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Materials Science

A twist on atomic sheets to create new materials
Crystal rainbow lights effect, lens colorful diamond light. Vector bright ray or beam glowing light. 3d gem shining iridescent glare. Flare reflection from prism

A collaborative team of researchers led by Bo Zhen of the School of Arts & Sciences have created new materials by artificially twisting and stacking two-dimensional atomic “sheets.” New materials control light-matter interaction differently from constituent 2D atomic sheets, paving the way for next-generation laser, imaging, and quantum technologies.

(Image: istock / Sensvector)

A twist on atomic sheets to create new materials

A collaborative team of physicists in the School of Arts & Sciences have found that putting a twist on tungsten disulfide stacks illuminates new approaches to manipulate light.
Scientists observe composite superstructure growth from nanocrystals in real time
Artist's impression of spherical binary nanocrystal superlattices featuring semiconductor (emissive) and magnetic/plasmonic (non-emissive) nanocrystals.

A collaborative team of researchers led by PIK Professor Christopher B. Murray has observed for the first time composite superstructure growth from nanocrystals in real time. The discovery could enable engineers to more reliably manufacture next-generation materials by combining different nanocrystals. Shown here is an artist's impression of spherical binary nanocrystal superlattices featuring semiconductor (emissive) and magnetic/plasmonic (non-emissive) nanocrystals.

(Image: Courtesy of Emanuele Marino)

Scientists observe composite superstructure growth from nanocrystals in real time

The findings could enable engineers to more reliably manufacture next-generation materials by combining different nanocrystals.
Delving into quantum dots
Seven vials filled with liquid water and quantum dot semiconductors.

Quantum dots are not just any nanoparticles. Often described as artificial atoms, these nanometer-sized semiconductor crystals possess unique attributes largely governed by their size, which chiefly dictates how they interact with light.

(Image: iStock / Tayfun Ruzgar)

Delving into quantum dots

Christopher B. Murray shares his excitement, thoughts, and knowledge on quantum dots, a nanoparticle that just earned his Ph.D. advisor the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
A suit of armor for cancer-fighting cells
3d render of T cells attacking cancer cells

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy has delivered promising results, transforming the fight against various forms of cancer, but for many, the therapy comes with severe and potentially lethal side effects. Now, a research team led by Michael Mitchell of the School of Engineering and Applied Science has found a solution that could help CAR T therapies reach their full potential while minimizing severe side effects.

(Image: iStock / Meletios Verras)

A suit of armor for cancer-fighting cells

New research from the University of Pennsylvania offers a safer path for CAR T cell immunotherapy.
Leading the charge: new research unveils the future of energy-efficent power delivery
Digital illustration of lithium ions passing through two-dimensional channels within a crystal structure

The rapid movement of lithium ions along the 2D vertical channels in the T-Niobium oxide (T-Nb2O5) thin film results in unique property changes and a chase transition. The blue and purple polyhedra show T-Nb2O5 lattices, without and with lithium, respectively. The bright green spheres represent lithium ions.

(Image: Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics / Patricia Bondia)

Leading the charge: new research unveils the future of energy-efficent power delivery

Penn’s Andrew Rappe and collaborators explore high-quality thin films to propel power into the future.
Balancing dentistry and engineering to bring new innovations to the clinic
Kyle Vining

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Balancing dentistry and engineering to bring new innovations to the clinic

Kyle Vining of the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Engineering and Applied Science discusses his unique dual career path and why we need more crosstalk between clinicians and researchers.

Liana F. Wait

On a different wavelength, Nader Engheta leads a community in light
nader engheta in his lab

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On a different wavelength, Nader Engheta leads a community in light

2023 Franklin Medal winner Engheta is one of the world’s biggest names in wave physics. The Penn Engineering professor is renowned for his unique approach to science, combining technical brilliance, creativity, and care.

Devorah Fischler