For the first time, researchers at Umeå University have demonstrated the full capabilities of their large-scale laser facility. In a study published in Nature Photonics, the team reports generating a combination of ultrashort laser pulses, extreme peak power, and precisely controlled waveforms that make it possible to explore the fastest processes in nature.

QUT researchers have identified a new method for incorporating copper ions into a germanium telluride thermoelectric material that significantly improves its ability to convert waste heat into electricity.

Researchers at the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore have developed a universal co-assembly strategy to produce chiral soft materials that emit strong and stable full-colour circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) across the visible spectrum, including in red, which is a historically challenging target. The hierarchical structures, formed by combining star-shaped polymers with simple chiral additives, exhibit long-term optical stability and mechanical robustness, retaining chiroptical properties for over 100 days. The researchers’ strategy enables the creation of CPL-active materials with potential applications in 3D displays, quantum photonic circuits and anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Quasi-solid-state electrolytes, which integrate the safety characteristics of inorganic materials, the flexibility of polymers, and the high ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes, represent a transitional solution for high-energy-density lithium batteries. However, the mechanisms by which inorganic fillers enhance multiphase interfacial conduction remain inadequately understood. In this work, we synthesized composite quasi-solid-state electrolytes with high inorganic content to investigate interfacial phenomena and achieve enhanced electrode interface stability. Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ particles, through surface anion anchoring, improve Li⁺ transference numbers and facilitate partial dissociation of solvated Li⁺ structures, resulting in superior ion transport kinetics that achieve an ionic conductivity of 0.51 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature. The high mass fraction of inorganic components additionally promotes the formation of more stable interfacial layers, enabling lithium-symmetric cells to operate without short-circuiting for 6000 h at 0.1 mA cm⁻². Furthermore, this system demonstrates exceptional stability in 5 V-class lithium metal full cells, maintaining 80.5% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 0.5C. These findings guide the role of inorganic interfaces in composite electrolytes and demonstrate their potential for advancing high-voltage lithium battery technology.