“A new, onion-like nanoparticle could open new frontiers in biomaging, solar energy harvesting and light-based security techniques. The particle’s innovation lies in its layers: a coating of organic dye, a neodymium-containing shell, and a core that incorporates ytterbium and thulium. Together, these strata convert invisible near-infrared light to higher energy blue and UV light with record-high efficiency, a trick that could improve the performance of technologies ranging from deep-tissue imaging and light-induced therapy to security inks used for printing money. When it comes to bioimaging, near-infrared light could be used to activate the light-emitting nanoparticles deep inside the body, providing high-contrast images of areas of interest. In the realm of security, nanoparticle-infused inks could be incorporated into currency designs; such ink would be invisible to the naked eye, but glow blue when hit by a low-energy laser pulse — a trait very difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce.”
Related Content
Related Posts:
- ‘Quantum avalanche’ explains how nonconductors turn into conductors
- Tiny, reusable sensing chip could lead to new point-of-care medical tests
- This rainbow-making tech could help autonomous vehicles read signs
- Study: ‘Fingerprint’ for 3D printer accurate 92% of time
- Finally, 3D-printed graphene aerogels for water treatment
- Rapid 3D printing method moves toward 3D-printed organs
- Putting graphene in a spin
- Radiative cooling and solar heating from one system, no electricity needed
- UB researchers report quantum-limit-approaching chemical sensing chip
- Atom-thin transistor uses half the voltage of common semiconductors, boosts current density