Articles

Articles published in RIKEN Research and RIKEN News introducing the research of the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science

Feb 27, 2025RIKEN RESEARCH Surface chemistry drives nanocrystal properties for devices

Techniques for aligning nanocrystals pave the way for enhancing solar-cell efficiency and LED performance
Feb 14, 2025RIKEN RESEARCH Shining a light on magnetic structure

A novel technique for identifying magnetic ordering in antiferromagnets could improve electronics
Feb 10, 2025RIKEN RESEARCH Broadening the search for topological superconductivity

Exotic superconducting states can exist in common iron-based superconductors, according to a theoretical analysis
Dec 19, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH The motion of magnetic whirlpools is all relative

A new way of thinking about how swirling magnetic textures and mobile electrons interact could lead to compact, efficient and robust electronic devices
Oct 17, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Magnetic octupoles overcome problems with antiferromagnets

Researchers show a way to use antiferromagnets to create data-storage devices without moving parts
Oct 17, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Wearable, water-resistant light detector targets health monitoring

An ultrathin, organic light detector that is water resistant is promising for monitoring vital signs
Oct 10, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH A solar cell that is stretchable without sacrificing power

A solar cell that is intrinsically stretchable could be used to power wearable devices
Aug 01, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH How a material distinguishes between polarized light that rotates in different directions

Why a material shows very different responses to left and right circularly polarized light has been revealed
Jun 06, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Fast and faithful quantum measurements of electron spin qubits

A method for rapidly and precisely measuring the quantum state of electrons in a silicon device could help scale up quantum computers
May 17, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Scientists create an “optical conveyor belt” for quasiparticles
Apr 04, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Using ultrasound to probe antiferromagnets

Ultrasound can be used to explore the properties of magnetic materials that are promising for high-density data storage
Apr 04, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Tracing the main source of noise in silicon quantum computers

Measurements of the noise experienced by two neighboring quantum dots will aid the design of silicon quantum computers
Mar 29, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH “Shear sound waves” provide the magic for linking ultrasound and magnetic waves
Mar 26, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Electron-bending effect could boost computer memory

A magnetic material with a simple structure could help to overcome the shortcomings of materials used in memory devices
Mar 11, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Quantum-mechanical ‘molecules’ spotted in superconducting devices

Exotic quantum 'molecules’ that could be used in quantum computers have been created in Josephson junctions for the first time
Feb 01, 2024RIKEN RESEARCH Organic semiconductors with proton-hopping promise

A new method for making molecules derived from an ancient organic dye could inspire future flexible electronic devices
Dec 26, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Shedding light on the origin of the photovoltaic effect in organic–inorganic perovskites

The conversion of light into electricity in special crystals depends on the material’s symmetry
Nov 27, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Using Josephson junctions to control the flow of a supercurrent

The superconducting equivalent of the diode has been realized using Josephson junctions, opening new possibilities for harnessing superconductivity in devices
Nov 21, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Stirring a polariton condensate using a special laser beam

Vortices can be created at will in a superfluid made of light
Nov 10, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Dynamics of skyrmion spin states confirmed in neutron-scattering experiments

Neutron-scattering experiments confirm the dynamics of magnetic whirlpools, which could prove useful in future super-efficient devices
Oct 30, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Simulating spins, spirals and shrinking devices

Researchers at RIKEN are trying to reverse the traditional approach to developing quantum-scale, energy-efficient electrical and computing components.
Aug 17, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Quantum question about the anomalous Hall effect is answered

A unifying description for the curving path of electrons in some magnetic materials has been derived
Aug 01, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Using sound waves to image nanostructures

Sound waves that have tiny wavelengths can be detected using a special electron microscope
Apr 18, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Why exotic states of matter don’t need edges

Contrary to expectation, experiments show that edges are not needed to realize an unusual quantum effect
Apr 10, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Stripes within crystals hint at behavior of electrons in quantum systems

A hidden pattern of electrons could provide clues to exotic quantum behavior
Apr 10, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Modeling longer-lived holes in silicon quantum dots

The development of quantum computers will benefit from a new model that models spin in tiny silicon dots
Mar 31, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Connecting distant silicon qubits for scaling up quantum computers

The linking of two distant qubits will help to develop larger, more complex quantum computers based on silicon quantum dots
Feb 27, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH An electrical change of phase using skyrmions

The magnetic state of a micrometer-scale material can be altered by applying an electrical current without changing the temperature
Feb 09, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Brain-inspired computing system based on skyrmions ‘reads’ handwriting

Swirling magnetic whirlpools help to process data in a pattern-recognition device that mimics networks in the brain
Jan 19, 2023RIKEN RESEARCH Novel fluorescent compound could massively boost the efficiency of device screens

A fluorescent molecule overcomes a critical quantum-mechanical hurdle to realizing highly energy efficient displays
Dec 08, 2022RIKEN RESEARCH Single-electron devices could manage heat flow in electronic components

A nanoscale device offers insights into how single electrons interact with vibrations in the presence of a temperature gradient
Jun 03, 2022RIKEN RESEARCH Shining light on a fluid completely changes its dielectric permittivity

Simply illuminating a fluid can cause its interaction with an electric field to greatly vary
Feb 04, 2022RIKEN RESEARCH Laminating organic photovoltaics onto curved surfaces

Ultrathin electronics can now be laminated onto curved surfaces using heat-shrinkable polymers
Feb 04, 2022RIKEN RESEARCH Self-templating, solvent-free supramolecular polymer synthesis

A green method for producing crystalline supramolecular fibers promises to make polymer production more sustainable
Dec 27, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Gelatin foams show unexpected ultralong organic phosphorescence for optical applications

Strong, biodegradable materials could find use in sensors and bioimaging methods
Nov 22, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Heat flow controls the movement of skyrmions in an insulating magnet

Magnetic vortices could be manipulated by waste heat to realize low-power computing applications
Nov 19, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Modeling quantum spin liquids using machine learning

A method for predicting exotic states of matter could be useful for processing quantum information
Nov 01, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Understanding finite-temperature quantum effects better with machine learning

Machine learning can help explore the interaction between thermal and quantum effects in many-body systems
Oct 22, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Molecular tweak boosts performance of organic semiconductors for flexible electronic devices

Sulfur-based chemical groups coax pyrene molecules into a brickwork crystal structure that offers enhanced electrical properties in a transistor device
Sep 16, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Observing the life cycle of skyrmions in exquisite detail

Electron microscopy tracks the birth, evolution and death of swirling magnetic patterns
Sep 03, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Quantum entanglement of three spin qubits demonstrated in silicon

A three-qubit entangled state has been realized in a fully controllable array of spin qubits in silicon
Aug 19, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Electron–electron and spin–orbit interactions compete to control the electron

The interactions that compete to control electron spin can give rise to novel electronic states useful for future quantum technologies
Aug 03, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Mott insulator exhibits a sharp response to electron injection

Unexpected peaks in a spectrum upset conventional models of an exotic quantum material
Jul 14, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Two-dimensional materials and interfaces can convert spin current into a vortex of charge current

Low-power information processing could be possible using a new method for converting between spin and charge currents
May 27, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH One-dimensional Anderson insulators predicted to host the bulk photovoltaic effect

A class of insulating materials is predicted to hold promise for highly efficient solar cells
Apr 07, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Polypeptide self-assembly directed by the addition of cosolvents

Adding ethanol or acetonitrile to a self-assembling molecular system alters the nanostructures that arise
Apr 07, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Thin cuprous iodide film will enable better optoelectronic devices

Better optoelectronic devices could be realized using a high-quality film of cuprous iodide
Apr 02, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH New mechanism enables the electrical control of the magnetization in magnetic nanodevices

A new way to electrically generate rotation in materials made up of light elements could open the way for magnetic nanodevices
Mar 05, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals the origins of stable skyrmion lattices

Interactions between electrons help to organize magnetic whirlpool structures into a repeating grid
Feb 19, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Topological insulators could offer a way to harness exotic particles for quantum computing

A large class of quantum materials could host hypothetical particles useful for quantum computers
Feb 05, 2021RIKEN RESEARCH Inductance based on a quantum effect has the potential to miniaturize inductors

Inductors are set to join other electronic components in being miniaturized thanks to a quantum effect
Dec 25, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH A one-way street for sound waves

A new way for sound waves to interact with magnetic film could lead to 80% more directional control.
Dec 01, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH A shapeshifting material based on inorganic matter

By embedding titanium-based sheets in water, a group led by scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science has created a material using inorganic materials that can be converted fro ....
Oct 30, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Trade-off with superconducting qubits overcome by quantum filter

Rapid control of long-lived superconducting qubits is made possible by using a quantum filter
Oct 09, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Computer models reliably predict light-emitting behavior of organic LED materials

A new understanding of the rules governing light emission in certain organic materials should lead to the development of improved devices
Sep 04, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Using two acoustic reflectors triples spin-current generation

Reflecting sound waves back toward a layered component triples the amount of spin current it produces
Jul 31, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Laser pulses induce a different kind of sound wave

Ultrashort laser pulses induce unusual sound waves via a structural instability in a material
Jul 17, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Skyrmions created in a centrosymmetric material lacking geometrical frustration

Tiny magnetic swirls can form in a broader range of materials than have been used in previous experiments
Jul 03, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Wiring a new path to scalable quantum computing

Clever wiring architecture will soon produce bigger and better quantum circuits, says Yasunobu Nakamura.
Jun 19, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Pseudo-2D architecture for quantum computers is simple and scalable

A simple approach to arranging the building blocks of quantum computers has been demonstrated
Jun 19, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Two-electron qubit points the way to scaling up quantum computers

Using building blocks based on two electrons rather than one could help to realize larger quantum computers
Jun 12, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Sound waves create skyrmions in a magnetic film

Nanoscale magnetic whirlpools can be formed in a film by applying sound waves
Jun 05, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Breaking symmetry leads to responsive organic photodetectors

A response to light usually seen only in inorganic compounds has been realized in organic liquid crystals, opening the way to highly responsive photodetectors
May 22, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Superconductivity emerges in semiconductor on doping with valence-skipping metal

A long-known semiconductor that turns into a superconductor on doping provides a good system for exploring the effects of valence skipping
May 15, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH High-frequency noise is the biggest limitation for quantum computers

A noise-canceling experiment reveals an unexpected source of noise during quantum computations
Mar 27, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Skyrmions seen in a kagome lattice

Magnetic vortices have been made and seen in a crystal with a special structure
Mar 13, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Modified nickelate materials could serve as useful test-beds for understanding high-temperature superconductivity

Study shows how to tweak the chemical structure of a nickel oxide material to possibly improve its superconducting properties
Mar 10, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Ultrathin organic solar cell is both efficient and durable

Scientists from the RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research and RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science have succeeded, in collaboration with international partners, in creating an ultrathin organ ....
Mar 06, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Temperature-responsive polymer points the way to sustainable plastics

Computation analysis unravels the complex behavior of a polymer with great potential for greener plastic production
Jan 07, 2020RIKEN RESEARCH Device splits and recombines superconducting electron pairs

A nanowire device could help explore a form of superconductivity that features exotic particles with potential uses in quantum computing
Dec 16, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH A new way to induce the quantum anomalous Hall effect

A ferromagnetic layer can induce the quantum anomalous Hall effect in a topological insulator
Dec 10, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Exciplex emission observed over much longer distances than previously thought possible

Light emission has been generated by two molecules separated by an exceptionally long distance
Dec 04, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Stretchable, highly conductive film promising for wearable electronics

Strong bonds between metal nanowires and polymer nanofibers enable a composite film to realize good electrical conductivity and high stretchability
Dec 04, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Frustrated magnet hosts skyrmions

Skyrmions have been generated in a new class of magnetic materials
Sep 02, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Searching for the Majorana quasiparticle in a vortex core

A potential host of the Majorana quasiparticle—a component of quantum computers of the future—has been observed
Sep 02, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Spin-to-electric charge conversion at an interface enables detection of spiraling light

The interface between a metal and an oxide creates the right conditions for optically controlling electrons
Sep 02, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Topological superconductivity studied in thin films

A composite material reveals the relationship between superconductivity and exotic electronic states that could be useful in quantum computers
Jul 22, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Spin fluctuations simpler than currents, researchers argue

A theoretical study shows that spintronic equations are vastly simplified by looking at spin density fluctuations rather spin currents
Jun 21, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH New method allows the spin of a quantum dot to be measured without changing it

Accurate quantum computing is closer to reality, thanks to quantum non-demolition measurements
Jun 04, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Crystals could make data storage more energy efficient

Crystals with special magnetic and electrical properties could help reduce the power consumed by memory storage devices
May 31, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Superconductor films convert heat into electricity

Films of a superconductor show excellent thermoelectric properties at very low film thicknesses
Feb 15, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Hybrid vesicles of lipids and peptides release drug payload on warming

Hybrid vesicles bring together the properties of peptides and lipids to enhance their ability to release drugs in a controlled manner
Jan 18, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH Photoreactions activate magnetic nanoswitches

Light induces photoreactions that activate the switch of the magnetic orientation of 2D materials dispersed in water
Jan 11, 2019RIKEN RESEARCH High magnetic field induces liquid-to-solid phase change in two-dimensional electron system

Electrons in a zinc oxide system go from a liquid to a solid on increasing the magnetic field
Dec 28, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Rapid cooling reveals superpowers

Rapid electrical cooling bypasses other states and turns on a superconducting state in materials that were previously not superconductors
Nov 22, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Topological insulating phase predicted in a new type of material

Calculations point to a new source of topological materials
Oct 19, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Anomalous Hall effect tested in defect-free thin-film magnetic semiconductor

An improved understanding of why electrons take a curved path through magnetic materials could aid the design of the electronic devices of tomorrow
Sep 21, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Ultrathin organic photodetectors put wearable diagnostics at one’s fingertips

A polymer that maintains its light-sensing capabilities while wrapped around a fingertip could be used in low-cost diagnostic devices that are comfortable to wear
Aug 03, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Electrons in iron-based superconductors can pair up in two different ways

Evidence that electrons form pairs in two distinct ways in iron-based superconductors will help theorists unravel the mechanism of unconventional superconductivity
Jul 20, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Using spin current to convert mechanical vibrations into electricity

A nanodevice that generates an electrical current from a spin current, which in turn is generated by mechanical oscillations, demonstrates the versatility of electron spin to convert between ener ....
Jul 06, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Bringing fullerene closer to semiconducting polymer boosts the efficiency of organic solar cells

Fine-tuning the structures of polymers can maximize the light-conversion ability of organic solar-cell systems
Jun 29, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Thin and flexible organic photovoltaic devices engineered to resist both mechanical and thermal stress

Advanced polymer design enables high-performance solar cells to be coated onto textiles
Apr 20, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Material defects hinder the dynamics of magnetic skyrmions

A model of the interactions between magnetic vortices and material impurities could aid the development of low-power magnetic memories
Apr 20, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Electrical pulses shift the boundaries between magnetic patterns

Electricity can be used to control magnetic patterns in an alloy, opening up the possibility of using them in high-performance devices
Apr 13, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Anomalous and topological Hall effects can be controlled by an electric field

Controlling the anomalous and topological Hall effects by applying an electric field could lead to new types of memory and logic devices
Apr 06, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Investigating the interaction between systems of different dimensions

The interaction between a 2D system and a 3D one has been explored using a special system made up of two helium isotopes
Mar 23, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Reducing noise in silicon quantum dots boosts calculation precision

The quantum equivalents of computer bits can be manipulated quicker and more precisely by using techniques that liberate them from intrinsic ‘hyperfine noise’
Mar 23, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH A mechanically robust but readily repairable polymer

A robust polymer that can be readily repaired unites two properties that seemed mutually exclusive
Mar 16, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Domain walls allow dissipationless chiral edge conduction of electrons

Chiral edge states could offer a way to store and manipulate information in low-power electronic devices
Mar 02, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Method for predicting Dirac points developed, helping next-generation electronics research

Identifying the origins of ‘Dirac points’ could help to tailor two-dimensional materials for next-generation electronic devices
Mar 02, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Axion insulator exhibits giant magnetoresistance at low magnetic fields

The resistance of a new design of quantum material varies greatly with magnetic field, making it useful for novel devices
Feb 23, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Chiral magnets show bulk diode effect due to spin fluctuation

Materials with left- and right-handed responses to current exhibit an intriguing diode effect
Jan 12, 2018RIKEN RESEARCH Quantum information finds its edge

Electronic states at the edge of topological insulators are promising as carriers of quantum information
Dec 22, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Washable solar cells

A new stretchy and washable organic solar cell has opened up the possibility of textile-integrated solar power
Dec 22, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Making an unconventional computer using conventional technology

By exploiting imperfections in electronic devices, scientists are using existing manufacturing techniques to make the building blocks of quantum computers
Dec 08, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Solar cells with a quantum shift

A quantum-mechanical way of generating photocurrents may help solar devices overcome existing inefficiencies
Nov 28, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Spins line up for data duty

Electric fields produced by structural mismatches between two materials could be harnessed to manage data in spintronic devices
Nov 24, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH New-wave spintronics comes to light

Successful injection of tiny ripples into ultrathin magnetic films holds promise for computer chips that never overheat
Nov 10, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Measuring the unmeasurable

Virtual excitations, which are typically hidden, can be revealed by the pressure they exert on a movable mirror
Oct 20, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Positive result for cuprate superconductor

High-temperature superconductivity may be linked to the low-energy pairing of holes on oxygen sites
Sep 22, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Useful new supramolecular polymer responds to heat and alcohol

An intriguing new plastic that forms by either cooling or heating its components in alcohol promises numerous applications
Sep 15, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Innovative electronics feels like a second skin

Sensors made from stretchable nanomeshes allow patients’ skin to breathe naturally while continuously monitoring their health
Aug 04, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH An uneven resistance

Superconducting molybdenum disulfide exhibits a huge enhancement in the variability of resistance with field direction
Jul 28, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Scientists map nickel-based catalyst’s electrons and reveal acid–base action

Crystallographers and synthetic chemists collaborate to reveal how a common nickel catalyst acts to assemble molecules
Jul 21, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Flaws in zinc oxide films add magnetic twist

Why does a non-magnetic material cause electrons to behave like they are interacting with a magnet?
Jul 14, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Physicists solve ETH Zurich quantum point contact mystery

Near superfluid conditions prompt atoms to form pairs to pass through a narrow gate, finds a new mathematical analysis
Jun 10, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH A skyrmion square dance

Applying a magnetic field can switch a grid of magnetic vortices between triangular and square arrangements
Apr 20, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH A more fundamental approach to correlation

A method for calculating physical effects in materials with strong interactions between their electrons holds promise for analyzing these intriguing materials
Apr 14, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Putting a block on dot-to-dot

Optimizing the tunneling of electrons between nanoscale electronic structures could aid the development of quantum computers
Mar 24, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Plugging leaks in printable logic

Self-assembling thin films make it possible to produce flexible electronic devices using a single plastic transistor
Mar 03, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Weyl fermions, on the other hand

Analogs of undiscovered elementary particles are predicted to exhibit an unusual effect in exotic materials
Feb 03, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Magnetic bubbles pop up

Skyrmionic bubbles, a potential data carrier in low-energy computing systems, can be controlled using temperature or a magnetic field
Jan 06, 2017RIKEN RESEARCH Sturdy skyrmions stack up

A new form of low-power computing that uses miniscule magnetic whirlpools to store and process data is a step closer to becoming a reality
Dec 16, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Exotic quantum technology realized using normal silicon

Quantum circuits based on industry-standard silicon offer a route to scalable quantum computers
Dec 02, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Photonic water shows nanosheets’ true colors

Aqueous suspensions of nanosheets that can be tuned to reflect over a wide range of wavelengths could lead to smarter optical filters and sensors
Nov 25, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Single photon excites two atoms at once

Calculations reveal how one particle of light can excite two atoms simultaneously
Nov 18, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Switched-on skyrmions

A lattice of magnetic vortices can be created or destroyed simply by applying an electric field
Oct 28, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH The search for disorder in order

A signature of an exotic state of matter that remains disordered even at very low temperatures has been experimentally identified
Oct 21, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH ‘Snap freezing’ produces different state

The state that a correlated-electron material adopts on cooling depends on how rapidly it is cooled
Sep 30, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Fluorine offers solar power boost

Tweaking the chemical composition of polymer solar cells improves efficiency and voltage
Sep 02, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Super-material holds a quantum surprise

An innovative deposition system unlocks possible quantum applications inside multifunctional metal oxide thin films
Aug 19, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH A changed exchange for magnetic materials

A method for controlling the magnetic texture of exotic materials offers a route to realizing the next generation of electronic devices
Aug 05, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Mystery solved in superconductor electron patterns

Controlling an unusual ordering of charges could boost superconducting behavior
Jul 29, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH A new tilt on an old particle

When recreated in a solid, fundamental particles predicted over 80 years ago could exhibit more exotic properties than anticipated
Jul 08, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Photovoltaics stand to profit from electronic ‘catastrophes’

Spontaneous redistribution of charge at nanometer-thin interfaces unlocks a fundamentally different technique for harvesting solar energy
Mar 25, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Single-atom lasers change gears

Single-atom lasers that emit one light particle at a time are predicted to be switchable between two activity regimes
Jan 29, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH A better foundation for 3D memory

The discovery of metal-like domain walls in magnetic insulators may help realize energy-efficient memory devices with massive storage capacities
Jan 22, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Microwave synthesis ‘zaps’ graphene to perfection

A simple procedure turns bulk graphite crystals into atomically thin super materials and magnetically aligned gels
Jan 15, 2016RIKEN RESEARCH Defrosting a magnetic mystery

An intriguing quantum effect that is potentially useful for practical electronic devices has been realized at significantly higher temperatures than previously observed
Dec 18, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Helical pores make perfect hosts

A porous framework consisting of liquid crystals aids the study of intriguing optical phenomena
Dec 11, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Metal−oxide interfaces create a flipping point

Coating nanowires with an oxide layer can enhance by an order of magnitude the probability of ‘spin flips’ for spintronic devices
Dec 04, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Building better bilayers

A strategy for generating stable lipid bilayers could simplify the study of biologically important membrane proteins
Nov 27, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH A sensitive approach to atom counting

Measurements of scattered photons can be used to detect the number of atoms trapped in the troughs of an optical lattice
Nov 20, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Melting of frozen frustrations

Computations reveal how quantum interactions can break a deadlock in magnetic spin ice oxides
Nov 13, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Mind the gap!

Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to probe electrons in an unconventional superconductor, and uncovers an unexpected energy gap
Nov 06, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Light-absorbing polymers stand to attention

By lining up vertical strands of a polymer, researchers probe the unusual optical properties of thin films
Oct 16, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH A hydrogel flexes its muscles

A water-based polymer can stretch, contract and even walk like an artificial muscle in response to temperature changes
Oct 09, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Characterizing electrons in the smallest devices

A technique for investigating the magnetic properties of electrons in quantum point contacts leads to a better understanding of these quantum devices
Oct 09, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Magnetic material feels the strain

Stretching a material offers a way of tuning an exotic form of magnetism
Sep 25, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Entangled atoms

The observation of quantum entangled atoms has important implications for quantum information processing
Sep 25, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH A magnetic memory bubbling with opportunity

Ultrafast laser pulses can manipulate ‘bubble’ domains for future spintronic and logic devices
Sep 11, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Materials enter a new phase

Building materials one atomic layer at a time aids the search for exotic phases of matter
Sep 04, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Spins on the edge

The edges of thin films could provide an ideal laboratory for studying the behavior of electron spins
Aug 28, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Electrons take a phonon bath

A theoretical model enables the first exact and universal description of electrons moving in a ‘bath’ of atomic vibrations
Aug 28, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Electrons that stick together, superconduct together

A newly uncovered electron-pairing mechanism challenges accepted wisdom in superconductor physics
Aug 07, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Spins in artificial atoms resemble those in natural ones

A study of an artificial molecule containing five electrons reveals similarities with spin filling of natural atoms
Jul 03, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH A surprisingly simple magnetic flip

A simple technique makes it possible to control the spin directions of ‘magnetic twins’ hiding inside metallic crystals
Jun 26, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Interfering light waves produce unexpected forces

Two interfering planar waves of light can exert a surprising perpendicular force and torque on small particles
Jun 19, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH A bundled attraction

A magnetic field and a protein jacket are all that is needed to create bundles of one-dimensional arrays of ‘superparamagnetic’ nanoparticles
Jun 12, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Working at the interface for future energy

The efficiency of polymer solar cells could be improved by precisely controlling the interface between organic layers
May 29, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Even steps to quantum computation

A rare class of quantum state that could be useful in information processes is observed in a two-dimensional oxide material system
May 18, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Flicking the switch on spin-driven devices

Compressing magnetically and electrically active crystals in one direction unlocks exotic spintronic switching activity
May 09, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Squeezing light for stronger vibrations

Precise control of interactions between light and vibrating mirrors at the level of single light particles could open a new field of complex quantum physical states
Apr 03, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH One at a time, please

Polymers held together by multiple weak intermolecular interactions but with tight control over the number of monomer units in each chain have been prepared for the first time
Mar 09, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Nanosheets line up to mimic nature

A composite material mimics the properties of natural cartilage by exploiting the repulsion of like charges
Mar 09, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Skyrmions get a sonic touch

The use of sound waves to probe nanoscale magnetic whirls called skyrmions could help to develop next-generation memory and data storage technology
Jan 28, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH Particles find their mass

Simulations indicate that a peculiar state of matter at close to absolute zero could be used to observe an elusive quantum phenomenon called quantum mass acquisition
Dec 19, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Skyrmions like it hot

Pinpoint laser heating creates a maelstrom of magnetic nanotextures
Nov 28, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Electron quantum states set free

A vortex of electrons provides unprecedented information on magnetic quantum states in solids
Nov 17, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Electrons move in different circles

Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals the exotic properties of an unusual type of electron
Oct 28, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Multiplying solar harvests with ‘correlated’ technology

Strongly interacting electrons turn oxide interfaces into magnetically controlled and extra-efficient solar cells
Oct 17, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Putting quantum forces on the map

Mapping the relationship between two quantum effects in materials known as topological insulators could facilitate the development of quantum-based, low-power electronics
Oct 17, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Light finds a one-way street

A multiferroic material displays a novel spin structure that allows light to travel in only one direction
Oct 10, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH A critical point for the materials of tomorrow

Theoretical calculations predict an exotic state of matter in which electrons barely interact with each other
Sep 30, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Exploring the potential of ‘valleytronics’

Harnessing an unusual ‘valley’ quantum property of electrons offers a new possibility for next-generation electronics
Sep 16, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Magnetism intensified by defects

Electron microscopy reveals how certain nanoscale crystal defects can dramatically intensify ferromagnetism in metal alloys
Aug 29, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Back to the future for quantum computers

An oscillator once used to build early computers could become a core part of quantum computers
Aug 29, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Separating the buckybowl twins

Selective enrichment of one of the mirror-image forms of corannulene molecules could lead to exciting new possibilities in nanotechnology
Aug 15, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Thin films reveal hidden potential

Thin films of oxide materials reveal topological electronic properties hidden in the three-dimensional form
Aug 08, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Boosting microelectronics with a little liquid logic

The combination of ferroelectric crystal and ionic liquid could lead to a new class of transistor for fast, low-power memory and logic devices
May 30, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH The shape of spins to come

Electron holography reveals the startling beauty of nanoscale magnetic vortices targeted for future spintronic data storage systems
May 23, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Split beams reveal the fine print

A holographic technique for imaging electric fields in the vicinity of toner microparticles could lead to higher-quality printing
May 16, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH A glimpse into the quantum world

A general theory describes how averaging over many quantum weak measurements makes it possible to probe quantum systems experimentally
Apr 25, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH A new twist in the properties of light

Evanescent electromagnetic waves are found to have very different fundamental dynamical properties to those of normal light
Mar 20, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Unraveling a quantum phase transition

Phase transitions between different states of matter are normally driven by random thermal motions of atoms. However, when phase transitions occur at temperatures approaching absolute zero, quant ....
Mar 20, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH Dance of the skyrmions

Skymions are ‘whirls’ in the magnetization of certain magnetic materials that show promise for future electronics and spintronics applications if they can be harnessed and manipulated.
Mar 14, 2014RIKEN RESEARCH An exotic phase to manipulate spin

In conducting materials, free electrons can move from one point to another, conveying their electrical charge to produce an electrical current. Electrons have another property, known as spin, tha ....
Nov 15, 2013RIKEN RESEARCH Taking the measure of skyrmions

Twisting magnetic patterns known as skyrmions could become effective data carriers in a new generation of computers if researchers can understand how to create and control them
Mar 20, 2015RIKEN RESEARCH The universal nature of three-body attraction

A study of the interaction among three objects in peculiar resonant systems uncovers an unexpected universality