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Unzipping graphene nanotubes into nanoribbons

Researchers have developed a method to analyze electron flow in graphene nanoribbons using a simplified physics model. This approach uses a matching method to calculate transmission properties of electrons through the junction.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 5, 2018

Understanding Mercury's magnetic tail

Researchers found that plasmoid reconnection in Mercury's magnetotail could accelerate energetic electrons, solving a puzzle left by previous space missions. The study also revealed that turbulence enhances reconnection, leading to improved predictions for future missions like Bepi-Colombo.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateApr 17, 2018

Freeing electrons to better trap them

Researchers at UNIGE and MBI successfully place an electron in a dual state, neither free nor bound, and regulate its electronic structure. They also discover that high-intensity lasers can amplify light, enabling new possibilities for intense laser propagation in gases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 16, 2018

A different spin on superconductivity

A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has discovered a new type of superconductivity in the material YPtBi, which relies on highly unusual electron interactions. The discovery challenges conventional theory and opens up new possibilities for exotic materials.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 6, 2018

Exotic state of matter: An atom full of atoms

Scientists have created a new state of matter called Rydberg polarons, where an electron orbits a nucleus at a great distance while many other atoms are bound inside the orbit. The electrons' path is only slightly influenced by neutral atoms, resulting in a weak bond between the Rydberg atom and the surrounding atoms.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2018

Reinventing the inductor

The University of California - Santa Barbara team designed a new spiral inductor made of multiple layers of graphene, which offers one-and-a-half times the inductance density of traditional inductors. This innovative design enables a one-third reduction in size while maintaining high efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 21, 2018

Hydrogen transfer: One thing after the other

Researchers used time-resolved spectroscopy to study the mechanism of light-dependent hydrogenation of protochlorophyllide. They found evidence of partially stepwise hydride transfer involving three discrete intermediates. This discovery sheds light on how light energy can be harnessed for chemical reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 14, 2018

Stable quantum bits

Scientists from Konstanz, Princeton and Maryland successfully created a stable quantum gate for two-quantum bit systems using silicon. The research demonstrates the ability to control and read out the interaction of two quantum bits with high fidelity, paving the way for more efficient quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2017

Hydrogen gas from enzyme production

Scientists at Freie Universität Berlin and Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered how enzymes produce molecular hydrogen. The process involves two electrons being transferred to two hydrogen ions through proton-coupled electron transfer, a mechanism that could explain the production of hydrogen gas in other enzymes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 6, 2017

Engineering electron pathways in 2-D-topological insulators

Topological insulators exhibit unique properties, with electrons confined to quantum channels at the edge. Researchers have engineered these pathways, allowing for controlled conduction and potential applications in next-generation electronic devices. This work provides new insights into fundamental properties of topological edge states.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 1, 2017

JILA spinning method confirms the electron still seems round

Physicists at JILA have confirmed the leading results on electron roundness using a unique spinning molecule technique, measuring its symmetry to provide new insights into fundamental physics and potential fossils of ancient asymmetry. The method offers future potential for more sensitive searches and tests of natural constants.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 9, 2017

Researchers get first look at electrons escaping atoms

Scientists have successfully tracked an electron leaving the vicinity of an atom as it absorbs light, allowing for the classification of quantum mechanical behavior of electrons from different atoms. The breakthrough could eventually lead to controlling electrons' behavior inside matter and creating new states of matter.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 2, 2017

How well electron transport works in furfural biogas

Researchers studied electron beam interactions with furfural gas to establish benchmark evaluation of low-energy electron scattering cross-sections and energy loss estimates. The analysis provided valuable insights into the energy characteristics of furfural biogas, a promising candidate for alternative biofuels.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 13, 2017

Electron caught in the act

Griffith University researchers used Australia's fastest camera to measure the time it takes for molecules to break apart, achieving a record-breaking 15 millionth of a billionth of a second. This breakthrough could help design new molecules for materials science and drug discovery.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2017