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Paving the way for new light-powered devices
scientific rendering of a light-powered device.

Ring microlasers are eyed as potential light sources for photonic applications, but they first must be made more powerful. Combining multiple microlasers into an array solves only half of the problem, as this adds noisy “modes” to the resulting laser light. Penn Engineers have achieved single-mode lasing from such an array. By calculating the necessary properties for “superpartners” placed around the primary array, they can cancel out the unwanted extra modes. (Image: Penn Engineering Today)

Paving the way for new light-powered devices

By combining cutting-edge concepts from theoretical physics, researchers from Penn Engineering developed “sypersymmetric microlaser arrays” that are both stable and have high power density.

Evan Lerner

A new platform for creating material blends
Microscopic view of nanoparticle materials in a repeating hexagonal pattern.

A new platform for creating material blends

A novel way to rapidly create and characterize blends of polymers, nanoparticles, and other materials could significantly accelerate material development.

Evan Lerner

Penn joins ‘cryo revolution’ by adding Nobel-winning microscope
closeup of below-freezing liquid poured into a vessel.

Penn joins ‘cryo revolution’ by adding Nobel-winning microscope

The Singh Center’s Krios G3i, an electron microscope for studying samples at extremely low temperatures, allows researchers to look at cells, proteins, and nanoparticles like never before.

Erica K. Brockmeier , From Penn Engineering Today

Embracing digital dentistry
A gloved hands holds two small pieces of ceramic dental technology.

Embracing digital dentistry

The School of Dental Medicine is enhancing and integrating its digital capabilities, opening up new possibilities for training students, conducting research, and delivering seamless and cutting-edge patient care.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Plato was right. Earth is made, on average, of cubes
Statue of Plato against blue sky

The ancient philosopher Plato conjectured that the universe was composed of particular geometric shapes; the earth, of cubes. Findings from a multidisciplinary research team found truth in Plato's belief. 

Plato was right. Earth is made, on average, of cubes

The ancient Greek philosopher was on to something, the School of Arts & Sciences’ Douglas Jerolmack and colleagues found.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Novel ways to store data in light waves
a portrait of ritesh agarwal and liang feng inside of a research lab

Novel ways to store data in light waves

A pair of studies from Penn Engineering provides new ways to increase information density in optical communications, paving the way for a massive increase in the bandwidth of fiber optic networks.

Erica K. Brockmeier , From Penn Engineering Today

Understanding the ‘fundamental nature’ of atomic-scale defects
A molecular simulation of a grain boundary migrating.

A molecular simulation of a grain boundary (green) migrating. (Image: Penn Engineering)

Understanding the ‘fundamental nature’ of atomic-scale defects

New research provides a deeper mathematical understanding of the dynamics of a material’s atomic-level defects, which could enable new ways to imbue substances with unique and desirable properties.

From Penn Engineering Today

‘Nanocardboard’ flyers could serve as Martian atmospheric probes
Graphic rendering of nanocardboard

In this artist’s conception, fleets of flyers could be launched from ground-based rovers and steered with lasers to collect samples. Planets and moons with thin atmospheres and low gravities would enhance these flyers’ ability to levitate by shooting air through their corrugated channels. (Image: Penn Engineering)

‘Nanocardboard’ flyers could serve as Martian atmospheric probes

As NASA plans to launch its next Mars rover, Perseverance, this summer, Penn Engineers are now testing their ‘nanocardboard flyers’ ability to lift payloads.

From Penn Engineering Today

DIY origami face masks for COVID-19
origami face mask

DIY origami face masks for COVID-19

The professor of materials science and engineering and chemical and biomolecular engineering is leading an effort to design an effective face mask that can be made at home.

From Penn Engineering Today