University of California

Smart skin: Electronics that stick and stretch like a temporary tattoo

An ultrathin, electronic patch with the mechanics of skin, applied to the wrist for EMG and other measurements.

New technology allows LCDs to recycle energy

Researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science have created a novel concept for harvesting and recycling energy for electronic devices — one that involves equipping these devices' LCD screens with built-in photovoltaic polarizers, allowing them to convert ambient light, sunlight and their own backlight into electricity.

High-density, temperature tolerant battery development

Last week IDTechEx reported on work at Stanford University tackling the issues of low energy and power densities in lithium-ion batteries using sulphur particles. Now another significant problem associated with electric vehicle batteries is being explored by US based company Leyden Energy by exchanging traditional battery chemistries.

Graphene gives up more of its secrets

Graphene, a sheet of carbon only a single atom thick, was an object of theoretical speculation long before it was actually made. Theory predicts extraordinary properties for graphene, but testing the predictions against experimental results is often challenging.

Extraction of light generated inside solar devices proves critical

When the scientists at Alta Devices began seeing their solar devices achieve efficiency results beyond what was previously thought possible, they realized that something scientifically important was going on. Their conclusion: a great solar cell also emits light and collecting that light increases cell performance.

Swimming with sensors

Sensors printed onto the sleeves of wetsuits could alert the wearer to contaminated water. Navy divers could also use the sensors to locate underwater explosives, such as mines.

Possible secondary uses for lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, industry and academia are teaming to give batteries from electric drive vehicles a "second life."

Nano College awarded $57.5M

The University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering has been awarded $57.5 million by the U.S. Department of Energy to create a solar manufacturing consortium that could rival what Sematech did for the computer chip industry and the city of Austin, Texas two decades ago.

Thinfilm& PARC extend printed electronics commercialization engagement

Thinfilm & PARC extend printed electronics commercialization engagement By working together to further co-develop Addressable Memory technology, PARC and Thinfilm are complementing each other's strengths to move the industry beyond components and devices towards consumer-facing applications.

Self-powered chips that can diagnose diseases

A major milestone in microfluidics could soon lead to stand-alone, self-powered chips that can diagnose diseases within minutes.

Missing piece for printed technologies

The printed electronics industry is growing fast and the various available technologies evolve at a high pace.

Engineers make artificial skin out of nanowires

UC Berkeley have developed a pressure-sensitive electronic material from semiconductor nanowires that could one day give new meaning to the term "thin-skinned."

UCLA Engineers transparent electrodes for highly flexible electronics

UCLA Engineers create new transparent electrodes for highly flexible electronics

Low cost hybrid thermoelectrics

Although climate-controlled car seats don't spring to mind when you think of energy efficiency, the latest technology underpinning this luxury automobile feature is based on thermoelectrics—materials that convert electricity directly into heating or cooling.

Printed Electronics USA 2010 Highlights

Last week the annual IDTechEx Printed Electronics event was held in the heart of Silicon Valley in California. Almost 1200 people attended the conference and 49,000 square foot exhibition.

IDTechEx Printed Electronics USA 2010 award winners

The fourth annual printed electronics winners were announced on Dec 1st at the IDTechEx Awards Dinner in Santa Clara, USA.

Storing thermal energy in chemical

The tight coupling between computational materials design and experimental synthesis and validation should further accelerate the discovery of promising new candidate solar thermal fuels.