• Lasers
• Research update

New metalaser is a laser researcher’s dream

Nanostructured lasing system creates arbitrarily-shaped wavefronts, making it possible to control laser emission at will

• Detectors and sensors
• Research update

Stacked perovskite photodetector outperforms conventional silicon image sensors

New device could lead to sensitive, artefact-free imaging with improved colour fidelity

• Microscopy
• Research update

Scientists image excitons in carbon nanotubes for the first time

New ultrafast optical microscope could aid the development of advanced optoelectronic devices and quantum technologies based on these nanomaterials

• Acoustics
• Research update

Acoustic rainbows emerge from novel sound-scattering structure

New architecture could be used to create tailored devices that emit or receive only certain frequencies of sound

• Advanced materials
• Research update

Switchable metasurfaces deliver stronger light control

Optimizing the geometric parameters of polymer nanoantenna arrays significantly improves the performance of optical metasurfaces

• Earth sciences
• Research update

Mysterious seismic wave speed-up deep within Earth’s mantle explained at last

A phase change in post-perovskite materials at the so-called D” discontinuity is also evidence for long-predicted slow, convective flows in the mantle itself

• Materials
• Webinar
• SPONSORED

Pushing the energy-lifetime frontier of Li-ion batteries: optimizing Ni-rich, Co-free cathode materials to maximize energy density and cycle life

Join the audience for a live webinar at 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. EDT on 17 September 2025

To learn about state-of-the-art cathode materials and how our latest understanding of materia...

• Advanced materials
• Research update

Symmetric crystals can absorb light asymmetrically

Counterintuitive discovery could help develop new technologies that control light

• Materials
• Analysis
• SPONSORED

Nanostructured plastics deliver energy innovation

US company Peak Nano has engineered thin films of layered polymers to enhance the performance and extend the lifetime of high-voltage capacitors for critical electrical infrastructure

• Advanced materials
• Research update

Soliton structure protects superfluorescence

New work could help in the development of materials that host exotic coherent quantum states under ambient conditions

• Biomaterials
• Research update

Worm slime could inspire recyclable polymer design

Previously unknown protein-based feature in slime allows it to transform from liquid to fibre and back again

• Materials
• Blog

Helgoland researchers seek microplastics and microfibres in the sea

Matin Durrani takes a tour of the Biological Institute Helgoland