Electrical Current to Nanoscale System

Material scientists have demonstrated the transduction of optical radiation to electrical current in a molecular circuit. The system with an array of nano-sized molecules respond to electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it simplifies to a higher efficiency in energy harvesting nano-sized circuit. A potential application of photovoltaic circuits include data storage where the data corresponding to wavelengths of light. A new series of devices in which plasmon-controlled electrical properties of a single molecule can be designed with diverse applications such as plasmonic circuits and energy harvesting devices.

Reference: Science Daily

Harnessing Energy from Natural Motions

Scientists have been havesting electricity from the motions of everyday life for years, but efficiencies and methods to capturing energy is limited. The success of these devices is limited because they can only perform well under a narrow band of frequenies. The strategy is to develop a device that can convert a range of vibrations by using magnets to 'tune' the banwidth of the experimental device. The potential of the new approach surpasses conventional linear devices.

Reference:
Samuel C. Stanton, Clark C. McGehee, and Brian P. Mann. Reversible hysteresis for broadband magnetopiezoelastic energy harvesting. Applied Physics Letters, 2009; 95 (17): 174103 DOI: 10.1063/1.3253710

Nanofibre Solar Power

Researchers found a new way to make solar power more cheaper and flexible to use. The nano-scale wires built around optical fibres allow more surface area for light to interact with, which improves cell efficiency. Using this technology, photovoltaic generators are foldable, concealable and mobile. Traditionally, silicon based solar cells are most efficient because it absorbs the most light. The new method starts with commerical optical fibre without outer layer and wraps zinc oxide nanowires around the fibre. In addition, light only needs to enter at the ends of the fibre, making it space efficient.

'Magnetricity' Observed and Measured for the First Time

A magnetic charge can behave and interact in a way similar to electric charge in some materials, new research indicates.  It also demonstrates a perfect symmetry between electricity and magnetism - 'magnetricity'. This will lead to a reassessment of the current theories of magnetism.

In order to experimentally prove the existence of magnetic current by applying a magnetic field to a spin ice sample at a low temperature.

Reference:

S. T. Bramwell, S. R. Giblin, S. Calder, R. Aldus, D. Prabhakaran & T. Fennell. Measurement of the charge and current of magnetic monopoles in spin ice. Nature, 2009; 461 (7266): 956 DOI: 10.1038/nature08500