David L. Chandler

Articles from David

Novel Method Renders Excitons Immune to Minuscule Traps in Solar Cells

A major limitation in the performance of solar cells happens within the photovoltaic material itself: When photons strike the molecules of a solar cell, they transfer their energy, producing quasi-particles called excitons — an energized state of molecules. That energized state can hop from one molecule to the next until it's transferred to electrons in a wire, which can light up a bulb or turn a motor.

23 Sep 2014

Six New Kinds of Topological Insulators May Exist

Topological insulators — materials whose surfaces can freely conduct electrons even though their interiors are electrical insulators — have been of great interest to physicists in recent years because of unusual properties that may provide insights into quantum physics. But most analysis of such materials has had to rely on highly simplified models.

7 Feb 2014

Search for Massive Photon with Specific Energy in Dark Matter Experiment

Dark matter, believed by physicists to outweigh all the normal matter in the universe by more than five to one, is by definition invisible. But certain features associated with dark matter might be detectable, according to some of the many competing theories describing this elusive matter. Now scientists at MIT and elsewhere have developed a tool that could test some of these predictions and thus prove, or disprove, one of the leading theories.

28 Oct 2013

Magnetic Elements Constantly Fluctuate in Herbertsmithite Leading to Quantum Spin Liquid State

Using low-frequency laser pulses, a team of researchers has carried out the first measurements that reveal the detailed characteristics of a unique kind of magnetism found in a mineral called herbertsmithite.

24 Sep 2013

Quantum Mechanical Tools Help Explain New Low-Temperature Chemical Reaction

In all the centuries that humans have studied chemical reactions, just 36 basic types of reactions have been found. Now, thanks to the work of researchers at MIT and the University of Minnesota, a 37th type of reaction can be added to the list.

5 Sep 2013