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Shining a light on dark valleytronics

Scientists at OIST use advanced spectroscopy to track the evolution of dark excitons, overcoming the fundamental challenge of accessing these elusive particles. The findings lay the foundation for dark valleytronics as a field, with potential applications in quantum information technologies.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 24, 2025

Keeping the photon in the dark

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a versatile method to control dark excitons in semiconductor quantum dots using chirped laser pulses and magnetic fields. This allows for the storage and manipulation of excitons, enabling new opportunities for quantum memory control and entangled photon pair generation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2025
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Strangely "quiet" current in strange metal

Electric current in certain materials flows as a continuum rather than with discrete quasi-electrons, according to new research. This challenges the traditional picture of electrons and quasiparticles.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2023

‘Strange metal’ is strangely quiet in noise experiment

Rice physicists find that a 'strange metal' quantum material exhibits greatly suppressed shot noise, suggesting unconventional charge transport mechanisms. The study provides direct empirical evidence for the idea that electricity may flow through strange metals in an unusual liquidlike form.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

Solving quantum mysteries: New insights into 2D semiconductor physics

Researchers from Monash University have introduced a new theoretical study on quantum impurities, exploring their behavior in two-dimensional semiconductors. The 'quantum virial expansion' method sheds light on the complex interactions between impurities and their surroundings in 2D materials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 15, 2023

New simulation reveals secrets of exotic form of electrons called polarons

Researchers have developed a new simulation method to study polarons in 2D materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in OLED TVs and hydrogen fuel production. The study uses quantum mechanical theory and computation to determine the fundamental properties of polarons in 2D materials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2023
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.

Theory can sort order from chaos in complex quantum systems

A new mathematical theory developed by scientists at Rice University and Oxford University can predict the nature of motions in complex quantum systems. The theory applies to any sufficiently complex quantum system and may give insights into building better quantum computers, designing solar cells, or improving battery performance.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2023

A drop in the sea of electrons

Scientists at Swinburne University of Technology and FLEET collaborators observe and explain signatures of Fermi polaron interactions in atomically-thin WS2 using ultrafast spectroscopy. Repulsive forces arise from phase-space filling, while attractive forces lead to cooperatively bound exciton-exciton-electron states.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

Computational sleuthing confirms first 3D quantum spin liquid

Researchers use computational detective work to verify the existence of a 3D quantum spin liquid in cerium zirconium pyrochlore, overcoming decades-long challenge. The material exhibits fractionalized spin excitations, where electrons do not arrange their spins in relation to neighbors.

SourceRice University·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2022

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully engineered microbes to produce novel chemicals and developed a new technique for studying enzyme reactions in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to the production of sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals, and renewable plastics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021
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Pitt study shows optical fields can modify electrons in metal

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that applying intense optical fields to electrons in metals can change their electronic properties. This 'dressing' effect allows for potential applications in conventional electronics, quantum computing, and entirely new areas of research.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2020

New hurdle cleared in race toward quantum computing

Purdue researchers have successfully probed interference of quasiparticles using a new device. The device, built with molecular beam epitaxy, overcomes technical challenges to observe quantum mechanical effects. This breakthrough may be key to developing topological qubits and advancing quantum computing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 4, 2019

'Strange metals' just got stranger

Researchers at Florida State University's National High Magnetic Field Laboratory have discovered that cuprates, known for their unique behavior, carry current in a non-conventional way. The study reveals that the electrons seem to cooperate as they move through the material, contradicting the widely accepted understanding of conventio...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2018

EPFL uses excitons to take electronics into the future

A team of EPFL researchers has created a new type of transistor using excitons, enabling effective operation at room temperature. The breakthrough uses two 2D materials to manipulate exciton lifespans and control their movement, paving the way for optoelectronic devices with reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2018
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New material helps record data with light

Researchers from ITMO University and their European colleagues created quasiparticles called excitons, fully controllable and room-temperature capable. These particles can generate light in LEDs and lasers, while also being used for recording optical signals.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 9, 2017

Hot on the heels of quasiparticles

Researchers have found Fermi polarons, a new type of quasiparticle, in a certain type of semiconductors. This discovery challenges the previous assumption that excitons or trions are formed instead. The study provides valuable insights into the material's properties and has implications for basic research and potential applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 2, 2016

JILA physicists discover 'quantum droplet' in semiconductor

Researchers at JILA discovered a new quasiparticle, called a 'quantum droplet', which has both quantum and liquid-like characteristics. The droplets are stable enough for future studies on interactions between light and highly correlated states of matter.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2014

A direct look at graphene

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made the first direct observations of electron-electron interactions in graphene. The study reveals that these interactions are critical to graphene's extraordinary properties, including its superconductivity and high-speed conductivity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 1, 2012
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Graphene gives up more of its secrets

Researchers used ARPES to study graphene's behavior near the Dirac point, observing unusual electronic interactions and renormalization. This discovery confirms graphene's semimetal properties and provides insight into its unique electronic structure.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2011

Surprising graphene

Researchers measured graphene's properties with unprecedented accuracy, confirming its unusual features and revealing significant departures from theoretical predictions. The results point to novel practical applications in nanoscale electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 8, 2008

Weizmann Institute scientists find new 'quasiparticles'

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have created 'quasiparticles' with a fraction of an electron's charge, which could enable powerful yet stable quantum computers. The discovery was made using an extremely precise setup and unique material properties.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2008
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Eight-fold quantum states blossom in a high-temperature superconductor

Scientists have observed eight-fold configuration of quasiparticle interference in a high-Tc superconductor, predicting a peculiar electronic state known as the 'stripe phase.' This discovery calls into question the necessity of stripes for superconductivity in high-temperature materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2003