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Vienna University of Technology


How long does a quantum jump take?

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully measured the duration of the photoelectric effect, a crucial process in quantum physics. The results reveal that different quantum jumps take varying amounts of time, ranging from 100 to 45 attoseconds for electrons from tungsten atoms.

The world's cleanest water droplet

Scientists at TU Wien and Cornell University develop a novel method to create ultra-pure ice and apply it to titanium dioxide surfaces, revealing that smallest impurities are surprisingly significant. The study finds that two organic acids, acetic acid and formic acid, are the main culprits behind surface contamination.

Artificial placenta created in the laboratory

Scientists at TU Wien have successfully created an artificial placenta model that closely resembles the natural organ, providing new insights into the exchange of important substances between mother and child. The research uses a high-resolution 3D printing process to produce customized hydrogel membranes populated with placenta cells.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Bioprinting·DateAug 14, 2018

No sign of symmetrons

Researchers at TU Wien use the PF2 ultra-cold neutron source to test the existence of symmetrons, a theory that could explain dark matter. The experiment excludes a broad range of parameter values, but the team is cautious and seeks further measurements or discoveries.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 24, 2018

Guiding sound waves through a maze

A team of researchers from TU Wien has successfully guided sound waves through an air-filled tube containing irregular obstacles using their wave manipulation concept. By precisely controlling loudspeakers along the tube, they were able to counteract complex dispersal and enable the sound wave to pass with minimal restriction.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 3, 2018

Building bridges with water molecules

A team at TU Wien has uncovered the mystery behind water molecule structures on iron oxide surfaces, revealing complex bridge-like structures that play a significant role in chemical reactions. These findings have wide-ranging implications for processes such as corrosion and catalyst function, and pave the way for further research into...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2018

Digital penicillin production

Researchers at TU Wien have created a comprehensive mathematical model that accurately replicates the complex growth behavior of penicillin-producing organisms. This model is now helping Sandoz GmbH to optimize its production process, ensuring optimum quality by adjusting parameters such as nutrient supply in real-time.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalChemical Engineering Science·DateApr 10, 2018

Flood protection is everyone's responsibility

A mathematical economist has developed conceptual models to describe economic decisions for long-term flood protection strategies. The study highlights the importance of central government investment in infrastructure and private sector responsibility, with calculations showing that government investment is better than direct subsidies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalCentral European Journal of Operations Research·DateMar 21, 2018

Keeping GPUs young

TU Wien and UC Irvine's chip management method improves GPU performance by slowing down the aging process in more than 95% of cases. The technique distributes tasks among cores to minimize physical stress, increasing overall system speed.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computers·DateMar 12, 2018

Exotic state of matter: An atom full of atoms

Scientists have created a new state of matter called Rydberg polarons, where an electron orbits a nucleus at a great distance while many other atoms are bound inside the orbit. The electrons' path is only slightly influenced by neutral atoms, resulting in a weak bond between the Rydberg atom and the surrounding atoms.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2018

Rubber blanket at an atomic level

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to measure internal stresses and strains in 2D materials, revealing the effects on electronic properties. This new technique allows for precise imaging of deformations, enabling targeted adjustment of material properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018

New sensor for measuring electric field strength

A new silicon-based sensor developed by TU Wien measures electric field strength without distortion, with potential applications in weather forecasting, industrial process control, and high-voltage power line safety. The sensor achieves impressive levels of precision, reliably measuring weak fields of less than 200 volts per meter.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateJan 24, 2018

Using electricity to switch magnetism

Scientists have successfully controlled magnetic oscillations of certain ferrous materials using electrical fields, enabling faster and more precise data storage. This breakthrough has huge implications for future electronics applications, where magnetic effects are currently difficult to write and store.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 18, 2018

It's never too cold for quantum

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding quantum critical points, which occur at absolute zero and are responsible for phase transitions. The new findings reveal that quantum fluctuations play a crucial role in these phenomena, even at extremely low temperatures.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 1, 2017

Quantum communication: How to outwit noise

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck and TU Wien have developed a new quantum communication protocol that can reliably transfer quantum information even in the presence of detrimental noise. The protocol uses an additional quantum oscillator to couple qubits, allowing for precise separation of the noisy signal from the weaker qua...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 29, 2017

How does oxygen get into a fuel cell?

Researchers at TU Wien have found a way to explain the reasons why oxygen does not always enter fuel cells effectively. By making targeted alterations to the surface of fuel cells on an atomic scale and taking measurements simultaneously, they discovered that strontium atoms cause problems and cobalt can be useful in fuel cells.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 28, 2017

Switching oxygen on and off

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully switched individual oxygen molecules between a reactive and unreactive state using a force microscope. This process enables new possibilities for investigating the inner workings of photocatalysts.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Molecule flash mob

Scientists track movement of serotonin transporter proteins in cell membranes using 'single molecule microscopy' method. PIP2 binding is found to mediate stable oligomer formation of the transporter, with implications for psychostimulant effects.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2017