Nanotechnology

Unlocking the potential of quantum dots

October 29, 2024
A groundbreaking technique opens a new world of materials for researchers growing nanocrystals.

An electronic crystal turned flat

February 18, 2022

Illustration of layered charge-density-wave material

Artist rendering of a layered charge-density-wave material. Blue spheres represent lattice ions while sinusoidal curves represent waves of electron density. In this case, the charge density wave possesses long-range order both within a layer and between layers. (Illustration by Alfred Zong)

When we take an ice cube out of the refrigerator, it turns into...

With a little help, new optical material assembles itself

February 4, 2022

Nanocircles

Using 3D STEM (scanning transmission electron microscope) tomography at Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Foundry, Ting Xu and her team mapped out the precise placement of nanoparticles in a self-assembling material. (Courtesy of ACS Nano)

A research team led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has demonstrated tiny concentric nanocircles that self-assemble into an...

Nano-sized sensors learn new biological tricks

September 23, 2020

fluorophore labeled DNA

Rebecca Pinals mixes SWNTs with fluorophore-labeled DNA to create a nanosensor, then measures their optical response as they interact with biomolecules. (Photo credit: Rebecca Pinals).

In spite of the tremendous advances in modern medicine, there are still mysteries about routine processes in the human body that continue to elude scientists. For example, researchers have...

Scientists uncover a process that stands in the way of making quantum dots brighter

March 26, 2021

Quantum dot arrays

Illustration of atomic scale quantum dot arrays; courtesy of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Bright semiconductor nanocrystals known as quantum dots give QLED TV screens their vibrant colors. But attempts to increase the intensity of that light generate heat instead, reducing the dots’ light-producing efficiency.

A new study explains why, and the results have...

Building the Materials for Next-Gen Tech

February 13, 2023
Using chemistry-based approaches to creating graphene nanoribbons, Fischer’s lab group has developed ways to integrate other kinds of atoms (like nitrogen) into the nanoribbons to give them new properties.

New Director Assumes Helm of Kavli ENSI: Peidong Yang to direct the Kavli Energy NanoScience Institute

February 15, 2019
Effective January 1, 2019, Peidong Yang assumes the role of Director of the Kavli Energy NanoScience Institute (ENSI).

Paul Alivisatos awarded 2024 Kavli prize in nanoscience

June 12, 2024
UC Berkeley nanoscientist Paul Alivisatos and neuroscientist Doris Tsao are among this year’s Kavli Prize winners.

Berkeley’s ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship combats climate change

May 16, 2024
UC Berkeley faculty are fast-tracking the development of new and creative climate solutions.

Birth of topological defects in a charge density wave

January 12, 2024
Published in Nature Physics, a collaboration between the Zuerch Research Group and international colleagues studied the birth of topological defects in a charge density wave.