Kono awarded American Physical Society’s Isakson Prize
Rice applied physicist Junichiro Kono has been awarded the American Physical Society’s 2026 Frank Isakson Prize for Optical Effects in Solids.
Study shows light can reshape atom-thin semiconductors for next-generation optical devices
Rice researchers studying a class of atom-thin semiconductors known as transition metal dichalcogenides have discovered that light can trigger a physical shift in their atomic lattice, creating a tunable way to adjust the materials’ behavior and properties.
Researchers gather at Rice to bridge quantum materials and quantum information
The Extreme Quantum Materials Alliance (eQMA) in collaboration with Rice’s Smalley-Curl Institute hosted the eQMA Workshop on Hidden Orders and Quantum Entanglement, part of the UNESCO 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology celebration.
Collaboration without borders: Rice-PSL fund opens doors for faculty across campus
The PSL Global Seed Fund operates less like a grant program and more like a catalyst sparking collaborations that bridge disciplines and extend Rice’s reach across continents.
Rice celebrates 40 years since the discovery of carbon-60 or ‘buckyballs’ with 2 days of events
Rice celebrated the 40th anniversary of the discovery of carbon-60.
Rice quantum scientist Hanyu Zhu is available to discuss chiral phonons, a rapidly-evolving research field with implications for electronic and quantum technologies, energy transport, advanced sensing and more.
New membrane extracts lithium from brines with greater speed, less waste
A team of researchers at Rice has developed a new membrane that selectively filters out lithium from brines, offering a faster, cleaner way to produce the element at the heart of nearly every rechargeable battery.
Rice physicists’ new lab focused on emergent magnetic materials, funded by Department of Energy
Physicists from Rice have received a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish the Rice Laboratory for Emergent Magnetic Materials.
Quantum leap: Entangled states enhance energy transfer in models of molecular systems
A new study has found that energy transfers more quickly between molecular sites when it starts in an entangled, delocalized quantum state.
Scientists uncover room-temperature route to improved light-harvesting and emission devices
A team of researchers from Rice and collaborators have found a way to make two different phonons in thin films of lead halide perovskite interact with light so strongly that they merge into entirely new hybrid states of matter.
Rice scientists use electrons to pattern light sources and wiring directly onto crystals
Rice researchers used a focused electron beam to pattern device functions with submicron precision directly into an ultrathin crystal.
Wrinkles in atomically thin materials unlock ultraefficient electronics
Rice scientists have discovered that tiny creases in two-dimensional materials can control electrons’ spin with record precision, opening the path to ultracompact, energy-efficient devices.
Rice scientists pioneer transfer-free method to grow ultrathin semiconductors on electronics
A team of materials scientists at Rice has developed a new way to grow ultrathin semiconductors directly onto electronic components.
Rising stars in quantum materials convene at Rice Global Paris Center for international workshop
Some of the brightest early career researchers in quantum materials met at the Rice Global Paris Center.
Scientists find new quantum behavior in unusual superconducting material
Researchers have discovered direct evidence of active flat electronic bands in a kagome superconductor.