Nano News: 03/11/15

Theoretical physicists show topological states in multi-orbital ?HgTe honeycomb lattices

Graphene is a form of carbon in which the atoms are connected in a honeycomb structure. The possible ‘holy grail’ has this same structure, but is made of nanocrystals of mercury and tellurium. In their paper (, "Topological states in multi-orbital HgTe honeycomb lattices"), the theoretical physicists show that this material combines the properties...

Researchers identify process for improving durability of glass

Researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris have identified a method for manufacturing longer-lasting and stronger forms of glass. The research could lead to more durable display screens, fiber optic cables, windows and other materials, including cement. Glasses are...

Molecular Lego of nano-knots (w/video)

Trefoil, Savoy, or simple … how do you fashion a “molecular” knot that has one of these shapes? Or better still, what are the most suitable “building blocks” for enabling the knot to assemble itself? A team of scientists coordinated by the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) of Trieste has studied and catalogued the shapes that molecular...