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Researchers watch biomolecules at work

Scientists at the University of Bonn have successfully observed an important cell protein in action using a novel method that measures structural changes within complex molecules. This breakthrough allows researchers to elucidate cellular processes in their natural environment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2016

Electron highway inside crystal

Physicists at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new electronic state in topological crystalline insulators, creating conductive channels for electrical currents. The channels are narrow and robust, making the materials suitable for ultra-fast and energy-efficient computers.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2016

Watching quantum jumps

Researchers at TU Wien and Germany have developed a method to study the time structure of quantum jumps, which are extremely fast state changes in atoms. The experiment showed that the duration of two different ionization processes can be distinguished, revealing new insights into the physics of ultrashort time scales.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 7, 2016

A new type of quantum bits

Scientists have successfully realised qubits in a novel form, leveraging electron holes to overcome interference issues. This breakthrough offers potential improvements in programming and reading quantum bits for future quantum computers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 26, 2016

A glimpse inside the atom

A research team has demonstrated that energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) can be used to image individual electron orbits within atoms. This technique allows for penetration down to the subatomic level, opening up new possibilities for the study of atomic structures.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 18, 2016

Closer to reality: What can we really see when we look at a sample?

A new description of electron scattering in surface layers enables faster materials analysis and better understanding of sample properties. The theoretical tools used in spectroscopies can exhibit great 'malice', but a new analytical method simplifies calculations of the Chandrasekhar function, reducing errors.