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.

30 Mile Thermometer

Researchers needs to monitor the temperature of in accessible, dangerous places on the planet without using satellite data (rough estimate). The solution is using the world's largest fiber-optic cable that records temperature at three foot intervals every ten seconds. This 30 mile detector was originally designed to monitor oil wells. It functions by firing laser pulses down the length of the optical cable and photons collide within the cable and bounces back at shifted frequencies, revealing temperatures along the entire line.

Reference: Wired

New Nanotechnology Technology

Chemical engineers in Oregon State University have invented a new technology to deposit "nanostructure films" on different surfaces. The technology can potentially make eye glasses cheaper and better, create solar cells that are more efficient and etc. The key to the process is use of a chemical bath, controlled by a microreactor, to place thin-film deposits on various substrates such as glass, plastic, silicon or aluminum.

Reference: Science Daily

Sensitivity Infrared Spectrometry with Frequency Converter

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new, highly sensitive, low-cost technique for measuring light near the infrared range. A single photon detector is the key device needed to build highly sensitive instruments for measuring spectra. Their approach is adapting a technique developed two years ago at NIST for quantum cryptography that “up converts” photons at one frequency to a higher frequency. The technique promotes the infrared photons up to the visible range using a strong, tunable laser.

Reference: Science Daily

Visualization of Simulated Brain

For the first time, scientists are able to see the brain electrically prodded at the cellular level. For years, electrical stimulation has been used to treat the human brain and has helped identify regions responsible for specific neural functions. Originally it is difficult to measure the small currents produced by neurons due to the high voltages applied to stimulate the brain. The solution is a new form of optical imaging called two-photon microscopy, tracking calcium levels of neurons. Since calcium levels spike every time a neuron fires, the team could monitor which neurons were being triggered.

Interestingly, neural response to electrical currents isn't localized and not all neurons surrounding an electrode fire at once. These findings will appear in the August 27 issue of "Neuron".

Reference: Science Daily