A new proposal could be the first to test if gravity is quantum.

We construct a class of two-dimensional (2D) phosphorus allotropes by assembling a previously proposed ultrathin metastable phosphorus nanotube into planar structures in different stacking orientations. Three of them are dynamically stable semiconductors with strain-tunable band gaps and intrinsic piezoelectricity. This may have potential applications in nanosized sensors, piezotronics, and energy harvesting in portable electronic nanodevices.

The New Journal of Physics has selected George Knee's paper "Towards optimal experimental tests on the reality of the quantum state" (DOI:10.1088/1367-2630/aa54ab) as one of their Highlights of 2017, recognising high-quality publications which have been well-received by the community.

A team led by Marin Alexe has published new research in the journal Science that could literally squeeze more power out of solar cells by physically deforming each of the crystals in the semiconductors used by photovoltaic cells. The paper entitled the “Flexo-Photovoltaic Effect” was written by Professor Marin Alexe, Ming-Min Yang, and Dong Jik Kim.

Fourier analysis of solar EUV observations has revealed two periods within an oscillating coronal loop. This finding has exciting implications for applying seismology generally.

Large, membrane bound organelles spontaneously assemble within living cells. Slow osmotic fluxes may play a role, driving instabilities that are very different from the classical Rayleigh form.