News EPFL

An upside-down cake throws a new light on photovoltaics

Published:09.09.11 — Do better with less. That is the challenge the researchers of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) have set for themselves, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Federal Office of Energy. Their specialty: manufacturing solar cells that are one thousand times thinner than conventional cells. In order to boost the output of the cells, they have developed a new nanopatterning technique.

Good vibrations for future quantum computers

Published:07.09.11 — The enigmatic quantum dot is the basic building block for quantum computers. EPFL physicists have developed a new theory which shows that dot symmetry is enough to account for most of their intriguing optical properties.

Cancer – understanding an elusive Disease

Published:05.09.11 — The Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research is dedicating its 2011 Symposium to the famous Hallmarks of Cancer. World-leading cancer specialists are to meet at EPFL from 7 to 10 September 2011.

Engineers gather in Geneva to discuss the future of energy

Published:02.09.11 — EPFL is taking part in the 2011 World Engineers’ Convention which take place from September 4 to 9. Education, transportation and mobility, and energy storage are among the topics to be addressed. A special session on the Fukushima nuclear disaster is also on the agenda.

An innovative method for measuring nanoparticles

Published:31.08.11 — Precise measurement of the molecular weight, size and density of a nanoparticle in a single procedure is now possible, thanks to an ultracentrifugation method, dusted off by scientists at EPFL.

Protecting the Valais by studying a river that runs through it

Published:28.08.11 — EPFL’s Environmental Hydraulics Laboratory is working with Crealp (Center for Research on Alpine Environments) in Sion to model sediment deposits carried by the Naviscence River. They are simulating possible scenarios for the future of the Zinal ski area, which could be threatened by the river. These research results could be applied elsewhere in the Valais canton.

An EPFL spin-off raises 10 million Swiss francs

Published:25.08.11 — One of the biggest financing rounds for furthering the work of a doctoral student has just been completed at EPFL. The microscopic electrodes developed by André Mercanzini – which are currently in clinical trials – could revolutionize Deep Brain Stimulation.