Why research is hard

Here's the latest abstract on nanotech:

Abstract. Er³⁺ and Ni²⁺ doped single-crystalline Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ nanorods were synthesized by a facile one-step toxic-free combustion method. The products were characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The phase purity, morphology, and PL properties of Er³⁺ and Ni²⁺ doped Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ nanorods can be readily controlled by tailoring the annealing temperature. The mechanism for the formation of Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ nanorods with different aspect ratio is discussed. Er³⁺ doped Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ nanorods show strong PL centered at 1531 nm, while Ni²⁺ doped products show superwide PL with a full width at half maximum of up to 250 nm. These aluminum borate nanostructures are promising building blocks for optoelectronics nanodevices.

Guuuuuuuh. And heh, 'nanorods', heh heh heh.