Time Crystals Found Not Just In Complex Compounds

If scientists from the future were to be asked about the significant discoveries of the 2010s, the term ‘time crystal’ would probably be at the top of that list.

Time crystals are solid compounds in which some atoms have been observed to “tick” regularly when exposed to electromagnetic fields.

The definition may sound a little underwhelming. However, it is the first example of atoms behaving in this manner.

In addition, time crystals may have many important roles in the electronics and engineering of the future.

Read more on time crystals on this reference,

Time Crystals Found Not Just In Complex Compounds, 2018, Evolving Science, evolving-science.com/matter-energy/time-crystals-found-not-just-complex-compounds-00661, (accessed 24 May 2018)

Scottish Researchers Develop ‘Laser-Eyes’

A team of Scottish scientists has developed a type of laser that is thin enough to be integrated into contact lenses.

However, those hoping to emulate their favorite Marvel character with super-ocular powers could be disappointed! The type of light the putative 'laser contacts' was designed to emit is more likely to turn someone into an authorized individual with easily-scanned credentials rather than an artificial X-man.

Lasers & How They Work

The focus may be a specially-constructed chamber, shaped in such a way that all the source-light bounces off it and strikes the medium (a crystal like a prism) at right angles, simultaneously. Some laser chambers are very big and composed of materials such as gold.

However, in theory, lasers can also be produced by specific materials in layers as thin as 200 nanometers (nm). Many modern lasers are made out of other materials that are much bulkier and require a greater surface area to function properly.

How Lasers Were Made Flexible

The scientists solved this problem by employing the technique of nano-UV lithography, which uses UV light to 'etch' the materials into the desired conformation.

The laser itself consisted of a UV-curable material, which afforded DFB, and a light-absorbing polymer called F8BT. This polymer, which is also a semiconductor, supplied light to the DFB via the property of photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). These two layers, with the DFB layer on the bottom, were overlaid onto a final polymer layer that, in turn, sat on a layer of glass. This sandwich was then immersed in water, which caused the bottom-most polymer layer to dissolve and the rest of the 'sandwich' to float upwards away from the glass.

References

Deirdre O’Donnell, Scottish Researchers Develop ‘Laser-Eyes’, Article from www.evolving-science.com

High-Tech Hair Dye: Graphene As A Potential Non-Toxic Hair Colorant

Coloring one's hair is a regular personal care routine for many people. It is often used as an avenue to self-expression or as a way to stand out from the crowd. However, the actual process of coloring is not usually a favorite chore.

Most commercial hair dyes have the disadvantage of being potentially irritating, damaging to property or surfaces and smelling to a horrific degree. Even newer formulations contain chemicals that could be toxic to the environment at their disposal.

Why Graphene as a Hair Dye?

Graphene, which is a two-dimensional arrangement of carbon atoms, is becoming a more popular component in many academic and industrial pursuits. It has many fortuitous properties, most notably high electrical conductivity, which makes it very amenable to areas such as electronics.

However, it now appears that graphene is also potentially useful in other, slightly unexpected, areas such as textile processing. In other words, it can be used as a dye.

Comparing Hair Dyes: Regular vs. Graphene

Graphene oxide, on the other hand, forms a uniform coating around individual hair strands that adhere strongly enough to resist removal through washing. Furthermore, this new form of hair dye can be applied via a spray that is then left to dry on the hair.

Regular hair dye may need to be applied as a solution in a lengthy, and often messy, process. Subjects then have to wait with the wet colorant on their heads, for a pre-defined length of time, while the dye sets. This process is typically inconvenient for the colorist and the individual in need of the color.

Furthermore, they pointed out that graphene dyes also make surfaces treated with them more conductive, hair included. Therefore, the colorant could also find use in the implementation of wearable technology of the future. These devices may be mounted onto or even integrated into the skin or clothing for health-tracking and other functions too.

References

Deirdre O’Donnell, High-Tech Hair Dye: Graphene As A Potential Non-Toxic Hair Colorant, Article form www.evolving-science.com

The FDA Has Approved World’s First Contact Lenses That Turn Dark In Bright Light

NIH’s (National Health Institute) National Eye Institute has estimated that 42% of Americans have myopia (nearsightedness, where objects closer to the eye are better visible than those far away), and about 5-10% suffer from hyperopia or farsightedness.

The Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology has been designed for individuals with myopia or hyperopia, and for some people with astigmatism (eye curvature defect causing distorted vision at all distances) too.

Additionally, no conditions can be detected with the use of this new eyewear nor can a person’s exisiting sight be improved.

The Latest Contact Lens Technology

Photochromic optical lenses are those that darken on exposure to high-intensity radiations, like UV. The contacts return to their original, clear states in the absence of this kind of light. Currently, only photochromic sunglasses are available in the market.

The technology alters according to the nature of the light present. It does this by filtering the amount of UV radiations that reach the eye. This adjustment results in a darkening of the lenses in bright sunlight and a regular tint in normal or dark conditions.

Any Risks Involved?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Ravi Goel referred to the transitioning lenses as “interesting”. But, he commented on the risks they could pose in terms of eye damage due to overexposure to harsh lighting.

The spokesperson, in an interview with CBS News, said, “If your eyes are exposed to strong sunlight for too long without protection, UV rays can damage the cornea and adjacent tissues. Long-term sun exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on or near the eye.”

Reference:

Meghna Rao, The FDA Has Approved World’s First Contact Lenses That Turn Dark In Bright Light, Article from www.evolving-science.com