Electrical and electronic engineering

Researchers discover a material that can learn like the brain

EPFL researchers have discovered that Vanadium Dioxide (VO₂), a compound used in electronics, is capable of “remembering” the entire history of previous external stimuli. This is the first material to be identified as possessing this property, although there could be others.

Tunable quantum traps for excitons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have succeeded for the first time in trapping excitons - quasiparticles consisting of negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes – in a semiconductor material using controllable electric fields. The new technique is important for creating single photon sources as well as for basic research.

Maintaining the structure of gold and silver in alloys

EPFL engineers have developed a low-temperature annealing method that maintains the structure of gold and silver when the two metals are combined in an alloy. Their discovery will prove useful in the manufacture of contact lenses, holographic optical elements and other optical components, since the new alloys reflect the full spectral range.

Electric car batteries could soon get a second lease on life

EPFL has joined six other Swiss research institutions in CircuBAT, an initiative selected for the first Innosuisse Flagship program, in order to develop a circular business model for lithium-ion batteries.

Silicone raspberry used to train harvesting robots

EPFL engineers have developed a silicone raspberry that can help teach harvesting robots to grasp fruit without exerting too much pressure.

An optical chip improved by light

At EPFL, a team of scientists created and observed a new physical phenomenon on an optical chip using modified lights.

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