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| Open AccessFemtosecond nonlinear ultrasonics in gold probed with ultrashort surface plasmons
Measuring acoustic phonons across the Brillouin zone reveals important information on electrical and thermal transport in materials. Temnov et al.generate giant acoustic strain pulses in gold/cobalt bilayers and monitor their nonlinear reshaping in the gold layer with plasmonic interferometry.
- Vasily V. Temnov
- , Christoph Klieber
- & Rudolf Bratschitsch
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Bright solid-state sources of indistinguishable single photons
For quantum technologies to become widespread and scalable, bright sources of indistinguishable single photons are essential. Through deterministic positioning of quantum dots in pillar cavities, Gazzano et al.present a solid-state single-photon source with brightness as large as 0.65 photons per pulse.
- O. Gazzano
- , S. Michaelis de Vasconcellos
- & P. Senellart
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| Open AccessNanoscale imaging and spontaneous emission control with a single nano-positioned quantum dot
The emission properties of quantum dots make them ideal for probing plasmonic nanostructures, but their small size makes them difficult to manipulate. Ropp et al.use a microfluidic system to accurately place single quantum dots around silver nanowires to probe the local density of optical states.
- Chad Ropp
- , Zachary Cummins
- & Edo Waks
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| Open AccessUltrafast universal quantum control of a quantum-dot charge qubit using Landau–Zener–Stückelberg interference
Universal control of the state of qubits on timescales much shorter than the coherence time is necessary for quantum computation. The authors demonstrate electrical control of a charge qubit in quantum dots on the picosecond scale, which is orders of magnitude faster than previously reported.
- Gang Cao
- , Hai-Ou Li
- & Guo-Ping Guo
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Photon-mediated interaction between distant quantum dot circuits
Controlling the interaction between distant quantum dots is important if they are to be used in quantum information devices. Delbecq et al. place two quantum dot circuits in a microwave cavity and show that they interact via cavity photons, even though they are separated by 200 times their own size.
- M.R. Delbecq
- , L.E. Bruhat
- & T. Kontos
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Composite-pulse magnetometry with a solid-state quantum sensor
Quantum magnetometry in the solid state is usually affected by short coherence times and control errors that limit the sensitivity. This work demonstrates a continuous-driving scheme based on composite pulses that improves both these shortcomings and can be used in variable sensing environments.
- Clarice D. Aiello
- , Masashi Hirose
- & Paola Cappellaro
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Catalytic subsurface etching of nanoscale channels in graphite
Metallic particles are known to etch the surface layers of graphite by catalytic hydrogenation. Here, the authors report the sub-surface etching of graphite by Ni nanoparticles, revealing the formation of networks of tunnels, which are observed microscopically and could be modified for various applications.
- Maya Lukas
- , Velimir Meded
- & Ralph Krupke
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| Open AccessStrain-controlled magnetic domain wall propagation in hybrid piezoelectric/ferromagnetic structures
The use of electric fields to control the magnetization of ferromagnetic materials could enable more efficient electronics. Lei et al.show that by applying lateral strain to a magnetostrictive nanowire with a piezoelectric, voltage-controlled gating of magnetic domain wall motion in the wire can be achieved.
- Na Lei
- , Thibaut Devolder
- & Philippe Lecoeur
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Quantum-coupled radial-breathing oscillations in double-walled carbon nanotubes
Double-walled carbon nanotubes are a convenient system for studying quantum mechanical interactions in distinct but coupled nanostructures. Liu et al.characterize the coupling between radial-breathing mode oscillations of inner and outer walls of many double-walled nanotubes of different diameter and chirality.
- Kaihui Liu
- , Xiaoping Hong
- & Feng Wang
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Controllable unzipping for intramolecular junctions of graphene nanoribbons and single-walled carbon nanotubes
The formation of junctions between graphene and other materials could aid the development of nanoelectronics. We et al. partially unzip single-walled carbon nanotubes to produce graphene/nanotube junctions that show gate-dependent rectifying behaviour.
- Dacheng Wei
- , Lanfei Xie
- & Andrew Thye Shen Wee
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| Open AccessGlobally homochiral assembly of two-dimensional molecular networks triggered by co-absorbers
The construction of homochiral surfaces may play a significant role in applications including heterogeneous catalysis and bio-sensors. Here, globally homochiral two-dimensional assemblies of achiral molecules are formed via co-assembly with chiral co-adsorbers, demonstrating a ‘majority rules’ effect.
- Ting Chen
- , Wen-Hong Yang
- & Li-Jun Wan
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Probing the electronic structure at semiconductor surfaces using charge transport in nanomembranes
As the electrical properties of nanostructures are strongly influenced by their surface, a thorough understanding of the surface properties is desirable. The authors demonstrate the use of charge transport in silicon nanomembranes to perform spectroscopy of the electronic structure of the surface states.
- Weina Peng
- , Zlatan Aksamija
- & Max G. Lagally
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From chaos to selective ordering of vortex cores in interacting mesomagnets
The collective gyrotropic excitation of an array of spin vortices has frequencies that depend on the polarities and chirality of individual vortices. This work demonstrates control of the spectral response of the system by tuning the excitation frequency or the external magnetic field.
- S. Jain
- , V. Novosad
- & S.D. Bader
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| Open AccessAtomic-scale engineering of magnetic anisotropy of nanostructures through interfaces and interlines
The design and assembly of nanostructures exhibiting ferromagnetic hysteresis at room temperature are recognized goals for high-density data storage. Here, the authors engineer nanostructures with atomically sharp bimetallic interfaces and interlines, which exhibit large magnetic anisotropy and high temperature hysteresis.
- S. Ouazi
- , S. Vlaic
- & H. Brune
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The surface plasmon modes of self-assembled gold nanocrystals
The 3D self-assembly of nanocrystals could generate materials with unique optical and electronic properties. Barrowet al. report the DNA-mediated assembly of symmetrical 3D gold tetrahedra, pentamers and hexamers, and elucidate their plasmon modes.
- Steven J. Barrow
- , Xingzhan Wei
- & Paul Mulvaney
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| Open AccessGiant Raman gain in silicon nanocrystals
In a nonlinear medium, a pump laser beam generates and amplifies a second beam at a different frequency through stimulated Raman scattering. Sirleto et al.show this effect in silicon nanocrystals in a silicon matrix, with gain greater than four orders of magnitude compared with crystalline silicon.
- Luigi Sirleto
- , Maria Antonietta Ferrara
- & Leonid Khriachtchev
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| Open AccessCarbon nanotube–liposome supramolecular nanotrains for intelligent molecular-transport systems
There is growing interest in the development of artificial molecular-transport systems. Miyakoet al. develop a supramolecular system consisting of carbon nanotubes and liposomes that allows the directional transport and controlled release of cargo molecules.
- Eijiro Miyako
- , Kenji Kono
- & Yoshihisa Hagihara
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Flexible and low-voltage integrated circuits constructed from high-performance nanocrystal transistors
Field-effect transistors based on semiconductor nanocrystals are promising candidates for low-cost, flexible electronics. This work demonstrates fabrication on flexible substrates and low-voltage operations of integrated circuits based on nanocrystal transistors, including amplifiers and ring oscillators.
- David K. Kim
- , Yuming Lai
- & Cherie R. Kagan
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| Open AccessDirect writing of electronic devices on graphene oxide by catalytic scanning probe lithography
Controlled nanoscale reduction of graphene oxide could aid the development of graphene-based electronics. Here, a relatively mild technique is reported that uses a platinum-coated atomic force microscope tip to catalyse the reduction of graphene oxide to graphene.
- Kun Zhang
- , Qiang Fu
- & Jianguo Hou
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Chirality-controlled synthesis of single-wall carbon nanotubes using vapour-phase epitaxy
The promising electronic properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes are strongly dependent on their chirality. Here a metal catalyst free, vapour-phase epitaxy-type cloning mechanism is shown to yield high purity metallic and semiconducting nanotubes from purified single-chirality seeds.
- Jia Liu
- , Chuan Wang
- & Chongwu Zhou
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Self-luminescing BRET-FRET near-infrared dots for in vivo lymph-node mapping and tumour imaging
Fluorescence imaging in vivo is hampered by autofluorescence and the scattering and absorption of short-wavelength light. To address these problems, Xiong et al. produce self-luminescing nanoparticles that enable in vivonear-infrared imaging without external light excitation.
- Liqin Xiong
- , Adam J. Shuhendler
- & Jianghong Rao
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Tracking lithium transport and electrochemical reactions in nanoparticles
Developing next generation batteries requires better understanding of the dynamics of electrochemical reactions in working electrodes. Using a transmission electron microscope, Wanget al. develop a means to track the real time flow of lithium atoms in electrodes during the discharge of a functioning electrochemical cell.
- Feng Wang
- , Hui-Chia Yu
- & Jason Graetz
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| Open AccessDetermination of monolayer-protected gold nanoparticle ligand–shell morphology using NMR
Binary mixtures of molecules on the surface of nanoparticles can arrange randomly or into different domains to form Janus, patchy or striped particles. Liuet al.show that NMR can be used to determine the ligand-shell morphology of particles coated with aliphatic and aromatic ligands.
- Xiang Liu
- , Miao Yu
- & Francesco Stellacci
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High-efficiency Cooper pair splitting demonstrated by two-particle conductance resonance and positive noise cross-correlation
The Cooper pairs that losslessly conduct current in a superconductor can be split into two spatially separated but quantum mechanically entangled electrons. In this paper, non-local cross-correlation measurements of pairs split within a superconducting wire indicate the efficiency of this process can approach 100%.
- Anindya Das
- , Yuval Ronen
- & Hadas Shtrikman
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| Open AccessCorrelative infrared–electron nanoscopy reveals the local structure–conductivity relationship in zinc oxide nanowires
High-resolution characterisation techniques enable us to better understand the properties of nanoscale materials and devices. By combining electron microscopy and infrared nanoscopy, Stiegleret al.demonstrate a general approach to simultaneously probe the structural, chemical and electronic properties of a nanostructure.
- J.M. Stiegler
- , R. Tena-Zaera
- & R. Hillenbrand
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Bioinspired hollow semiconductor nanospheres as photosynthetic nanoparticles
Photosynthesis occurs at the thylakoid membrane, which acts as a scaffold, precisely arranging functional proteins and electron carriers. Sunet al.synthesize hollow photosynthetic nanospheres that function as light-harvesting antennae and structured scaffolds that improve photoredox catalysis.
- Jianhua Sun
- , Jinshui Zhang
- & Xinchen Wang
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| Open AccessGraphene-contact electrically driven microdisk lasers
Microdisk lasers are useful for compact wavelength-scale photonic devices and circuits, but their operation by electrical injection can hamper their optical properties. Kimet al. show that a graphene-contact electrode provides efficient electrical injection while minimising optical losses.
- Yoon-Ho Kim
- , Soon-Hong Kwon
- & Hong-Gyu Park
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| Open AccessHybrid nanoparticle–microcavity-based plasmonic nanosensors with improved detection resolution and extended remote-sensing ability
Plasmonic nanoparticles are useful as optical sensors, but their spectral resolution is hindered by the linewidth of the plasmon resonance. Schmidtet al. find that coupling this resonance to a microcavity creates hybrid modes with enhanced sensing figure-of-merit and improved frequency resolution.
- Markus A. Schmidt
- , Dang Yuan Lei
- & Stefan A. Maier
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Highly stable Pt monolayer on PdAu nanoparticle electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Platinum is used as a cathode in fuel cells but undergoes dissolution during potential changes, hindering commercial application in electric vehicles. Sasakiet al.report a new class of stable electrocatalysts that consist of platinum monolayers on palladium–gold alloy nanoparticles.
- Kotaro Sasaki
- , Hideo Naohara
- & Radoslav R. Adzic
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Article
| Open AccessMagnesium-free self-assembly of multi-layer DNA objects
Self-assembly of DNA can provide access to a range of nanoscale structures, but assembly using magnesium has been considered essential. Martin and Dietz report conditions that allow the assembly of templated, multi-layer DNA structures in the presence of monovalent ions, rather than magnesium.
- Thomas G. Martin
- & Hendrik Dietz
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Top-down fabricated silicon nanowires under tensile elastic strain up to 4.5%
Strain in Si nanostructures is used to achieve higher carrier mobility, making these devices candidates for the next generation of transistors. Minamisawaet al. fabricate silicon nanowires subject to elastic tensile strain up to 4.5%, exceeding the limit achievable with the use of SiGe virtual substrates.
- R.A. Minamisawa
- , M.J. Süess
- & H. Sigg
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Multichannel cavity optomechanics for all-optical amplification of radio frequency signals
Cavity optomechanics can exploit optical forces to achieve all-optical signal processing, but most schemes are limited to a narrow wavelength range. Using a cavity optomechanical design system with two optical channels, Liet al. show broadband readout and all-optical amplification of radio-frequency signals.
- Huan Li
- , Yu Chen
- & Mo Li
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Insights into the biomedical effects of carboxylated single-wall carbon nanotubes on telomerase and telomeres
Single-walled carbon nanotubes can selectively stabilize telomeric i-motif DNA and have been suggested as a treatment for cancer. Here, carbon nanotubes are found to inhibit telomerase activity by stabilizing i-motif DNA, leading to telomere uncapping and altered telomere function in cancer cells.
- Yong Chen
- , Konggang Qu
- & Xiaogang Qu
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Monodisperse conjugated polymer particles by Suzuki–Miyaura dispersion polymerization
Well-defined, monodisperse colloids of semiconducting polymers are required as new photonic and optoelectronic materials. Here, a Suzuki–Miyaura dispersion polymerization is used to produce monodisperse sub-micrometer particles of a range of semiconducting polymers.
- Alexander J.C. Kuehne
- , Malte C. Gather
- & Joris Sprakel
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Imaging enzyme-triggered self-assembly of small molecules inside live cells
Supramolecular interactions allow some small molecules to self-assemble into nanofibres and hydrogels in aqueous environments. Gaoet al.report a hydrogelator that forms fluorescent nanofibres within cells, leading to the visualization of their self-assembly at the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Yuan Gao
- , Junfeng Shi
- & Bing Xu
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| Open AccessThree-dimensional orientation-unlimited polarization encryption by a single optically configured vectorial beam
Generating arbitrary orientation of light polarization has been an elusive goal, yet it is important to light interactions with nano-objects. By combining azimuthally and radially polarized beams, Liet al. overcome this obstacle and demonstrate its use for polarization-based encryption with gold nanorods.
- Xiangping Li
- , Tzu-Hsiang Lan
- & Min Gu
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Symmetry breaking in the formation of magnetic vortex states in a permalloy nanodisk
Vortex states in magnetic nanoislands are characterized by a curling of the magnetization in the plane of the disk. This study demonstrates experimentally that vortices tend to form with a preferred handedness that is dictated by the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction.
- Mi-Young Im
- , Peter Fischer
- & Teruo Ono
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| Open AccessAmbient-stable tetragonal phase in silver nanostructures
Crystallization of noble metal atoms usually leads to the thermodynamically stable face-centred cubic phase. Sunet al. show that internal strain in silver nanoparticles leads to lattice distortion and a stable body-centred tetragonal phase.
- Yugang Sun
- , Yang Ren
- & Dean J. Miller
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| Open AccessAccelerated single photon emission from dye molecule-driven nanoantennas assembled on DNA
Downsizing antennas to the nanoscale is a promising way to manipulate light emission from fluorescent sources. Bussonet al. used a short DNA strand to position a lone fluorescent molecule between two gold particles with nanometre resolution, achieving enhanced decay rates and single photon emission.
- Mickaël P. Busson
- , Brice Rolly
- & Sébastien Bidault
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Real-space observation of spin-split molecular orbitals of adsorbed single-molecule magnets
Controlling the behaviour of single molecules on electrode interfaces is crucial for the development of molecular spintronics. This study reports spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy data of the spin-split molecular orbitals of a single-molecule magnet adsorbed on a cobalt surface.
- Jörg Schwöbel
- , Yingshuang Fu
- & Roland Wiesendanger
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Self-assembling subnanometer pores with unusual mass-transport properties
Molecular systems with rigid macrocyclic backbones self-assemble into synthetic nanopores that mimic the mass-transport characteristics of biological channels. Zhouet al. produce self-assembling hydrophobic nanopores that mediate highly selective transmembrane ion transport and highly efficient transmembrane water permeability.
- Xibin Zhou
- , Guande Liu
- & Bing Gong
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Towards a quantum representation of the ampere using single electron pumps
Single electron pumps have been proposed as potential candidates for redefining the ampere. This study reports measurements of the quantized current flowing through a semiconductor electron pump with a precision that makes a substantial step towards establishing a direct metric for electrical currents.
- S.P. Giblin
- , M. Kataoka
- & D.A. Ritchie
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| Open AccessRobust spin crossover and memristance across a single molecule
Switches made up of single molecules form the basis for the concept of molecular electronics. Miyamachiet al.demonstrate that an iron-based spin crossover molecule can be switched between different spin states, provided it is decoupled from a metallic substrate by a thin insulating layer.
- Toshio Miyamachi
- , Manuel Gruber
- & Wulf Wulfhekel
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Field-directed sputter sharpening for tailored probe materials and atomic-scale lithography
Scanning probe microscopy and related techniques rely on the availability of very sharp tips. Here, a sharpening technique based on field-directed sputtering is demonstrated, resulting in ultrasharp metallic tips for use in scanning tunnelling microscopy as well as atomic-scale lithographic experiments.
- S.W. Schmucker
- , N. Kumar
- & J.W. Lyding
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Three-dimensional nanonetworks for giant stretchability in dielectrics and conductors
Stretchable electronics based on conducting polymers offer new opportunities for designing flexible technologies. Parket al. build three-dimensional nanostructures from elastomers soaked with liquid metal to produce stretchable conductors with greatly improved strain properties over solid films.
- Junyong Park
- , Shuodao Wang
- & Seokwoo Jeon
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| Open AccessLifetime blinking in nonblinking nanocrystal quantum dots
Nanocrystal quantum dots can exhibit photoluminescence blinking, where the intensity of the emitted light fluctuates due to random charging and discharging. Gallandet al.study thick shell nanocrystals and find that the photoluminescence lifetime can also undergo blinking, without intensity changes.
- Christophe Galland
- , Yagnaseni Ghosh
- & Victor I. Klimov
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| Open AccessAtomic scale dynamics of ultrasmall germanium clusters
Ultrasmall clusters of atoms form the building blocks of many nanoscale materials. Using a combination of aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and numerical simulations, this study uncovers the geometry of these clusters in three dimensions.
- S. Bals
- , S. Van Aert
- & G. Van Tendeloo
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Direct printing of nanostructures by electrostatic autofocussing of ink nanodroplets
Ink-jet printing methods are an attractive approach to nanofabrication, where electrohydrodynamic control allows for flexible and cheap fabrication. Here, a new approach is presented using electrostatic nanodroplet autofocussing to produce high aspect ratio nanoscale structures like plasmonic nanoantennas.
- P. Galliker
- , J. Schneider
- & D. Poulikakos
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Anomalous high capacitance in a coaxial single nanowire capacitor
Devices made up of nanowires offer promise for a range of electronic, photonic and energy applications. Liuet al. fabricate a miniature capacitor by employing a thin layer of Cu2O as a separator between layers of carbon and copper.
- Zheng Liu
- , Yongjie Zhan
- & Pulickel M. Ajayan