Measurement is the cornerstone of all scientific inquiry. Without accurate measurements, the exploration of the universe remains shrouded in ambiguity. Today, the landscape of measurement is evolving dramatically, thanks to breakthroughs in quantum sensing. Scientists are now capable of quantifying phenomena that seemed unattainable merely years ago, including subtle atomic vibrations, the behavior of single
Physics
Topological materials have emerged as a fascinating field of study within condensed matter physics, largely because of the peculiar characteristics that arise from the geometry of their electronic wavefunctions. These materials boast properties that differ markedly from conventional substances, substantially due to how their wavefunctions—essentially the mathematical functions representing the probability of finding electrons—are knotted
The field of quantum mechanics often challenges our conventional understanding of reality, and at the forefront of this debate is Hardy’s paradox. Introduced in the 1990s by physicist Lucien Hardy, this paradox serves as a critical experiment for testing the principles of local realism—the idea that physical properties exist independently of observation and that information
In a significant leap for the field of quantum physics, a research team led by Igor Pikovski from Stevens Institute of Technology has proposed a groundbreaking method for detecting single gravitons—hypothetical particles that are believed to be the fundamental constituents of gravitational forces. This nascent concept, which seemed elusive and nearly unattainable until recently, might
Plasma is often regarded as the fourth state of matter, alongside solids, liquids, and gases. Unlike the others, plasma consists of ionized gases where the electrons are stripped from atoms, creating an environment rich in charged particles. This state of matter is not just a laboratory curiosity; it makes up most of the universe, from
In a groundbreaking study published in Physical Review Letters, a team of researchers led by Prof. Peng Xinhua and Associate Prof. Jiang Min from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has unveiled a remarkable advancement in the field of atomic physics. The researchers have identified the Fano resonance interference effect in mixed
Recent advancements in the realm of condensed matter physics have sparked fresh interest in the study of excitons, a subtype of quasiparticle formed through the coupling of electrons and the vacated states they leave behind. The recent publication by Bruno Uchoa and Hong-yi Xie in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences introduces a
Graphene, a revolutionary material with remarkable electronic properties, continues to captivate researchers’ attention due to its potential in various applications, including electronics, photonics, and energy storage. The ability to manipulate its electronic band structure is critical for harnessing these properties effectively. Recent research published in *Physical Review Letters* introduces a groundbreaking method that enables selective
Recent progress in the fields of photonics and materials science has sparked a transformation in sensor technology. Researchers are continually exploring novel methodologies that allow for improved detection and measurement capabilities. A particularly exciting development has emerged from the domain of non-Hermitian physics, which is gaining recognition for its potential to enhance sensor sensitivity significantly.
Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most complex and enigmatic challenges facing modern medicine. Traditionally, the narrative surrounding Alzheimer’s has largely revolved around amyloid protein aggregates, often viewed as the central culprits responsible for the neurodegeneration characteristic of the disease. However, intriguing research is prompting a reevaluation of this long-standing perspective, suggesting that rather than
The world of skateboarding, particularly when it comes to executing maneuvers on a half-pipe, is an exhilarating display of physics in motion. A group of engineers and mathematicians from ETH Zürich, collaborating with research institutions like The Institute of Statistical Mathematics and ATR Institute International, have delved into the physics underpinning the art of skating.
The quest for the elusive green laser has challenged researchers for years, yet groundbreaking developments in the field may finally resolve this long-standing dilemma. While the journey towards creating stable, miniature lasers that successfully emit green and yellow light has been fraught with difficulties, recent innovations led by scientists at the National Institute of Standards
Recent research from the Neutral Atom Optical Clocks Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with the University of Colorado and Pennsylvania State University, has introduced a groundbreaking technique in the realm of atomic clocks. By utilizing a novel sub-recoil Sisyphus cooling method, this study aims to significantly enhance the
The quest to unravel the complexities of the universe has drawn physicists into the intriguing domains of string theory, loop quantum gravity, and quantum geometry. Among these cutting-edge theories lies the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP), a revolutionary concept that challenges the foundations of physics as we know them. By introducing the idea of a minimal
Recent advancements in quantum physics are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with quantum technology. Researchers from the Institute for Molecular Science have made significant strides in understanding quantum entanglement, particularly highlighting the relationship between electronic and motional states in ultrafast quantum simulators. Their pioneering work focuses on repulsive interactions among Rydberg atoms, a