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How to catch a rainbow

26.02.2013

University of Buffalo engineers have developed the most efficient way to catch a rainbow. This is a great achievement in photonics, which, in turn, can lead to further technological breakthroughs - in solar energy, in stealth technologies and in other areas of research. Dr. Kua-kuang Gan, assistant professor of electrical engineering at UB, and his team of graduate students described their work in an article published in February in the online journal Science Reports.

They have developed a "hyperbolic metamaterial waveguide", which is essentially a state-of-the-art microchip made from alternative ultra-thin films of metals and semiconductors. What is the essence of the rainbow trap? To catch it, you need to send light into the waveguide, which narrows so much that it stops and eventually absorbs the light that could not pass through the hole less than a wavelength.

“Electromagnetic absorbers have been actively studied for many years, especially for applications in military radar systems,” Gan said. “Researchers are now developing compact light absorbers based on optical thick semiconductors and carbon nanotubes. However, it is still difficult to realize the ideal absorber in ultra-thin films with a tunable absorption band. However, we have been able to develop such films."

In their initial attempts to slow down light, the researchers relied on cryogenic gases. But since they are very cold - about 240 degrees below zero Fahrenheit - it is difficult to work with them outside the laboratory. Waveguides made of hyperbolic metamaterials solve this problem because they can effectively collect incident light over large surfaces. They are called artificial media with subwavelength features, the hyperboloid surface of which makes it possible to capture light in a wide range of wavelengths - visible, near-infrared, mid-infrared, terahertz and microwave. They have a very wide scope.

For example, in electronics there is a phenomenon known as crosstalk, in which a signal transmitted in one circuit or channel creates an undesirable effect in another circuit. The described absorber chip can potentially prevent this. The built-in absorber can be used in solar panels and other energy devices. They are especially useful for recycling heat after sunset.

And for the military, it is especially important to use these chips for Stealth technology, in materials that make aircraft, ships and other equipment invisible to radars and sonars. Since the chips allow you to absorb radiation of various wavelengths, they can be used as a coating material to increase stealth.

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Married women look younger 22.10.2016

Scientists from Denmark managed to find out why women consider marriage as one of the main goals in their lives. It turned out that being married, women retain their usual beauty and youth.

It is reported that the specialists conducted a special experiment, for the participation of which twin sisters were invited. One of the sisters was married, the other was in active search. In the course of the experiment, scientists recorded an interesting feature. The fact is that the married woman looked much younger than her sister. At the same time, experts emphasize that the married woman did not have children.

Experts explain that a married woman feels calmer and more confident than a single person. Accordingly, this is reflected in the appearance. Meanwhile, the appearance of children radically changes the appearance of a woman. The result of this is a lot of additional worries and sleepless nights. In this case, the palm belongs to single and childless ladies who have more free time to look after themselves.

At the same time, scientists remind that human genes are 60% responsible for the aging process, but the remaining 40% fall on lifestyle. Calmness and nervousness, lack of stress and depression, confidence in tomorrow and eternal worries about daily bread - all this is reflected in beauty and health.

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