Articles tagged with Helium
Scientists at NIF recreate stellar-like conditions to study nucleosynthesis reactions, including the 3He-3He reaction responsible for nearly half of our sun's energy generation. Preliminary results show that protons from this reaction have been observed in these experiments at lower temperatures.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed a new method to detect electrons' transitions to quantum states using image charge detection. This technique has the potential to create a ten-centimeter chip, reducing the size of current quantum computers and bringing them closer to practical use.
Scientists have detected the presence of an ancient reservoir in the Earth's mantle using helium isotope ratios in superdeep diamonds. The reservoir is estimated to be at least as old as the Moon and is located between 410 and 660 km below the surface.
Researchers analyzed helium isotopes in super-deep diamonds to find evidence of pristine reservoirs of primordial rock material beneath the upper mantle. The study suggests that these reservoirs occasionally infiltrate the transition zone and mix with subducting material, creating diverse isotopic compositions.
Researchers have developed a 'Trojan horse' technique to produce intense electron beams, potentially shrinking future accelerators by 100-1,000 times. This could lead to brighter X-ray lasers and enhanced scientific capabilities.
Scientists developed new theory capturing second sound phenomenon in quantum liquids, showing it can be faster than first sound. Theoretical approach uses squeezed-field path integral description, applicable to various phenomena at quantum-classical physics interface.
Astronomers have discovered an unusual celestial object, likely the result of two white dwarfs merging and fusing heavier elements. The star's strong stellar wind and magnetic field accelerate its collapse into a neutron star, culminating in a massive supernova explosion.
Advanced Research Systems has licensed a technology to automatically refill liquid helium used in laboratory equipment, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency. The technology, developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, allows for weeks of uninterrupted operation and less helium loss compared to manual filling.
Scientists successfully synthesize polymer nanoclusters and fibers at temperatures below 2K, opening up possibilities for creating new materials. The synthesis was achieved using a multimodal dusty plasma cooled by superfluid helium.
Researchers reveal how stars contribute to the creation of elements, from hydrogen to heavier elements like lawrencium. The study highlights the dynamic nature of the periodic table, which has grown as new elements have been discovered or created in laboratories.
Researchers have documented 'walls bound by strings' in superfluid helium-3 for the first time, potentially helping explain how the universe cooled down after the Big Bang. The findings may also provide a model for topological quantum computing.
Researchers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a medium-sized exoplanet, GJ 3470b, losing mass at a rate 100 times faster than similar planets. The study advances knowledge of planetary evolution and suggests that half of the planet may be gone in a few billion years.
The giant exoplanet WASP-69b carries a comet-like tail made of helium particles escaping its gravitational field propelled by ultraviolet radiation from its star. The team analyzed the planet's atmosphere using the CARMENES instrument, revealing a stronger and longer-lasting dimming of starlight in a region where helium gas absorbs light.
Researchers have detected helium escaping from the atmosphere of HAT-P-11b, a planet equivalent in size to Neptune, revealing an extended cloud that is inflating the planet like a balloon. The study provides new insights into the extreme atmospheric conditions found around the hottest exoplanets.
Researchers from UNIGE have detected helium in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, HAT-P-11b, which is swollen like a balloon due to stellar radiation. The discovery was made using the Carmenes spectrograph on a 4-metre telescope, and supported by numerical simulations that track the trajectory of helium atoms.
A team at the University of Freiburg has successfully applied 2D-spectroscopy to isolated molecular systems, allowing for more precise study of atomic interactions. This breakthrough enables a better understanding of processes in photovoltaics and optoelectronics.
Researchers at University of Sussex create breakthrough SMM with blocking temperature above 77 K, overcoming liquid helium temperature barrier. The discovery paves the way for advancements in molecular information storage materials and potentially increases hard disk storage capacity.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology have achieved a breakthrough in observing the reaction of a quantum fluid to photoexcitation of dissolved particles. By applying femtosecond spectroscopy, they were able to describe the processes in an approximately five-nanometer sized superfluid helium droplet after photoexcitation of an a...
Three-dimensional simulations of the luminous blue variable star have revealed the physical forces behind its wild variations in brightness and spectrum. The simulations show that convection plays a key role in triggering outbursts, with helium opacity being a crucial factor.
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.
Physicists at RUDN University have developed a new approach to calculate ionization energies of helium atoms with high accuracy, up to 35 decimal digits. This breakthrough resolves the limitations of previous methods, enabling precise measurements of exotic helium atoms and shedding light on the nature of antimatter.
A new study in Nature Astronomy finds that ancient blue crystals trapped in meteorites show evidence of the early Sun's intense activity, including more eruptions and a stronger stream of charged particles. The crystals, formed over 4.5 billion years ago, preserved chemical records of the young Sun's interactions with its surroundings.
Scientists have observed anomalously high gas flow rates through angstrom-scale slit-like channels, defying classical Newtonian theory and highlighting quantum effects. The findings, published in Nature, suggest that surface scattering can significantly impact gas permeation rates.
Astronomers have successfully detected helium in the atmosphere of WASP-107b, a super-Neptune exoplanet. The detection was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and reveals an abundance of helium in the upper atmosphere, extending tens of thousands of kilometres into space.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University discovered that polarization affects the motion of electrons in a two-dimensional system. By inducing rotation in both electrons and microwave fields, the team observed oscillations in electron current, indicating that electrons are indeed affected by polarization.
A team of scientists has provided a theoretical explanation for how helium can form stable compounds, challenging the element's long-held reputation as unreactive. The research predicts new sets of compounds that might react with helium under pressure, which could lead to the discovery of more helium reserves in the Earth's mantle.
Researchers at QUT have developed nano 'sieves' that can separate molecules up to 10,000 times finer than a human hair. The discovery opens the door to early detection of cancer through blood tests and creation of smart materials with novel functions.
Scientists conduct first weld tests of a new system designed to repair highly irradiated materials, introducing advanced techniques to reduce cracking and stress. The testing is crucial for extending the life of nuclear power plants and reducing costs for the industry.
Researchers at IST Austria have found that superfluid helium droplets act as magnetic monopoles from the perspective of molecules immersed inside them. This discovery opens up new possibilities for studying magnetic monopoles and reveals a previously unknown property in these systems.
Scientists at Texas A&M University have discovered a material that can withstand the harsh conditions of a fusion reactor, making it possible to harness the sun's energy on Earth. The breakthrough, published in Science Advances, involves the formation of long channels resembling veins in living tissues.
A team of Brazilian astronomers observed a unique binary system consisting of a low-mass white dwarf and a brown dwarf. The white dwarf's existence was cut off due to the loss of matter caused by the companion, resulting in its premature death and transformation into a white dwarf.
Researchers propose a new method for directly detecting dark matter by exploiting the interaction between superfluid helium and potential dark matter particles. The strategy involves a tub of helium and a positively charged metal pin array to amplify the tiny energy signature of a released atom, enabling the detection of single atoms a...
A team of researchers found evidence that a Type Ia supernova explosion was triggered by a violent helium detonation on the surface of a white dwarf star. The study used the Hyper Suprime-Cam camera on the Subaru Telescope to discover and analyze a recent supernova, providing the first solid evidence supporting this theory.
A team of researchers has discovered a type Ia supernova that can be explained by the ignition of helium on a white dwarf's surface, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding this phenomenon. The team used Hyper Suprime-Cam mounted on the Subaru Telescope to detect over 100 supernovae candidates in one night.
Research finds high levels of helium in UK coal seams, enabling detection of gas leaks and contamination. The discovery may also enable large volumes of helium gas to be recovered for sale.
The James Webb Space Telescope relies on a complex shroud system to maintain extremely low temperatures, minimizing unwanted infrared light that could compromise optical testing. The system consists of two nested shrouds: liquid nitrogen and cold gaseous helium, which work together to cool the telescope.
Scientists use ultra-cold helium droplets to align single molecules with lasers, achieving better precision than traditional gas-phase approaches. This technique enables real-time study of chemical reactions in complex systems.
A new study has found that supervolcanoes like Toba experience ongoing eruptions for tens of thousands of years after a massive eruption. Researchers linked recent Mt. Sinabung eruptions to the last supervolcano eruption 74,000 years ago at Toba.
Scientists from PTB have determined the Boltzmann constant with an accuracy of 1.9 ppm, fulfilling a key condition for the redefinition of the kelvin unit. This achievement will enable the kelvin to be based on fundamental constants, providing a more stable and reliable definition.
Mathematicians from Newcastle University discovered a new 'storm' layer in superfluid Helium that 'sticks' to surfaces like ordinary fluid. The layer is created by mini tornadoes tangling together, slowing the flow. This finding changes past assumptions about superfluids and their use as coolants and precision measurement devices.
Scientists found that entangled quantum information shared between two regions of a container is determined by surface area, not volume, in superfluid helium. This discovery points to deeper understanding of reality and may be a step toward a long-sought quantum theory of gravity.
Researchers at ORNL studied tungsten degradation under reactor-relevant conditions, discovering that lower-energy bombardment produces finer, smoother tendrils. The study aims to engineer robust materials for fusion reactors, which pose significant challenges due to plasma exposure.
Researchers at Utah State University have found that helium can bond with sodium to form a stable compound under extreme conditions. The discovery, published in Nature Chemistry, reveals new insights into chemistry beyond Earth's surface.
Researchers predict two stable helium compounds, Na2He and Na2HeO, with unique properties. The discovery sheds light on extreme conditions inside gas giant planets and stars, where helium is a major component.
Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about the movement of supercool electrons on a liquid helium surface, shedding light on their behavior and potential applications in quantum computing. The research aims to create a scalable system with mobile qubits, paving the way for significant advancements in the field.
Scientists at Aalto University discovered half-quantum vortices in superfluid helium, a topological defect that overcomes limitations of circulating currents. This breakthrough may enable access to isolated Majorana modes and exotic solitary particles, crucial for quantum information processing.
Researchers in Frankfurt confirm the quantum-mechanical tunnel effect in deep-frozen helium molecules. The study reveals that over 75% of bonding time can be explained by this effect.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a correlation between groundwater helium levels and stress on inner rock layers near the epicenter of earthquakes. The study found that high-stress areas had higher helium-4 levels in groundwater, suggesting a potential risk indicator for earthquakes.
An international team of researchers observed how a single two-atom-large molecule rotates in the coldest liquid known in nature. By applying pressure, the molecules cooled down their rotations at a rate of over 100 billion degrees Kelvin per second.
Researchers observed the buildup of Fano resonances in a helium atom via two different paths simultaneously, allowing them to study the time evolution of these processes. This discovery enables precise control over quantum effects and opens up new possibilities for controlling chemical reactions.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute and Technical University of Munich have measured photoionization with unprecedented zeptosecond precision, determining the timescale of this process for the first time. This achievement resolves quantum mechanics' impact on ultra-short events in atomic interactions.
Physicists have recorded an internal atomic event with unprecedented precision, measuring the duration of photoionization for the first time with zeptosecond accuracy. The study provides a reliable basis for future experiments and reconciles theory and experiment in complex systems like helium.
Researchers from NIST and UCLA have successfully created exotic topological insulators with improved stability at room temperature by infusing magnetic materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient quantum computers and other electronic devices that harness unique properties of electrons.
Scientists from Aarhus University used a state-of-the-art detector to measure the precise disintegration of carbon into three helium nuclei. Their findings reveal a sequence of fragmentations, relevant to developing aneutronic fusion reactions and improving our understanding of astrophysics phenomena.
Researchers have discovered a massive helium gas field in the Tanzanian Rift Valley, ensuring a stable supply of this finite resource. The find, associated with volcanoes, has calculated a probable resource of 54 Billion Cubic Feet, enough to fill over 1.2 million medical MRI scanners.
A new exploration technique has discovered significant helium reserves in Tanzania, providing a much-needed supply to address the growing demand. The discovery could fill over 1.2 million medical MRI scanners, alleviating a critical shortage of this vital element.
Researchers at University of Warsaw develop new particle detector to study stellar oxygen formation, with ELI-NP facility set to launch in 2018. The eTPC detector will observe collisions between high-energy photons and oxygen nuclei to fine-tune theoretical models of thermonuclear synthesis.
Researchers at University of Chicago have developed a new device that captures trapped electrons and manipulates them using superconducting quantum circuits. The team successfully holds electrons in place for up to 12 hours, leveraging the unique properties of liquid helium to isolate individual electrons.
A giant star exploded 30 million years ago in a galaxy near Earth, releasing energy equivalent to 100 million suns. The analysis revealed the star's mass, radius, and chemical composition before its spectacular demise.
A new processing technique has been developed to create low-power, high-efficiency electronic devices using layered ferroelectric materials. This discovery could potentially replace silicon in some applications and enable the creation of flexible electronics.