Applied Physics
Articles tagged with Applied Physics
From interface retreat to interface anchoring: A paradigm shift in solar thermal energy storage
Researchers measure energy below a zeptojoule–enough for a red blood cell to move a nanometer
Scientists have successfully measured incredibly small amounts of energy using a novel calorimeter technique, achieving a world-first in sensitivity. The breakthrough could pave the way for counting individual photons and detecting elusive dark-matter axions in space.
All-surface 3D carbon circuitry on glass: A maskless laser printing breakthrough for next-generation semiconductor packaging
A global research team developed an 'All-Surface' 3D laser patterning technique to directly draw highly conductive carbon circuitry on transparent glass. This technology overcomes conventional 2D lithography limits, enabling the fabrication of complex 3D interconnected electrodes and redistribution layers.
AiiDAlab: Software that drives research forward
AiiDAlab simplifies material research and simulations by automating workflow management, analysis, and visualization. Researchers can now focus on gaining new insights without requiring advanced computing skills.
Ultra-compact silicon photonic "vernier caliper" spectrometer achieves picometer-scale resolution over a broad bandwidth
Researchers developed a compact silicon photonic 'Vernier Caliper' spectrometer with near-uniform resonator responses across a broad wavelength range. The device resolves fine spectral peaks as little as 0.74 pm, outperforming commercial benchtop spectrometers in accuracy.
Good vibrations for quantum communications
Scientists have successfully demonstrated atomic spin qubit interaction with a single-quantum sound wave, opening up new possibilities for quantum information storage and sensing applications. The experiment uses phonons to interact with atomic defects in diamond, enabling precise measurement of forces and temperatures.
New fiber-optic sensing method reads strain and displacement through electrical signals
BMFTR awards millions in funding for fusion research – Dr. Yannik Zobus of GSI/FAIR secures a young investigators group
HKU Nobel Laureate Professor Ferenc Krausz elected as International Member of U.S. National Academy of Sciences
How rock removes CO2 from the atmosphere
Researchers at TU Wien have demonstrated a remarkable mineralogical mechanism where certain minerals convert CO2 into solid carbonate quickly, mediated by water. This process enables rapid CO2 capture and storage in rocks, potentially solving the issue of atmospheric CO2 removal.
Simple robots that collectively build and excavate are inspired by ants
Researchers developed a fleet of cooperative robots that, like ants, can spontaneously organize to build and dismantle structures without central control. They identified key parameters needed for excavation and building performance using simple local rules.
Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires
Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.
Ultraviolet light that fits on a chip
The Harvard-led team demonstrates a micron-scale photonic device that generates two orders of magnitude more UV light on a chip than previous approaches. By converting red light to UV light through frequency upconversion, the researchers create high-power, low-loss, compact UV sources.
Polygonal generalized perfect spatiotemporal optical vortices for advanced field manipulation
Researchers introduce generalized perfect spatiotemporal optical vortices with topological-charge-independent sizes and fully controllable geometric shapes. The new method achieves higher modulation efficiency and improved energy utilization, exceeding 90%.
From ship wakes to soft tissues: Exploring fluid and solid surface-wave physics
Researchers discovered that ultrasoft elastic materials generate a V-shaped wake similar to boat wakes, blurring the distinction between wave behavior on solids and fluids. This finding could lead to new approaches for soft-tissue diagnostics and understanding the properties of natural and engineered soft materials.
Texas A&M opens world’s largest academic controlled-explosions lab
The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.
MIT researchers find self-organizing “pencil beam” laser could help scientists design brain-targeted therapies
Researchers leveraged a surprise discovery to devise a new bioimaging method that captures 3D images of the human blood-brain barrier 25 times faster than existing technology. This technique enables scientists to test whether new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases reach their targets in the brain.
No batteries, just body heat: demonstrating the potential of battery-free sensing
A team of researchers at The University of Osaka has created a wireless EEG transmission system that can operate without external power sources. The system harnesses energy from the temperature difference between the human body and surrounding air, allowing it to function reliably even in hot summer conditions.
Twisted nanoparticles sorted by light
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science demonstrated a method for manipulating metallic chiral nanoparticles using circularly polarized light. By confining light to an evanescent field near the surface of ultra-thin optical fibers, they selectively transported left- and right-handed particles based on their chirality.
New insights into how bacteria manage DNA
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed new methods to study DNA management in bacteria, revealing that DNA shape and flexibility play critical roles in gyrase activity. The study identifies specific DNA sequences that guide gyrase binding and interaction with the enzyme.
Scientists unlock new route to extreme light intensities
A team of physicists has discovered a way to boost the intensity of high-power laser light, opening up new possibilities for experiments in quantum electrodynamics. The breakthrough uses an unusual process to create extremely bright ultraviolet light, which can be focused into a tiny point creating immense energy concentration.
How can scientists visualize cellular life with greater precision?
Salk scientists and collaborators advance visualization technology using visible-spectrum antigen-stabilizable fluorescent nanobodies (VIS-Fbs), reducing background fluorescence by up to a hundredfold. The new probe enables high spatial and temporal precision, allowing for real-time tracking of dynamic changes in living models.
Aston University researcher helps solve a decades-old ultrafast lasers puzzle
Researchers have developed a unified mathematical model explaining two types of 'breathing' solitons in ultrafast lasers, overcoming decades-old puzzle. The new framework accurately predicts complex behaviors and reveals underlying mechanisms.
Millimeter-scale resolution in fiber-optic sensing: single-ended technique advances infrastructure monitoring
Researchers develop signal-processing method to suppress distortions, achieving 6mm spatial resolution in single-ended Brillouin sensing. This enables early detection of damage or abnormal conditions in aging infrastructure.
Ultra-sensitive multi-band infrared polarization photodetector based on 1T'-MoTe2/2H-MoTe2 van der Waals heterostructure
The device exhibits outstanding performance across a broad optical spectrum, with high responsivity and specific detectivity. Its polarization-sensitive detection capability enables the direct deciphering of light's polarization state without external filters.
New physics-based AI model opens frontiers in dielectric materials exploration
Researchers at Tohoku University developed an AI-based method integrating physics-based modeling for rapid screening of material candidates. The approach significantly improves accuracy by evaluating basic properties before predicting complex ones.
Ability to harness quantum speed gains now within sight after researchers solve massive simulation problem in a heartbeat
A team at Aalto University has developed a quantum-inspired algorithm that enables the solution of colossal problems in quantum materials. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new quantum materials for use in quantum computers and dissipationless electronics.
'Like liquid metal': Entangled, staple-like particles could inspire new generation of materials
Researchers at CU Boulder explore entangled particles for strong, adaptable materials. They found a 'two-legged' particle shape with optimal geometry delivers maximum entanglement, combining strength and toughness.
Perovskite nanocrystals in glass for high-efficiency and ultra-high resolution dynamic displays
Researchers develop fluoride-engineered perovskite nanocrystal glass for high-efficiency, full-color emission and ultra-high-resolution holographic displays. The glass matrix enables stable and efficient photoluminescence of PNCs, driving the creation of high-quality dynamic displays.
The once-theoretical skyrmion could unlock supercomputing memory
Researchers have discovered a new understanding of skyrmions, highly stable structures that can be moved with minimal electrical current. This breakthrough has significant implications for nanocomputing and the development of ultra-power-saving devices.
When light gets trapped at nanoscale: New ways to power the future of optoelectronics
Researchers explore new design strategies for metasurfaces and BICs, enabling scalable light control and efficient optoelectronic platforms. These advances have practical implications for applications in lasing, sensing, nonlinear optics, wavefront shaping, and imaging.
Bright quantum light emission achieved at room temperature in 2D semiconductors
Researchers have successfully created a high-efficiency quantum light source that emits bright lights even at room temperature using 2D semiconductors. The achievement is made possible by confining excitons in a tiny region via nanohole-induced confinement and neutralizing excess charges.
Making light spin with a gold nanorod
By striking a gold nanorod off-center with an electron beam, researchers created rotating circular polarization in light, a property useful for controlling information encoding and transmission. This simple approach could enable new ways to encode, route, and process information using light.
Researchers reveal new method for dialing up superconductivity
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new method for controlling superconductivity by manipulating the surrounding environment. By adjusting electron interactions, they were able to switch the material's superconductivity on and off, revealing a simpler way to control atomic power behind superconductivity.
Imaging technique captures more information about ultrafast microscopic processes
Unlocking the power of industrial waste heat: new dynamic model optimizes "carnot batteries" for green energy storage
Researchers developed a quasi-dynamic mathematical model to optimize Thermally Integrated Carnot Batteries (TI-CB) under fluctuating conditions typical of factory environments. The study yielded crucial insights, including a clear roadmap for handling off-design fluctuations, bringing Carnot batteries closer to widespread deployment.
A high-performance photodetector with precision in structure and power detection
A research team from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new type of photodetector that achieves impressive responsivity and detectivity. The device uses highly ordered superlattices to overcome the limitations of traditional quantum dot-based photodetectors.
Quantum entanglement on attosecond timescales
The study measures ultrafast electron dynamics in hydrogen molecules, observing oscillations in hole localization that depend on the delay between attosecond pulses. Entanglement occurs at the expense of electronic coherence in the remaining ion.
How topological protection enables robust nanophotonic device fabrication
Researchers integrated topological photonics with nanoimprint lithography (NIL) to create a stable nanolaser. The work demonstrated type-III corner states and robustness against fabrication defects.
Quantum researchers engineer extremely precise phonon lasers
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a squeezed phonon laser that precisely controls individual particles of vibration or sound, allowing for accurate measurements of gravity and other forces. This technology has the potential to create more accurate, 'unjammable' navigation systems without relying on satellites.
Researchers demonstrate integrated stabilized laser chips performing clock and quantum operations on a room temperature trapped ion qubit
Researchers from UCSB and UMass Amherst successfully integrated stabilized laser chips with a room temperature trapped ion qubit, enabling compact and portable quantum systems. This breakthrough paves the way for applications in quantum sensing, computing, and fundamental science.
Imaging the Moon’s interior with fiber-optics
Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing technology, scientists deployed fibre-optic cables across the lunar surface to detect seismic waves generated by moonquakes, meteorites, and landings. The cables can record signals at a higher spatial resolution than traditional seismic networks.
Terahertz imaging makes a leap toward real-time, non-invasive diagnostics
Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a fully fibre-coupled terahertz imaging system that significantly improves the speed and clinical practicality of terahertz imaging. The system delivers near video-rate imaging with high spatial resolution, opening up possibilities for rapid, non-invasive diagnosis.
A new interdisciplinary journal - Advanced Scientific Instruments – has launched its inaugural issue
The journal focuses on advancing scientific understanding and expanding engineering horizons through rigorous peer-reviewed, open-access research. ASI aims to be the preeminent hub for pioneering next-generation scientific tools and fostering global collaboration.
New technology developed at the University of Malaga enables high resolution geochemical mapping from the air
Researchers developed REMINLASER, an airborne instrument that rapidly identifies critical raw materials in mining waste, key to European energy and digital transition. The system is a breakthrough in laser spectroscopy, enabling real-time geochemical analysis of large surfaces.
Nanoscale hotspots in OLEDs may shorten their lifespans in phones, TVs
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that nanoscale hotspots in OLEDs can flicker, affecting device lifespans. These hotspots can cause uneven current flow, leading to faster burnout and reduced device performance.
A clear roadmap for engineering combs of light
Engineers at Harvard create microcombs on photonic chips, enabling compact, programmable frequency combs for precision measurement and telecommunications applications. The breakthrough makes electro-optic microcombs more practical, energy efficient, and diverse.
New tools and techniques accelerate gallium oxide as next-generation power semiconductor
Researchers at Nagoya University present six advances in gallium oxide thin-film growth, including a world-first result growing the material on low-cost silicon substrates. The new High-Density Oxygen Radical Source doubles atomic oxygen density, promoting chemical reaction and film growth.
A dynamic twist of light’s ‘handedness’
The Harvard researchers' new device is elegantly designed to be tunable, with a bilayer design that becomes geometrically chiral and able to 'read' chiral light. By using the MEMS device to continuously vary the twist angle and interlayer spacing, the team showed they could tune the device's intrinsic ability to read different chiral l...
IEEE researchers achieve low-power ultrashort mid-IR pulse compression
A team of researchers from SASTRA Deemed University demonstrates a fiber-based method for compressing mid-infrared laser pulses into ultrashort, low-noise bursts efficiently. The system reduces input power from kilowatts to 80 watts, improving energy efficiency and thermal stability.
New photonic device, developed by MIT researchers, efficiently beams light into free space
MIT researchers have developed a new photonic device that efficiently beams light into free space, enabling advanced displays, high-speed optical communications, and larger-scale quantum computers. The device uses an array of microscopic structures to project detailed, full-color images and precisely control quantum bits, paving the wa...
New ‘vacuum ultraviolet’ laser may improve nanotechnology, power nuclear clocks
Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have demonstrated a new kind of vacuum ultraviolet laser that is 100 to 1,000 times more efficient than existing technologies. The device could enable scientists to observe phenomena currently out of reach, such as following fuel molecules in real time as they undergo combustion, spottin...
HKU engineers discover new physics principle to break sound absorption barriers in ventilated spaces
A research team from HKU has identified a fundamental physical principle called duality symmetry that governs the absorption bandwidth of ventilated systems. This breakthrough leads to the design of a new type of ventilated structure that can absorb over 86% of sound across a wide range of frequencies.
Snakes off the plane
Researchers discovered a simple strategy for snakes to stand upright without limbs, concentrating bending and muscle activity into a short boundary layer near their base. This approach reduces energy required while maintaining balance, offering design principles for soft robots and medical devices.
Press program now available for the world's largest physics meeting
The Global Physics Summit will feature over 12,000 individual presentations on new research in astrophysics, particle physics, and quantum information science. Registered journalists and public information officers will receive daily emails with information during the meeting.
Quaise Energy supports Oregon State University work to transform clean energy with geothermal technology
Oregon State University's Experimental Deep Geothermal Energy lab will recreate extreme underground conditions in the lab with Quaise Energy's support. The goal is to learn about superhot rock geothermal energy, which could supply 63 terawatts of firm, carbon-free power.
Hybrid ‘super foam’: tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
Better understanding of the unknown leads to more accurate collision simulations
Physicists have developed a more accurate method for estimating the impact of calculations that are not performed in high-energy particle collisions. The new approach uses perturbative calculations to reduce uncertainties present in previous simulations.
Molecular ‘catapult’ fires electrons at the limits of physics
Scientists at Cambridge University observed ultrafast charge transfer happening within a single molecular vibration, occurring on the natural timescale of atomic motion. The discovery challenges long-held theories about how solar energy systems work and reveals a new pathway to designing more efficient light-harvesting technologies.