Optical tweezers, since their inception in the 1980s, have been a groundbreaking tool in microscopic manipulation, allowing scientists to trap and move tiny particles using focused laser beams. Celebrated with a Nobel Prize in 2018 for Arthur Ashkin’s pioneering work, these devices harness the momentum of photons to exert precise forces. However, despite their remarkable
Physics
The concept of traversing the corridors of time has long captured human imagination, fueling countless science fiction stories and philosophical debates. While science acknowledges that moving forward in time—such as experiencing time dilation near the speed of light—is physically plausible, traveling backward remains firmly out of reach. Yet, recent breakthroughs in quantum physics suggest that
Particle accelerators are marvels of modern science and engineering, pivotal in unraveling the deepest mysteries of the universe. Yet, these devices come with a hefty price tag, largely due to their immense size and the precision technology required to construct and maintain them. One of the major cost drivers is the accelerator’s length—a factor directly
Recent advancements in terahertz technology are shaping a new frontier in the realm of photonics, primarily through the innovative use of programmable spintronic emitters. This new approach, as spearheaded by a collaborative team from Fudan University and Capital Normal University, opens up exciting possibilities for generating highly structured terahertz light beams. Unlike previous methods of
In the fascinating realm of quantum materials, charge density waves (CDWs) have emerged as profound phenomena. These intricate states arise from a static modulation in the conduction electrons coupled with periodic distortions of the crystalline lattice. Found in a spectrum of condensed matter materials, from high-temperature superconductors to quantum Hall systems, the exploration of CDWs
A transformative study published in the prestigious journal *Nature* has ushered in a new era in the field of quantum physics. Researchers have, for the first time, harnessed a large-scale quantum simulator to observe the antiferromagnetic phase transition within the fermionic Hubbard model (FHM). This accomplishment not only underlines the promising future of quantum simulation
Quantum computing stands at the forefront of technological revolution, offering capabilities that surpass those of classical computing in various domains like cybersecurity, data processing, and complex communications. While classical computers operate within binary states—zeroes and ones—quantum computers utilize qubits that embrace quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. These properties not only enhance data analysis
Recent advancements in muscle biomechanics have unveiled a groundbreaking perspective on how muscles function, challenging long-held beliefs that focused primarily on molecular interactions. A study led by physicists from the University of Michigan, in collaboration with Harvard University, suggests that the flow of water within muscle fibers is a critical factor that can dictate the
In the rapidly evolving field of microscopy, technological advancements continually reshape the landscape of scientific discovery. The latest breakthrough emanating from an international collaboration, spearheaded by researchers at Trinity College Dublin, introduces a pioneering imaging method that promises to redefine how we capture images at the microscopic level. This innovation not only lowers the time
As the realm of quantum computing races toward unprecedented capabilities, the intricate challenge of achieving fault-tolerant quantum processors looms large. At the heart of this ambition lies the generation of entanglement through the coupling of qubits. Superconducting qubits have emerged as frontline contenders for quantum information processing, yet the drive to scale these systems to
In an exciting development for the realm of quantum technology, a team of researchers has successfully devised a groundbreaking method that enhances the performance of quantum systems by astoundingly addressing the age-old challenges of noise disturbances. This innovative technique, detailed in the prestigious journal *Physical Review Letters*, employs the cross-correlation of two distinct noise sources
Superconductivity is one of the most astonishing phenomena in modern physics, embodying the captivating interplay between quantum mechanics and macroscopic materials. This property enables certain materials to carry electrical current without any energy loss, a revolutionary concept that holds immense potential for enhancing electronic systems. Historically, superconductivity has been observed only at extremely low temperatures,
Chirality—a concept rooted deeply in both our everyday experience and the subtleties of quantum physics—refers to the property of an object that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. Many of us may not realize that our own hands exemplify chirality; the left hand can never perfectly align with the right hand, despite possessing identical
In the realm of nuclear physics, understanding the structure of atoms is akin to exploring uncharted territory. Researchers are delving deeper into the subatomic world, where particles like protons and neutrons exist in a delicate dance that shapes the very fabric of matter. Recent work from Osaka Metropolitan University highlights significant revelations in this area,
At the forefront of modern particle physics, the Belle II experiment stands as a monumental research endeavor, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. Nestled in the heart of Japan at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) in Tsukuba, the Belle II detector operates alongside the SuperKEKB particle collider to delve into