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Tiny drops of early universe 'perfect' fluid

New RHIC data reveals clear-cut evidence of primordial soup's signature particle flow in collisions of 3-particle ions with gold nuclei, confirming earlier suspicions that smaller particles can create droplets of free-flowing QGP. The analysis shows a triangular pattern consistent with the creation of three tiny droplets of QGP.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 31, 2015

An easy, scalable and direct method for synthesizing graphene in silicon microelectronics

Researchers from Korea University have developed an easy and microelectronics-compatible method to grow graphene, allowing for the synthesis of high-quality, multi-layer graphene on silicon substrates. The technique involves ion implantation and activation annealing, enabling controllable and scalable production of large-area graphene.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 21, 2015

Clay sheets stack to form proton conductors

A new proton-conducting system created by Northwestern University professor Jiaxing Huang uses stacked clay sheets to concentrate protons for conduction. This breakthrough material has significant advantages over graphene-based sheets and other materials, including ease of production and high thermal stability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2015

Buckle up for fast ionic conduction

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to manipulate the buckling profile of ceramic membranes, significantly enhancing their conductivity. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for industries such as energy conversion and electronics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 15, 2015

Vanishing friction

Researchers create system to manipulate atom spacing, tuning friction to a vanishing point, allowing for direct observation of individual atoms. This technique enables control over superlubricity, potentially boosting development of nanomachines, and has implications for controlling biological components.

Squeezed quantum cats

Scientists have created a hybrid state of being both 'alive' and 'dead' by combining Schrödinger's cat with squeezed quantum states, enabling more stable quantum computing and precise measurement capabilities.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 26, 2015

Studying dynamics of ion channels

Scientists have developed a powerful tool to investigate ion channel selectivity using infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamic-based simulations. This approach allows for the detection of subtle conformational changes in large membrane proteins, such as potassium channels, at atomic resolution.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateMay 18, 2015

Novel plasma diagnostics method

Researchers have created a novel plasma diagnostics method by studying the pressure change at the inner walls of energy-saving light bulbs. The technique measures the force exerted on a solid surface by plasma, providing insights into processes that conventional probes can't detect.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 16, 2015

Actual dating requires calibration down to the last ion

Researchers developed a new calibration technique for thermoluminescence dating, improving accuracy to within 1% using oxygen and lithium ions. The method employs a pulsed ion beam and a combination of detectors to replicate natural radiation exposure.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateApr 15, 2015

Lead hokes the age

Researchers found metallic lead nanospheres in 3.4 billion-year-old zircons from Antarctica, which could alter ages determined using high-resolution ion probe techniques. The inhomogeneous distribution of lead in zircon might falsify ages, highlighting the need for reevaluation of geological age determination methods.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

The taming of the shrew

Researchers from University of Cologne measured vibrational transitions in CH5+ ions with high accuracy, revealing the molecule's structure. The findings confirm a simple model of five hydrogen nuclei moving freely around the carbon nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

Improved interface for a quantum internet

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have improved an interface for a quantum internet by harnessing superradiant states, which enhance the creation of single photons. This breakthrough enables faster information transfer and more robust storage, paving the way for future quantum computing applications.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 15, 2015

Green meets nano

Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a green method to produce gold nanotubes, suitable for building sensors to measure hydrogen peroxide, with potential applications in medical research and diagnosis. The production process is energy-efficient and uses non-toxic chemicals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalRSC Advances·DateDec 3, 2014

Ion adsorption matter in biology

A new systematic study of lipid membrane-electrolyte interactions provides insights into biological cell function and potential applications in medical diagnostics. The research uses liposomes to model biological membranes and demonstrates the role of ion adsorption in modulating membrane electrical characteristics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 30, 2014

Doubt cast over air pollution link between childhood leukemia and power lines

A new study published in Journal of Radiological Protection found little evidence to support the 'corona-ion hypothesis', which suggests a possible link between air pollution from power lines and childhood leukemia. Researchers used data from over 7,000 children born near high-voltage overhead power lines and found no increased risk of...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Radiological Protection·DateOct 30, 2014

Fundamentals of physics confirmed

Researchers at Technische Universität Darmstadt confirm time dilation and observe spectral lines in highly charged bismuth ions, achieving unprecedented precision. The experiments test the limits of Einstein's theories under extreme conditions, providing new insights into quantum electrodynamics.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 7, 2014

Uncovering the forbidden side of molecules

Scientists have successfully observed the 'forbidden' infrared spectrum of a charged molecule for the first time. This achievement enables precise measurements of molecular properties with unprecedented accuracy. The research has significant implications for the development of molecular clocks, quantum technology, and fundamental physics.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 21, 2014

Testing the shelf-life of nuclear reactors

A team of researchers has devised a method to rapidly test the structural materials used in nuclear reactors, closely replicating damage caused by high-energy neutrons. The technique uses high-energy ion beams to damage samples of ferritic-martensitic steel, allowing for the development of more resilient components for advanced reactors.

SourceElsevier·JournalScripta Materialia·DateAug 20, 2014

Moore quantum materials: Recipe for serendipity

Rice University physicist Emilia Morosan has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to investigate unusual quantum materials. Her research aims to uncover fundamental properties of these compounds, which may lead to new discoveries in condensed matter physics.