a significant Stokes shift of 180 nm, a long lifetime of 1.

Enhancing Field-Like Efficiency Via Interface Engineering with Sub-Atomic Layer Ta Insertion.

The prevailing research emphasis has been on reducing the critical switching current density (J) by enhancing the damping-like efficiency (β). However, recent studies have shown that the field-like efficiency (β) can also play a major role in reducing J. In this study, the central inversion asymmetry of Pt-Co is significantly enhanced through interface engineering at the sub-atomic layer of Ta, thereby inducing substantial alterations in the β associated with the interface.

Unleashing the potential: AI empowered advanced metasurface research.

In recent years, metasurface, as a representative of micro- and nano-optics, have demonstrated a powerful ability to manipulate light, which can modulate a variety of physical parameters, such as wavelength, phase, and amplitude, to achieve various functions and substantially improve the performance of conventional optical components and systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging strong and effective computational tool that has been rapidly integrated into the study of physical sciences over the decades and has played an important role in the study of metasurface. This review starts with a brief introduction to the basics and then describes cases where AI and metasurface research have converged: from AI-assisted design of metasurface elements up to advanced optical systems based on metasurface.

Full-space trifunctional metasurface with independent control of amplitude and phase for circularly polarized waves.

Flexible and diverse manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in half space (reflection or transmission) has facilitated strong aspiration toward full-space wave control. However, it remains challenging to achieve independent amplitude and phase control, which seriously hinder the real-world applications. Herein, an innovative strategy of trifunctional metasurface is proposed to independently and simultaneously manipulate the amplitude and phase of circular polarized waves in full space.

On chip control and detection of complex SPP and waveguide modes based on plasmonic interconnect circuits.

Optical interconnects, leveraging surface plasmon modes, are revolutionizing high-performance computing and AI, overcoming the limitations of electrical interconnects in speed, energy efficiency, and miniaturization. These nanoscale photonic circuits integrate on-chip light manipulation and signal conversion, marking significant advancements in optoelectronics and data processing efficiency. Here, we present a novel plasmonic interconnect circuit, by introducing refractive index matching layer, the device supports both pure SPP and different hybrid modes, allowing selective excitation and transmission based on light wavelength and polarization, followed by photocurrent conversion.

Ultra-High Capacitive Energy Storage Density at 150 °C Achieved in Polyetherimide Composite Films by Filler and Structure Design.

Polymer dielectrics are crucial for electronic communications and industrial applications due to their high breakdown field strength (E), fast charge/discharge speed, and temperature stability. The upcoming electronic-electrical systems pose a significant challenge, necessitating polymeric dielectrics to exhibit exceptional thermal stability and energy storage capabilities at high temperatures. Here, ultra-high dielectric constant (ɛ) and charge/discharge efficiency (η) of 0.

High-Entropy Electrolytes with High Disordered Solvation Structures for Ultra-Stable Zinc Metal Anodes.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are playing an increasingly important role in the field of energy storage. However, their practical applications are handicapped by severe dendrite formation and side reactions on zinc anodes. Herein, a low-concentration high-entropy (HE) electrolyte strategy is proposed to achieve high reversibility and ultra-durable zinc metal anode.

Pixelated Toroidal Metasurface Sensor with Broadband Terahertz Fingerprint Enhancement for Biochemical Trace Detection.

Terahertz (THz) trace fingerprint detection is essential for identifying the characteristic biomolecular absorption fingerprints from inherent molecular rotational and vibrational modes. Plasmonic THz resonance shows a way to enhance the recognition of biomolecular absorption fingerprint spectra. In this research, we experimentally demonstrate a broadband THz fingerprint metasensor based on a pixelated toroidal metasurface, showcasing excellent capabilities in biochemical trace detection.

Terahertz Wave Alleviates Comorbidity Anxiety in Pain by Reducing the Binding Capacity of Nanostructured Glutamate Molecules to GluA2.

Comorbid anxiety in chronic pain is clinically common, with a comorbidity rate of over 50%. The main treatments are based on pharmacological, interventional, and implantable approaches, which have limited efficacy and carry a risk of side effects. Here, we report a terahertz (THz, 10 Hz) wave stimulation (THS) technique, which exerts nonthermal, long-term modulatory effects on neuronal activity by reducing the binding between nano-sized glutamate molecules and GluA2, leading to the relief of pain and comorbid anxiety-like behaviors in mice.

Lead-Free Manganese Halide Perovskite for Minute-Level Dynamic Time-Gating Anticounterfeiting.

The dynamic time-gating anticounterfeiting based on phosphorescence materials is the current hot topic of research. However, the short change time from nanosecond-level fluorescence false information to μs-level fluorescence correct information makes it easily deciphered just by turning off ultraviolet (UV) light. Herein, we first reported a new type of minute-level dynamic time-gating anticounterfeiting technology based on the ethanol-induced phase transition between the red-emitting CsMnBr crystals and green-emitting CsMnBr crystals.