Probing nanoscale forces of nature in fluid: From pneumatics to biomechanics

Nanoscale forces from natural phenomena are hard to measure. It is not insofar that we lack the ability to measure such small forces. On the contrary, nanotechnology offers a wide spectrum of techniques that allow us to sense at this scale. However, many natural systems are subject to a noisy environment or need to be surrounded by liquid to...

Pressure-induced nonlinear resonance frequency changes for extracting Young’s modulus of nanodrums

The resonance frequency of ultra-thin layered nanomaterials changes nonlinearly with the tension induced by the pressure from the surrounding gas. Although the dynamics of pressurized nanomaterial membranes have been extensively explored, recent experimental observations show significant deviations from analytical predictions. Here, we...

Microwell-enhanced optical rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing of single bacteria

Bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics present an increasing burden on healthcare. To address this emerging crisis, novel rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) methods are eagerly needed. Here, we present an optical AST technique that can determine the bacterial viability within 1 h down to a resolution of single bacteria. The...

Probing nanomotion of single bacteria with graphene drums

Motion is a key characteristic of every form of life¹. Even at the microscale, it has been reported that colonies of bacteria can generate nanomotion on mechanical cantilevers², but the origin of these nanoscale vibrations has remained unresolved^3,4. Here, we present a new technique using drums made of...

High-frequency gas effusion through nanopores in suspended graphene

Porous, atomically thin graphene membranes have interesting properties for filtration and sieving applications. Here, graphene membranes are used to pump gases through nanopores using optothermal forces, enabling the study of gas flow through nanopores at frequencies above 100 kHz. At these frequencies, the motion of graphene is closely...

Gas sensing with porous nanodrums

Diffusion Mechanism of Li Argyrodite Solid Electrolytes for Li-Ion Batteries and Prediction of Optimized Halogen Doping: The Effect of Li Vacancies, Halogens, and Halogen Disorder

Using density functional theory molecular dynamics simulations, the origin of the Li-ion conductivity in argyrodite solid electrolytes is investigated. The simulations show that besides Li-ion vacancies in Li₆PS₅Cl and Li₆PS₅Br, the influence of halogen atoms on their local surroundings also plays...