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Playfully discover atom manipulation

The University of Vienna team uses a state-of-the-art electron microscope to demonstrate atom manipulation in graphene, revealing the locations of silicon impurities. A new online simulation game, Atom Tractor Beam, allows users to control the movement of these impurities using an electron beam.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 8, 2019

Measuring the laws of nature

Scientists have re-measured a crucial physical constant with unprecedented accuracy, setting a new benchmark for physics research. The result could help explain nuclear fusion in the sun, understand element formation after the Big Bang, and improve particle collisions at CERN.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2019

How to bend waves to arrive at the right place

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to manipulate the 'branched flow' of waves, which can be exploited to send waves along specific paths. The technique uses numerical simulations to calculate the optimal wave shape and can be applied to various types of waves, including light, sound, and sonar waves.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2019

Researchers observe slowest atom decay ever measured

Researchers at the University of Zurich's XENON1T detector have observed the slowest atom decay ever measured, with a half-life time over a trillion times longer than the age of the universe. This rare process, called double electron capture, was detected for the first time and has implications for understanding dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2019

Elemental old-timer makes the universe look like a toddler

Physicists at Rice University have reported the first direct observation of two-neutrino double electron capture for xenon 124, a process that decays into tellurium 124 with an estimated half-life of 160 trillion years. This discovery puts the half-life closer to 18 sextillion years, challenging our understanding of this isotope.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2019

New technique for in-cell distance determination

Researchers from the University of Konstanz and partners demonstrate a new technique for in-cell distance determination using RIDME, overcoming limitations of traditional methods such as DEER. This approach provides essential structural information about biomacromolecules under native conditions, enabling analysis without inserting or ...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 19, 2019

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

A trap for positrons

Researchers at TUM and Max Planck Institute have developed a magnetic field trap to confine positrons for over a second, a breakthrough in studying electron-positron pair plasmas. This achievement has significant implications for plasma physics and astrophysics, including the study of neutron stars and black holes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2019

A quantum magnet with a topological twist

Researchers at Princeton University observed exotic electronic properties in kagome magnets, including negative magnetism and flat-band electrons. The study used state-of-the-art scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy to explore the behavior of electrons in a kagome-patterned crystal.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 22, 2019

Controllable electron flow in quantum wires

Princeton researchers have demonstrated a new way of making controllable 'quantum wires' in the presence of a magnetic field. They found channels of conducting electrons that form between two quantum states on the surface of a bismuth crystal subjected to a high magnetic field. The current flow in these channels can be turned on and of...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2019

New scale for electronegativity rewrites the chemistry textbook

A new scale of electronegativity has been developed, providing a more comprehensive and extensive definition that can predict the approximate charge distribution in different molecules and materials. The new definition averages the binding energy of valence electrons and offers an equation to describe the total energy of an atom.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2019

New properties of sulfur atom discovered

Researchers at the University of Malaga have discovered that sulfur atoms can exhibit both donative and repulsive behavior, leading to the creation of more stable and functional organic diradicals. These findings have significant implications for various scientific fields, including chemistry and environmental science.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 14, 2018

New traffic rules in 'Graphene City'

Researchers at Penn State have developed a system to manipulate electrons based on their energy and momentum, enabling controlled partitioning of electron flow. This technology could potentially be used to create 'color-coded' roads for electrons, revolutionizing the field of electronics.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

Paving the way: An accelerator on a microchip

Electrical engineers at TU Darmstadt have designed a laser-driven electron accelerator that can be produced on a silicon chip, enabling inexpensive and compact particle accelerators. The design uses an alternating-phase focusing method to focus electrons in a narrow channel, promising applications in industry and medicine.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 26, 2018

Doubly-excited electrons reach new energy states

Physicists have characterised higher energy levels reached by electrons in resonance with positronium ions, a complex three-particle system. The new model provides guidance for experimentalists to observe these resonant structures, potentially leading to breakthroughs in atomic and nuclear physics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 13, 2018

'Fudge factors' in physics?

Researchers find that widely-used correction methods are based on a faulty assumption, potentially leading to inaccurate predictions. The team proposes new universal method for prediction that works for the right reasons.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 11, 2018

How long does a quantum jump take?

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.

Tilted pulses

Researchers from Konstanz and Munich have successfully directed and controlled ultrashort electron pulses using laser light cycles, enabling precise material studies in the femtosecond and attosecond range. This achievement has significant implications for ultrafast materials research and the production of intense X-ray flashes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

Tying down electrons with nanoribbons

Researchers have discovered that nanoribbons can trap individual localized electrons, potentially enabling new quantum materials with unique electronic and magnetic properties. The discovery was made by combining theoretical predictions with experimental synthesis, using topological insulators as a starting point.

Template to create superatoms, created by VCU researchers, could make for better batteries

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have created a new approach to synthesize metal-based superatoms that can effectively move charges while maintaining structural stability. This innovation could lead to the development of more efficient batteries and better semiconductors, essential components of computerized devices.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2018