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Twisting magnetization with light

Researchers created tiny magnetization patterns known as skyrmions faster using laser pulses, which can have implications for magnetic data processing and storage. The findings clarified how the topology of the magnetic system changes in this process, contributing to stability but also making creation difficult.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 5, 2020

Topology-optimized thermal cloak-concentrator

Researchers at Shinshu University developed a topology-optimized thermal cloak-concentrator that can cloak and concentrate heat flux using general materials. The study utilized topology optimization to create an optimized structure that achieved both functions simultaneously.

SourceShinshu University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateSep 24, 2020

Topological superconducting phase protected by 1D local magnetic symmetries

Scientists have proposed a method to classify topological superconducting phases by examining the compatibility between different Majorana zero modes. They found new TSC phases characterized by Zh invariant in C4zT case and Zh Π Zc invariant in C6zT case, which can coexist with helical and chiral MZMs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A Politecnico di Milano study reveals DNA "grammar"

A Politecnico di Milano study reveals that DNA shape is determined by precise rules governing CTCF protein sequences. This discovery opens doors to engineering DNA structure for pharmaceuticals, treating diseases like cancer.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 27, 2020

Quantum simulation for 3D chiral topological phase

Researchers simulated a 3D chiral topological insulator using nitrogen-vacancy centers, observing dynamical bulk-surface correspondence and symmetry protection in momentum space. They measured spin textures on band inversion surfaces, revealing perfect (broken) topology depending on the preserved or broken chiral symmetry.

SourcePeking University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 2020
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Unexpectedly-fast conduction electrons in Na3Bi

A study finds that exchange and correlation effects significantly impact the electron mobility of Na3Bi, leading to unexpectedly fast conduction electrons. The research uses a scanning-tunnelling microscope technique to map the electronic structure in the material.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 14, 2020

Topological photonics in fractal lattices

Researchers created a photonic Floquet topological insulator in a periodically driven fractal lattice, exhibiting topological edge states with real-space Chern number 1. The simulations show wavepackets can propagate along the outer and inner edges without penetration or backscattering.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Cherned up to the maximum

Researchers have observed that palladium gallium (PdGa) reaches the maximum allowed Chern number of four, a fundamental aspect yet to be settled in topological physics. The team also demonstrated control over the sign of the Chern number by manipulating the crystal's handedness during growth.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2020

On-chip spin-Hall nanograting for simultaneously detecting phase and polarization singularities

Researchers developed an on-chip plasmonic spin-Hall nanograting to detect both phase and polarization singularities of incident beams. The structure directionally couples different positions depending on the polarization and topological charge of the beam, enabling rapid detection with high resolution.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 7, 2020

Low-threshold topological nanolasers based on the second-order corner state

A team of scientists demonstrates a low-threshold topological nanolaser in a 2D topological photonic crystal nanocavity, achieving high performance comparable to conventional semiconductor lasers. The design features a second-order corner state that provides robustness against defects and enhances light-matter interaction.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 6, 2020

Quantum physics: Realization of an anomalous Floquet topological system

Researchers create genuine time-dependent topological system using ultracold atoms in periodically-driven optical honeycomb lattices, exhibiting unique electronic properties and chiral edge modes. The system's non-trivial topological properties are rooted in the non-trivial winding of its quasienergy spectrum.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 3, 2020

Lose weight of fusion reactor component

A team of researchers successfully applied topology optimization to a fusion reactor component, reducing its weight by 25%, while maintaining its strength. The superconducting coil requires a strong magnetic field and support structure to function, but this structure is extremely heavy, weighing 20 times that of the Large Helical Device.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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A fresh twist in chiral topology

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids successfully realized chiral topological compound PtGa, exhibiting a high topological charge of 4. This property enables the generation of a large quantized photogalvanic current that can be manipulated by incident light polarization.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2020

Three research groups, two kinds of electronic properties, one material

Scientists from three research groups collaborate to study a unique compound that conducts electrons in different ways on its surfaces and doesn't conduct at all in its middle. They find evidence of strong and weak topological insulation properties, challenging current understanding of the material's behavior.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 10, 2020

First confirmation of new theory by metamaterial

Physicists at the University of Würzburg have experimentally confirmed a new theory on topological metamaterials, which exhibit extraordinary properties. The study shows that all states localize at the edge of the material, a phenomenon known as the non-Hermitian skin effect.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 10, 2020
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Boosting energy efficiency of 2D material electronics using topological semimetal

A research team from Singapore University of Technology and Design has discovered a new strategy to resolve contact resistance in 2D semiconductor devices. They found that an ultrathin film of Na3Bi can be used as a metal contact with low contact resistance, retaining the intrinsic electronic properties of 2D semiconductors.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 2, 2020

Discoveries of high-Chern-number and high-temperature Chern insulator states

Researchers have discovered high-Chern-number and high-temperature Chern insulator states in MnBi2Te4 devices, exhibiting multiple dissipationless edge states above liquid helium temperature. Theoretical calculations reveal the origin of these states as a magnetic Weyl semimetal with layer-dependent Chern number.

SourcePeking University·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 1, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Topology sheds new light on synchronization in higher-order networks

Researchers propose a novel 'higher-order' Kuramoto model combining topology with dynamical systems to characterize synchronization in higher-order networks. The study found that higher-order synchronization occurs explosively, revealing how topology induces dramatic changes in dynamics at the onset of synchronization transition.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 28, 2020

Lossless conduction at the edges

Scientists analyzed tiny tungsten ditelluride crystals and detected characteristic oscillations indicating current flows along narrow edges, supporting theoretical predictions of higher-order topological material properties.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 25, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

When predictions of theoretical chemists become reality

Researchers have successfully synthesized a 2D honeycomb kagome polymer, revealing predicted topological properties and opening up new possibilities for electronic devices. The material's unique structure combines the properties of graphene and superconductors.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 22, 2020

4D electric circuit network with topology

Scientists have developed a 4D electric circuit network that simulates a topological insulator, exhibiting unusual properties such as quantized Hall currents and surface excitations. The work paves the way for studying topological phase transitions, non-linear effects, and quantum open systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 19, 2020

Quantum Hall effect 'reincarnated' in 3D topological materials

Researchers have found a link between 2D and 3D phases of topological matter, reviving the quantum Hall effect in 3D superconductors. This connection could enable fault-tolerant quantum computing using entangled states protected by long-range quantum entanglement.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 18, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New Princeton study takes superconductivity to the edge

Researchers detect a superconducting current along the exterior edge of a topological semi-metal, suggesting ways to unlock 'topological superconductivity' for quantum computing. The discovery uses a crystalline material called molybdenum ditelluride and measures the critical current as it varies with magnetic field.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers reveal new understandings of synthetic gene circuits

Recent discoveries by ASU professors Xiaojun Tian and Xiao Wang explore the impact of memory circuit topologies on host cell behavior, revealing a first in the field of synthetic biology. The research expands scientific understanding of complex interactions between engineered gene circuits and biological host cells.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 6, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

A twist connecting magnetism and electronic-band topology

A comprehensive study reveals that spin canting, a slight nudge on magnetic moments, provokes substantial changes in the electronic band structure of CaMnBi2. The research establishes a direct link between magnetism and electronic-band topology, opening doors to exploring new properties and possibilities.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 3, 2020

A funnel of light

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new quantum state of matter that enables light to be accumulated at a specific point in an optical fiber. This effect, known as a 'light funnel', has the potential to improve the sensitivity of optical detectors and unlock new technological applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 2020

Symmetry-enforced three-dimension Dirac phononic crystals

Researchers have created a 3D phononic crystal that hosts symmetry-enforced Dirac points at the Brillouin zone corners. These points exhibit conical dispersion and vanishing density of states around them, making the material an ideal platform for simulating relativistic Dirac physics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 19, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Research reveals collective dynamics of active matter systems

The study describes experiments using a three-dimensional active nematic, revealing dominant loop structures that emerge spontaneously and expand before self-annihilating. These loops differ from defects in two-dimensional systems, having no charge but still related to them.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2020

Topology protects light propagation in photonic crystal

Researchers have successfully observed topologically protected light waves propagating along a special boundary in a photonic crystal, unaffected by sharp corners or imperfections. This breakthrough enables the development of optical chips with enhanced reliability and potential for quantum information transfer.

SourceAMOLF·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Argonne's Valerii Vinokur awarded Fritz London Prize

Valerii Vinokur, a senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, has made significant contributions to understanding topological properties of matter and their related phase transitions. His research has enabled the discovery of novel superinsulating states of matter in disordered superconducting films.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateMar 6, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

How to handle fragile states

Researchers at ETH Zurich present theoretical and experimental work that provides a higher-level understanding of 'fragile topology' in topological insulators. The discovery could lead to new applications in acoustics, photonics, and beyond.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Jackiw-Rebbi zero-mode: Realizing non-Abelian braiding in non-Majorana system

Scientists have discovered a new method to realize non-Abelian braiding in a non-Majorana system by constructing Jackiw-Rebbi zero-modes in a quantum spin Hall insulator. This breakthrough has the potential to enable topological quantum computation without superconductivity, offering advantages over Majorana-based systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 7, 2020

Exotic new topological state discovered in Dirac semimetals

Researchers found that Dirac semimetals exhibit robust, conducting electronic states in 1D, challenging previous conclusions about the nature of these materials. The discovery settles the decades-old problem of whether condensed matter Dirac fermions have topologically protected surface states.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2020

Diabolical points in coupled active cavities with quantum emitters

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully demonstrated diabolical points (DPs) in two strongly coupled microdisks with embedded quantum dots. The system enables a controllable phase shift between the microdisks, indicating potential applications in directional laser and quantum phase control.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 15, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Color-changing fiber and theory reveal fundamental mystery of knots

Researchers developed an experimental and theoretical analysis to understand how knots work, revealing key topological factors that determine stability. The framework could be used to design new classes of knots with specific behaviors.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 2020

Scientists discover first antiferromagnetic topological quantum material

Researchers have successfully developed the first crystal-growing technique for manganese-bismuth telluride (MnBi2Te4), a new antiferromagnetic topological insulator. The discovery has significant implications for technological advances in information processing, sensors, and computing.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature·DateDec 19, 2019

A platform for stable quantum computing, a playground for exotic physics

Researchers discover samarium hexaboride, a material with strongly interacting electrons, which can also exhibit topological insulating properties. This breakthrough paves the way for more stable quantum computing and opens up new possibilities for exotic physics research.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 4, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New spin directions in pyrite an encouraging sign for future spintronics

Researchers have discovered unconventional energy- and direction-dependent spin textures on the surface of pyrite-type crystals, enabling both in-plane and out-of-plane spin components. This finding opens new possibilities for topological spintronics devices and unlocks the potential of pyrite in future spintronics applications.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·DateNov 12, 2019