condensed matter physics

Nanoscale optical switch breaks miniaturization barrier

Mar. 13, 2014—An ultra-fast and ultra-small optical switch has been invented that could advance the day when photons replace electrons in the innards of consumer products ranging from cell phones to automobiles.

Radiation damage bigger problem in microelectronics than previously thought

Jul. 19, 2012—The amount of damage that radiation causes in electronic materials may be at least 10 times greater than previously thought, say Vanderbilt scientists using a combination of lasers and acoustic waves to pinpoint the size and location of defects buried deep inside.