In this review, we address the optical signatures of defects in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs), whether they occur unintentionally during growth or are deliberately introduced post-growth. We detail their primary responses as probed by photoluminescence (PL), magneto-PL, Raman, tip-enhanced PL and Raman, and nonlinear spectroscopies. Defects significantly impact the electronic

Developments in communication technologies depend on the parallel progress in materials innovation, data processing devices, and their strategic integration. Terahertz (THz) science and technology is the latest field to witness phenomenal growth in 6G communication and quantum materials devices. Such advancements depend on the ability to control both the amplitude and phase-shift of THz radiation,

Semiconductor devices demand materials that exhibit exceptional carrier and heat transport; however, such materials have remained exceedingly scarce. Using rigorous first-principles calculations, we identify tetragonal tantalum nitride (t-TaN) as a narrow bandgap semiconductor that uniquely achieves both high thermal conductivity (κ) and high carrier mobility (μ). At room temperature, t-TaN demonstrates

Visual perception, memory, and adaptation processes are critical functions in biological systems that enhance responsiveness, improve survival fitness, and reduce information redundancy in complex environments. Therefore, the development of adaptive bionic vision systems with high efficiency, low complexity, and minimal energy consumption has become a key objective. However, most adaptive devices suffer

Structural superlubricity at incommensurate van der Waals interfaces leads to ultra-low friction coefficients. In this study, we try to apply a similar strategy to reduce the barrier of sliding ferroelectricity in van der Waals bilayers/multilayers with commensurate interfaces, since the writing speed in ferroelectric memories would be enhanced almost exponentially upon such reduction. A major challenge

For a long time, efficient and safe gene delivery has been a key issue in gene therapy. In particular, after the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology in 2020, the focus on delivery systems for genome editing has grown. In this review, we introduce the recent trends in various CRISPR delivery systems. First, we explain the impact of

The advancement of flexible electrochemical energy storage (FEES) devices as prospective power sources for wearable and portable electronics has become a prominent subject of research. The improvement of high-capacity electrode materials presents a substantial possibility for these flexible devices. Prussian blue and its analogues (PBAs) are easily manufactured, low-cost, open in structure, stable

Broadband self-powered photodetectors have attracted great attention owing to their capacity to detect a wide range of wavelengths and save energy. However, the majority of existing broadband photodetectors are limited in their detection range by the material bandgap, making it difficult to achieve detection from ultraviolet to infrared wavelength, and the response performance is not uniform for each

We present spin–orbit torque (SOT) field free magnetization switching and the detection of magnetization at room temperature using Pt and Sn alloys. Observations of the planar Hall effect and weak antilocalization provide evidence of topological features present in the PtSn4. The figures of merit of the spin-torque efficiency and spin-to-charge conversion (SCC) were estimated to be as large as 0.31

Metal halide perovskites have attracted extraordinary attention due to their excellent photoelectric properties and diverse crystal structures. The introduction of transition elements through doping serves as a potent strategy to modulate their physical and chemical properties. This approach has proven effective in imparting ferromagnetic semiconductor characteristics, which are essential for applications

Constrained by the physical architecture of von Neumann computing with separated storage and computation, neuromorphic computing architectures have been proposed. Ion-mediated oxide synaptic transistors (IOSTs), with their unique biomimetic characteristics, have become a key fundamental component in the construction of neuromorphic computing systems. This review comprehensively explores the biomimetic

As an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor, gallium oxide (Ga2O3) has great market potential in the field of solar-blind UV photodetectors. However, the slow response time of hundreds of milliseconds has seriously hindered the commercialization of the Ga2O3 photodetector. Here, we design an interdigital-electrode solar-blind UV β-Ga2O3 photodetector by using high-work function metal Pd as contacts. The

β-Ga2O3 is a highly promising ultrawide bandgap semiconductor material that is poised to transform the high-power electronics field. The manufacturability of device quality β-Ga2O3 epitaxial films at scale is urgently needed. Using a production-ready closed-coupled showerhead MOCVD reactor with in situ reflectance monitoring, this study presents a detailed investigation of the impact of growth parameters

The exploration and development of novel materials with intrinsically low thermal conductivity hold significant scientific and technological implications for thermoelectrics and thermal barrier coatings. In this study, a single crystal of Mg4.8Ag1.4Sb4 has been successfully synthesized, demonstrating an ultralow thermal conductivity of approximately 0.6 W m−1 K−1 at room temperature. Structure determination

Lamellar membranes fabricated through the layer-by-layer stacking of two-dimensional nanosheets hold great promise in the field of nanofiltration (NF) owing to the existence of abundant nanochannels that function as excellent nanofilters. However, the NF performance of these lamellar membranes is severely limited by the irregularity of the nanochannels and the stacking defects of the nanosheets. To

Neutron detection has significantly applied in security inspection and border control, high-energy physics, medical diagnostics, and nuclear monitoring. Recently, as one of the alternative materials, metal halide perovskites (MHPs) show great potential in high-performance neutron detector in both indirect and direct detecting mode. H or radioactive isotope, physically mixed, or atomic-level chemical

Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) are a physical security primitive with important applications in authentication, such as in anti-counterfeiting technologies. They can be used to generate unique identities, linked to their structure, by measuring features associated with them. Optically read PUFs (O-PUFs) are a subset that utilizes optical imaging techniques to create these database of identities

Three-dimensional (3D) thermally conductive boron nitride (BN)/polymer composites show significant potential in the field of thermal management. This review surveys current advances and discusses the thermal conductivity mechanisms of BN/polymer composites and the critical factors influencing their performance. A thorough introduction to the construction methods of 3D thermally conductive BN/polymer

Weak measurement refers to a type of quantum measurement that disturbs the system very little. In the framework of weak measurement, Aharonov, Albert, and Vaidman introduced the concept of postselection and thereby defined the weak value. In recent research, weak-value measurement (WVM) has offered a novel perspective for studying intricate problems in quantum mechanics, leading to many conceptual

Magnetic topological semimetals are increasingly fueling interest in exotic electronic–thermal physics, including thermoelectrics and spintronics. To control the transport of topological carriers in such materials becomes a central issue. However, the topological bands in real materials are normally intricate, leaving obstacles to understanding the transports in a physically clear way. Here, we proposed

Perovskite solar cell (PSC) is currently considered as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies for the next generation, which strongly demands the development of scalable process for PSC manufacturing. When scaling up a state-of-the-art solution process for perovskite to a large area, a comparably poor film quality generally results from the perovskite ink flow particularly with nonvolatile

Mixed-dimensional heterostructures, which utilize the complementary advantages of diverse materials, hold great promise for high-performance photodetectors. However, p-type photodetection is constrained by the scarcity of suitable photosensitive materials and challenges in interface engineering, particularly over-coupling at the hetero-interface, which significantly impacts detection performance. In

By integrating the virtues of vision and touch, vision-based tactile sensors (VBTSs) achieve an artificial tactile capability that transcends the natural, demonstrating superior performance unattainable through either sense alone. VBTS, as an innovative sensor, boasts commendable performance metrics and has found extensive applications across various domains. Nevertheless, a comprehensive synthesis

Super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has revolutionized life sciences by overcoming the diffraction limit, enabling the visualization of biological structures at the nanoscale. Expansion Microscopy (ExM) has emerged as a powerful and accessible technique that enhances resolution by physically enlarging the specimen. Importantly, the principles of ExM provide a unique foundation for combinations with SRM

Human brain is capable of optimizing information flow and processing without energy-intensive data shuttling between processor and memory. At the core of this unique capability are billions of neurons connected through trillions of synapses—basic processing units of the brain. The action potentials or “spikes” based temporal processing using the regulated flow of ions across ion channels in neuron

The 2019 report of ferroelectricity in (Al,Sc)N [Fichtner et al., J. Appl. Phys. 125, 114103 (2019)] broke a long-standing tradition of considering AlN the textbook example of a polar but non-ferroelectric material. Combined with the recent emergence of ferroelectricity in HfO2-based fluorites [Böscke et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 99, 102903 (2011)], these unexpected discoveries have reinvigorated studies

Micro-mechanical resonators are widely used in modern sensing technology due to their high-quality factor (Q), enabling sensitive detection of various stimuli. However, the performance of these resonators in fluid environments is limited by significant viscous and acoustic radiation losses that reduce their Q. Here, we present a paradigm-shifting discovery that challenges the conventional wisdom of

This study investigates the applicability of the machine learning model in correlative spectroscopy to enhance spatial resolution for probing nanoscale structural perturbations. The developed model demonstrates significant enhancement in spatial resolution, achieving up to 50 nm through the integration of Kelvin probe force microscopy and atomic force microscopy data. The predicted nanoscale Raman

Spinel cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4, CFO) nanoparticles (NPs) are a major focus of fundamental science and technological innovation due to their distinctive mix of magnetic, electrical, and chemical characteristics. CFO NPs have outstanding chemical stability, modest saturation magnetism (∼80 emu/g), a high Curie temperature (∼793 K), and significant magnetocrystalline anisotropy. These characteristics

The physics and properties of electromagnetic epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials have attracted much attention in recent years, especially in the fields of metamaterials, nonlinear optics, subwavelength photonics, and also in many systems supporting strong light–matter interaction. The unique optical properties of the ENZ materials, such as constant phase transmission, strong field enhancement, high

Microfluidic devices are becoming increasingly popular for producing microbubbles, as these devices provide much greater control over microbubble size compared to traditional methods such as sonication and amalgamation. Recent developments in microfabrication technologies have prompted several modifications in conventional microfluidic devices, which allow one to “engineer” microbubbles relevant to

Magnetic skyrmions are swirl-like spin textures with intriguing topological properties. Topological transitions between skyrmions and other magnetic solitons have been explored to design emerging topological spintronics. In magnets with S4 and D2d symmetries, complex magnetic exchange interactions lead to diverse magnetic solitons, including two types of skyrmions and four types of bubbles, which could

Self-powered photodetectors, operating without an external power source, have garnered extensive interest for infrared (IR) detection owing to their vast potential in low-power consumption sensor systems. Here, a short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) heterojunction photodetector utilizing semiconducting graphene nanoribbons has been achieved and demonstrated record-high performance. In the self-powered

With superior thermoelectric transport properties, chalcogenide-based materials are considered to be promising candidates for energy conversion. As compared to the strategies enhancing thermoelectric performance, the related research works focusing on endurance mechanisms during long-term working, however, are insufficient and should be systematically evaluated for making broad applications. Specifically

A force field as accurate as quantum mechanics (QMs) and as fast as molecular mechanics (MMs), with which one can simulate a biomolecular system efficiently enough and meaningfully enough to get quantitative insights, is among the most ardent dreams of biophysicists—a dream, nevertheless, not to be fulfilled any time soon. Machine learning force fields (MLFFs) represent a meaningful endeavor in this

Carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction to value-added chemicals for sustainable and clean energy is hindered by its considerable ionization potential (IP) and negative adiabatic electron affinity (EA), which makes CO2 a chemically inert molecule, leading to its challenging and unfavorable conversion under ambient conditions. To cope with this challenge, novel catalysts have been developed to lower the activation

Metasurfaces have emerged as a rapidly evolving frontier in the fields of optics and photonics, with a growing emphasis on their potential for practical applications. The considerable volume of contributions to the study on metasurfaces has expanded, creating challenges in tracking all the advancements within this dynamic field. In this review, we select practically useful metasurfaces among the diverse

Tin oxide (SnOX), a buffer layer commonly used to protect both the electron transport layer and the perovskite layer from sputtering-induced damage during the deposition of transparent conductive oxide in the top cell of perovskite-related tandem solar cells, is considered essential for achieving high efficiencies. Here, we systematically investigate the impact of SnOX on single-junction perovskite

Icing, fogging, and frosting cause safety hazards, reduced energy efficiency, and operation difficulties in various sectors including aerospace and renewable energy. Traditional methods for mitigating these hazards are often based on active transducers that are either inconvenient, energy intensive, or utilizing chemicals that are detrimental to the environment and lacking long-term stability. To tackle

Over the past two decades, the successful growth of high-quality wide-bandgap III-nitrides has made the realization of a broad range of new device applications, including optoelectronic and microelectronic fields. Through monolithic integration of photonic and electronic devices simultaneously, different functional modules can be integrated on the same wafer, eliminating parasitic effects caused by

Compared to tissue biopsy, blood biopsy offers significant advantages in terms of safety and convenience. However, achieving accurate blood biopsy for cancer pathological diagnosis presents substantial challenges. Herein, we have developed a precision blood biopsy technology utilizing a malignant cell-targeted nanoprobe for lung cancer diagnosis. The nanoprobe functionalized with SYL3C-conjugated hyaluronic

The review focuses on architected acoustic metamaterials to manipulate airborne sound waves, with only limited discussions on elastic metamaterials related to solid media. We review the design of acoustic metamaterials and the physical mechanisms underpinning their performance and related manufacturing methodologies, while also examining potential issues and challenges affecting the use of metamaterials

This is a review of theoretical and methodological development over the past decade pertaining to computational characterization of thermoelectric materials from first principles. Primary focus is on electronic and thermal transport in solids. Particular attention is given to the relationships between the various methods in terms of the theoretical hierarchy as well as the tradeoff of physical accuracy

It is thought that schemes for quantum imaging are fragile against realistic environments in which the background noise is often stronger than the nonclassical signal of the imaging photons. Unfortunately, it is unfeasible to produce brighter quantum light sources to alleviate this problem. Here, we overcome this paradigmatic limitation by developing a quantum imaging scheme that relies on the use

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been studied intensively, and their practical applications are advancing. The efficiency of light-emitting materials has been improved significantly through the understanding of their emission mechanisms. However, the correlation between the bandgap of the emitter and the operating voltage in OLEDs remains unclear, because OLEDs require a complex multilayer

Developing new organic crystals for efficient broad terahertz (THz) wave generation remains challenging, as multiple critical material properties must be achieved simultaneously within a single crystal. In this work, we introduce a new series of organic nonlinear optical salt crystals tailored for THz wave generators. The newly designed fluorinated cationic chromophore, 6-fluoro-2-(4-hydroxystyryl

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) have emerged as research hotspots in optics and photonics, offering a new paradigm for achieving extreme field localization and enhancing light–matter interactions. Here, we establish for the first time the intrinsic evolution laws of Fabry–Pérot bound states in the continuum (FP-BICs), revealing that the Q factor is inversely proportional to the square of phase/frequency

Controlling and enhancing light–matter coupling at subwavelength scales is an essential requirement in the realm of meta-photonics. Recently, all-dielectric metasurfaces (MSs) governed by the physics of bound states in the continuum (BICs) have emerged as a standout platform for delivering high-quality (Q) factor resonances and near-field electromagnetic hotspots. However, in the terahertz (THz) domain

As photonic technologies grow in multidimensional aspects, integrated photonics holds a unique position and continuously presents enormous possibilities for research communities. Applications include data centers, environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis, and highly compact communication components, with further possibilities continuously growing. Herein, we review state-of-the-art integrated photonic

The obtention of quantum-grade rare-earth-doped oxide thin films that can be integrated with optical cavities and microwave resonators is of great interest for the development of scalable quantum devices. Among the different growth methods, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) offers high flexibility and has demonstrated the ability to produce oxide films hosting rare-earth ions with narrow linewidths.

Nonlinear optics has long been a cornerstone of modern photonics, enabling a wide array of technologies, from frequency conversion to the generation of ultrafast light pulses. Recent breakthroughs in two-dimensional (2D) materials have opened a frontier in this field, offering new opportunities for both classical and quantum nonlinear optics. These atomically thin materials exhibit strong light–matter

Raman spectroscopy, which enables simultaneous detection of multi-gas components, is considered a valuable tool for gas analysis. However, the weak Raman scattering effect limits its application in the field of high-sensitivity gas detection. In this article, we summarize the principles and characteristics of existing techniques for improving the detection of Raman spectra, from both the perspectives

Antimonene, the two-dimensional phase of antimony, appears in two distinct allotropes when epitaxially grown on Bi2Se3: the puckered asymmetric washboard (α) and buckled honeycomb (β) bilayer structures. As-deposited antimony films exhibit varying proportions of single α and β structures. We identify the conditions necessary for ordered, pure-phase growth of single to triple β-antimonene bilayers.

Smart biomaterials have significantly impacted human healthcare by advancing the development of medical devices designed to function within human tissue, mimicking the behavior of natural tissues. While the intelligence of biomaterials has evolved from inert to active over the past few decades, smart biomaterials take this a step further by making their surfaces or bulk respond based on interactions

Functional microvasculature is essential for in vitro tissue constructs, ensuring efficient transport of oxygen, nutrients, and waste and supporting vital paracrine signaling for tissue stability. Recent advancements in both direct and indirect 3D bioprinting offer promising solutions to construct complex vascular networks by allowing precise control over cell and extracellular matrix placement. The

While the development of new solid electrolytes (SEs) is crucial for advancing energy storage technologies, revisiting existing materials with significantly improved knowledge of their physical properties and synthesis control offers significant opportunities for breakthroughs. Na1+xZr2SixP3−xO12 (NaSICON) SEs have recently regained attention for applications in both solid-state and aqueous redox flow

Nuclear energy emerges as a promising and environmentally friendly solution to counter the escalating levels of greenhouse gases resulting from excessive fossil fuel usage. Essential to harnessing this energy are nuclear batteries, devices designed to generate electric power by capturing the energy emitted during nuclear decay, including α or β particles and γ radiation. The allure of nuclear batteries

The ever-increasing energy demand has highlighted the need for sustainable, low-carbon, and multi-functional energy solutions. Recently, multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) has become an emerging processing approach to prototype energy storage and conversion devices by enabling the fabrication of complex systems in a single, streamlined process while offering design freedom to customize end-product

The advent of artificial intelligence—deep neural networks (DNNs) in particular—has transformed traditional research methods across many disciplines. DNNs are data driven systems that use large quantities of data to learn patterns that are fundamental to a process. In the realm of artificial electromagnetic materials (AEMs), a common goal is to discover the connection between the AEM's geometry and

Solar-blind UV polarization detection and imaging can reflect more detailed optical information, which is vital for developing next-generation deep UV optoelectronic devices. β-Ga2O3 with ultra-wide bandgap is an ideal candidate for solar-blind UV detection application. However, the bulky nature of Ga2O3 limits its application in miniaturized, integrated and multifunctional devices, and polarization