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Opposites interfere

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science observe oscillating interference pattern between two identical quantum particles, proving quantum theory's predictions. The particles' actions are inextricably tied due to entanglement, even when separated by distance.

Researchers catch motion of a single electron on video

Researchers at Brown University have successfully captured the motion of a single electron in liquid helium using sound waves. The images show electrons moving through the fluid in snakelike paths, which are believed to be following vortex lines - a phenomenon akin to a tornado in superfluids.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Low Temperature Physics·DateJun 6, 2007

Electrons caught in the act of tunneling

Researchers have successfully observed electrons tunnelling through the binding potential of an atom nucleus under the influence of laser light. This breakthrough allows scientists to study electron movement in real-time and has implications for microelectronics and radiation therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2007

Electrons travel through proteins like urban commuters

Researchers describe a unified description of electron movements through certain proteins, uncovering key pathways that optimize energy harvesting in photosynthesis and animal cells. The study reveals complex routing options that allow electrons to take shortcuts, increasing the challenge for theoreticians.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2007

How to herd atoms

Physicists at the Max Planck Institute have discovered a way to arrange randomly deposited atoms in regular patterns, mimicking the behavior of sheep in a pen. By adjusting substrate temperature and parameters, they created circular fencing that guides adatoms into ordered structures.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 4, 2006

UA physicist discovers exotic superconductivity

Physicist Andrei Lebed has discovered exotic superconductivity where electron pairs exhibit both rotating and non-rotating behavior, breaking down conventional symmetry laws. This phenomenon is observed in strong magnetic fields and has significant implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 16, 2006

Atoms looser than expected

Scientists at Harvard University have recalculated the fine structure constant, a fundamental force that governs the electromagnetic interaction between charged particles. The new value suggests that atoms are slightly looser than previously thought, with an improved measurement accuracy of six times better.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 15, 2006

What is the lifetime of positronium ions?

Physicists at Max Planck have measured the lifetime of positronium ions six times more precisely than before, finding an average lifespan of almost half a nanosecond. This closely matches predicted values and provides an interesting model system for quantum mechanics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 23, 2006

Photoemission 100 years after Einstein

The photoelectric effect, first explained by Einstein in 1905, has become a crucial tool for understanding the properties of matter. The new issue of New Journal of Physics features research on hot electrons and high-temperature superconductors, demonstrating its relevance to tailored electronic materials.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 29, 2005

Physicists measure individual electrons in real time

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to probe dynamic interactions between smallest atomic particles, enabling studies of individual electron dynamics and quantum phenomena. The breakthrough is crucial for developing quantum computers, which could solve complex calculations in seconds.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2003

Brown physicist proposes that electron may be split

Electrons may undergo fission in liquid helium at temperatures near absolute zero, violating the long-held notion that elementary particles cannot be broken into two pieces. Experimental evidence supports this theory, which suggests that light can cause an electron's bubble to divide into smaller bubbles.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Low Temperature Physics·DateAug 15, 2000