Surfaces and interfaces Research update Putting a new spin on photons Giant photonic spin Hall effect observed in metamaterials Read article: Putting a new spin on photons
Optical physics Research update Nanoparticle coatings determine how superlattices grow X-ray studies could lead to new types of designer materials Read article: Nanoparticle coatings determine how superlattices grow
Optical physics Research update Holographic imaging technique looks through flames Method could be used by firefighters, as well as in biomedical monitors Read article: Holographic imaging technique looks through flames
Optical physics Research update Single molecules detected with plasmonic metamaterial Phase measurement boosts sensitivity Read article: Single molecules detected with plasmonic metamaterial
Transport properties Research update Nanowires make good solar cells Research could lead to cheap and flexible devices Read article: Nanowires make good solar cells
Optical physics Research update Physicists seek cosmic domain walls Structures created just after the Big Bang could be detected on Earth Read article: Physicists seek cosmic domain walls
Optical physics Research update Nanoantenna array steers light New structures could be used to make 3D holography displays Read article: Nanoantenna array steers light
Telescopes and space missions News Our favourite pictures of 2012 From bio-engineered jellyfish and levitating drops to lunar landscapes Read article: Our favourite pictures of 2012
Policy and funding News Multimedia highlights of 2012 From the fault lines of San Francisco to the insane traffic of Mumbai Read article: Multimedia highlights of 2012
Ultrafast science Research update Laser pulse makes insulator conduct like a metal Ultrafast switching could lead to faster circuits Read article: Laser pulse makes insulator conduct like a metal