Liquid crystal research, future applications advance
University of Massachusetts Amherst mathematician Robert Kusner explains the observed
Topology
Articles tagged with Topology
Topological superconductors
Qubits can successfully exist in topological superconductor materials despite impurities and strong interactions. Majorana particles provide coherence-protection programs for qubits.
Dartmouth theoretical physicists probe the Majorana mystery
Majorana particles may form the basis of quantum computers, while also being linked to dark matter. Theoretical physicists at Dartmouth College have proposed a model suggesting Majoranas could exist in topological superconductors.
A new high performance and fault-tolerant datacenter network for modular datacenters was proposed
Researchers present SCautz, a hybrid intra-container network for modular datacenters, achieving high throughput and improved fault tolerance. The design combines base Kautz topology with redundant commercial switches, reducing costs while maintaining performance.
Mathematicians develop new method for describing extremely complicated shapes
Researchers have developed a new method for describing extremely complicated shapes, bridging topology and fractals. The persistent homology theory will aid in investigating and describing complex structures found in nature, such as defects in metals and wave froth.
Exotic quantum states: A new research approach
Theoretical physicists have developed a new concept to create exotic topological states using dissipation, which can lead to immune quantum computers. They successfully linked concepts of quantum optics and condensed matter physics, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
Andrew Toms receives AMS Centennial Fellowship
American mathematician Andrew Toms has been awarded the prestigious AMS Centennial Fellowship for his excellence in research. The fellowship, worth $79,000, supports his work on operator algebras and their connections to dynamics and descriptive set theory.
U of I physicists observe exotic state in an unconventional superconductor
Researchers observe fractional vortex state in strontium ruthenium oxide, potentially providing basis for topological quantum computing. The discovery may offer the first experimental evidence for an exotic state of matter predicted theoretically for over 30 years.
Strange new twist: Berkeley researchers discover Möbius symmetry in metamaterials
Researchers have discovered Möbius symmetry in metamaterials, which are engineered materials with electromagnetic properties. This discovery opens the door to finding and exploiting novel phenomena in metamaterials, as the coupling constants between meta-atoms can be arbitrarily varied without constraints.
Why it's hard to crash the electric grid
A study published in Chaos found that traditional topological models, which rely on abstract network connections, are less accurate than physics-based models when assessing the vulnerability of the US electric grid. The researchers conclude that the grid's unpredictability makes it difficult to identify potential attack points.
Mapping new paths for a stressed-out Internet
The San Diego Supercomputer Center and CAIDA have created a geometric map of the Internet using hyperbolic geometry, leading to more efficient routing architecture. The new approach simplifies path-finding throughout the network, increasing speed, accuracy, and resistance to damage.
Engineering could give reconstructive surgery a facelift
Topology optimization enables creation of patient-specific, case-by-case designs for tissue-engineered bone replacements in facial reconstruction. The technique accounts for variables like blood flow and chewing forces to optimize structure and function.
Fish with chips
Researchers used Robofish to study the collective behavior of three-spined sticklebacks in groups. The findings show that individual fish are more influenced by neighboring fish than distance from the leader, providing insights into fish group dynamics and collective animal behavior.
Mathematicians working to unravel mysteries surrounding 'knot theory'
Researchers at the University of Nevada Reno aim to solve fundamental questions about knots and low-dimensional manifolds using a new set of techniques. This study has implications for various scientific fields, including topology and materials science.
Molecule with a split personality
The molecule features two freely spinning rings that can adopt either a Hückel or Möbius topology, depending on the solvent and temperature conditions. This allows it to exhibit distinct colors in each configuration.
Prizes presented at the Joint Mathematics Meetings
The American Mathematical Society has presented several prestigious prizes at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, recognizing significant achievements in mathematical exposition, research, and lifetime achievement. Notable winners include David Mumford, Karen Uhlenbeck, and Henry McKean.
Making sense of sensors
Researchers Vin de Silva and Robert Ghrist use homology theory to analyze sensor networks, providing global information about coverage areas and detecting intruders. The study offers insights into designing effective sensor networks for national security measures.
Fossilized liquid assembly: Nanomaterials research tool
Researchers create experimental models of hierarchical topologies by mixing components in a fluid and then 'freezing' them in place. This method allows for the study of self-assembly at the nano-scale, enabling diverse industries to generate new materials with enhanced properties such as super adhesion and low friction.
Mathematician's insight helps unravel knotty problem
Shelly Harvey's discovery applies to a longstanding problem within knot theory, but its significance lies in the broader context of topology. The underlying structure she uncovered uses algebraic structures to describe similarities and differences between knotted shapes, offering a new approach to proving equivalency.
Chemists make molecular interlocked rings
Researchers at UCLA successfully synthesized three identical, mutually interlocking Borromean rings around six metal templates. The complex seven-step synthesis required the use of computational chemistry and a high-risk approach.
New family of hyperbranched polymers enhance mechanical, rheological, processing performance
Researchers have developed a new class of hyperbranched polymers with excellent mechanical properties and lower viscosities. These polymers can be easily processed and are suitable for various applications such as fuel cell materials, biocompatible elastomers and photo-curable adhesives.
Geologist finds lost island in Santa Barbara channel
Geologist Edward Keller has discovered a lost island, Isla Calafia, submerged for over 13,000 years under the Santa Barbara channel. The island, 31 miles long and three miles wide, rises about 660 feet from the bottom of the channel and is bordered by two major earthquake faults.