Read article: 3D printed fibres make efficient respiratory sensors Biomedical devices Research update 3D printed fibres make efficient respiratory sensors Transparent, micron-sized conductive fibres can be integrated into wearable devices that measure the amount of moisture that leaks through a face mask
Read article: Triplet control prevents ‘lasing death’ in perovskite lasers Devices and structures Research update Triplet control prevents ‘lasing death’ in perovskite lasers Suppressing long-lived triplet excitons enables devices made from quasi-2D organic–inorganic material to continue lasing for over an hour
Read article: Thermal diodes bridge the gap Devices and structures Research update Thermal diodes bridge the gap One-way water-vapour device could cool down aircraft components and computer chips
Read article: Spin valve uses coupled quantum dots and tiny magnetic fields Magnetism and spin Research update Spin valve uses coupled quantum dots and tiny magnetic fields Electron spin current is generated without the need for large external magnetic fields
Read article: Metasurface laser produces super-twisted light Nanophotonics Research update Metasurface laser produces super-twisted light New device could act as an “optical spanner” or wrench to control physical objects
Read article: Nano-optomechanical resonator detects low-frequency bacteria vibrations Devices and structures Research update Nano-optomechanical resonator detects low-frequency bacteria vibrations Spectrometry technique offers a new way to classify biological particles
Read article: Optical phased array steers blue light Optical components Research update Optical phased array steers blue light New device could significantly reduce the size of the light projection components employed in many emerging applications
Read article: Non-volatile nano-relay breaks records Devices and structures Research update Non-volatile nano-relay breaks records New device could find use in digital processors that operate in harsh conditions and require electronics with integrated data storage
Read article: Novel photovoltaics generate electrical power from thermal sources Materials for energy Research update Novel photovoltaics generate electrical power from thermal sources Devices based on photon-assisted tunnelling could harvest energy from nuclear power stations, chemical manufacturing facilities and other sources of waste heat
Read article: Transparent graphene photodetectors make advanced 3D camera Devices and structures Research update Transparent graphene photodetectors make advanced 3D camera New device might find applications in bioimaging, driverless cars and robotics