Although still three to five years away, computers based on light signals instead of electrical signals might put the Pentium chip to shame. Since 1992, scientists knew that the holes in porous silicon contain microscopic structures that emit light when electric current is applied. But the untreated material was fragile. Oxygen and water molecules in the air interact with the surface and create a glass-like coating that disrupts its photoluminescence properties. Jillian Buriak, assistant professor in Purdue's Department of Chemistry, discovered a way to stabilize the substrate's surface by coating the porous surface of the silicon with Lewis acid, a solution which produces a greasy coating. "Because most current technology is based on silicon, it may be relatively easy to develop the optical applications and combine them with current technologies, as the manufacturing processes are already in place," Buriak says. Porous silicon could easily serve as a flat, display area for computer screens, as well as a basis for computers that operate on light signals.
By experimenting with the photovoltaic reaction in solar cells, researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in energy efficiency that significantly pushes the boundaries of current commercial cells on the market.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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