Materials researchers showcase innovative 'tiny science' at Imperial Lates

Imperial Lates are a fun, relaxed way to hear the latest scientific developments at Imperial College London.

On Thursday 24 November, Imperial Lates dedicated an evening to explore the wonders of 'Tiny Science'. Researchers were invited to showcase their cutting-edge research through talks, artistic workshops and live demos.

'A molecular masterpiece' and UNESCO artworks

Professor Sandrine Heutz, Head of the Department of Materials and co-director of the London Centre for Nanotechnology, and Artist Marianna Soukeras, discussed their relationships with materials, light, and creativity.  

Marianna Soukeras also created a molecular artwork inspired by the phthalocyanines investigated in Professor Sandrine Heutz’ lab. The artwork explores the structures created when these molecules are grown into thin films and how electrons within these structures interact with light and magnetic fields.

The London Centre for Nanotechnology also showcased artworks created as part of the London Institute for Advanced Light Technologies celebrations for the UNESCO International Day of Light. The project, “Guiding Lights,” encouraged early-career researchers in photonics to design art installations that can explain the complicated ideas, themes, and techniques they work with to members of the public.   

Next-generation materials for energy-efficient displays and quantum technologies

Dr Jess Wade and PhD student Louis Minion demonstrated the exciting potential of chiral molecular materials to create next-generation technologies. Their display explained how symmetry and shape can be used to control the spin of photons and electrons and how we can translate that into energy-efficient displays and spin filters.

Researchers from the EPSRC Project Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME) consortium also highlighted ion implantation, a sophisticated strategy to introduce dopant atoms into a thin film. This could enable new opportunities in solid-state quantum technologies. Project NAME includes a diverse cohort of Materials researchers, including Dr Shelly Conroy, Dr Max Attwood, Dr Wern Ng and Dr Daan Aroo, who all attended Imperial Lates.

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Imperial Lates are most suitable for those over 18s.