metamaterial

Scientific Reports, Published online: 10 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-57447-9 Machine learning–assisted design of a wideband Fe–SiO 2 –MXene metamaterial solar absorber for angle-insensitive thermal energy harvesting

A new telescope technology -- measuring just six millimeters in diameter -- could improve how future space missions study and monitor the Sun while simplifying onboard hardware and reducing costs. The technology is built from a metasurface, which is a device engineered with nanoscale structures that manipulate light in unusual ways. In tests at the Dunn Solar Telescope in New Mexico, the metasurf…

Nature Communications, Published online: 10 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74141-6 This study presents a hybrid auxetic–elastomer platform that enables multiscale isotropic expansion in stretchable displays, minimizing global-to-local image distortion while maintaining stable performance under mechanical deformation.

A quantum metasurface breakthrough boosts terahertz detection by 20 times, bringing practical THz technology a step closer. Detecting light and radiation is essential across the electromagnetic spectrum, but some regions remain difficult to work with. One of the biggest challenges involves terahertz (THz) radiation, which sits between microwaves and infrared light. Existing detectors for these [.…

Scientists used nanoscale gold metamaterials to supercharge heat transfer across tiny gaps, achieving up to four times more energy flow than similar conventional systems. The breakthrough could lead to better chip cooling, more efficient energy technologies, and a new era of precision heat engineering.

Additively manufactured (AM) metals offer the potential for customizable, cost-effective components, but qualification and certification are crucial. Key to this process is understanding pore dynamics under stress, typically analyzed using micro-computed tomography. This study introduces laboratory-scale “betatron” x-rays from laser wakefield acceleration as a high-throughput alternative for x-ra…

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed an ultra-thin silicon material that can guide vibrations along carefully designed paths, much like roads directing traffic. The breakthrough could lead to new technologies for energy harvesting, advanced sensors, and even future computers that work without electricity. The new material belongs to a class known as metamaterials. While metamaterials […] The p…

A remarkable crystal called molybdenum oxychloride could help make futuristic technologies like smart contact lenses and ultrathin AR glasses a reality. Scientists have created the first detailed experimental map of its optical properties, revealing the strongest light-bending effect ever measured in a natural material. The crystal can act either like a reflective metal or transparent glass, allo…

Copper is one of the most important materials in modern technology, but it has a well-known weakness: over time, it reacts with air and moisture, forming a green layer of corrosion. This process can be seen on old statues, rooftops, and even copper-containing coins. Now, researchers have developed a new copper-based printing ink that could […] The post Scientists create “everlasting” copper ink t…

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous crystals that have emerged as materials of high interest due to their functionality and modularity. MOFs are designed following the principles of Reticular Chemistry: the chemistry of connecting and linking molecular building blocks, or units, via strong bonds to form periodic structures. These principles allow us to develop strategies for the…

NASA researchers have discovered a new heat-resistant material that could help future astronauts use moon rocks to build structures, produce oxygen, and support long-term missions on the lunar surface. The discovery was made at NASA Glenn Research Center by researchers studying how to process lunar soil, also known as regolith. The work could play an […] The post NASA Scientists Discover New Mate…

Nature, Published online: 27 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10595-4 Near-field radiative heat transfer between silicon nitride membranes is enhanced several-fold by using metamaterials, opening opportunities for thermal energy harvesting and infrared sensing applications.

PPPL's Quantum Diamond Laboratory is using plasma to grow lab-made diamonds that are studded with atomic-scale defects, which serve as the building blocks of ultrasensitive quantum sensors.

The talk will take place on 28 May, from 12:00 to 13:30, in the Auditorium. Abstract:Structural design is playing an increasingly prominent role in some of today’s most ambitious engineering challenges. Addressing these challenges requires the integration of material mechanics, structural morphology, and multiphysical approaches, together with capability-driven topological optimization. Ach…

Researchers at McGill University have created a new origami-inspired structure that can transform flat sheets into smooth, curved 3D shapes that switch from soft and flexible to stiff and load-bearing whenever needed. The breakthrough could help develop future technologies such as emergency shelters, wearable medical devices, soft robots, smart fabrics, and even deployable space structures. […] T…

NASA’s new heat-resistant material could enable astronauts to extract metals and oxygen from Moon rocks, revolutionizing lunar exploration.

Scientific Data, Published online: 25 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07467-x High-fidelity super-resolution microscopy datasets spanning multispectral to hyperspectral domains via diffractive optics