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Iron atoms discovered on the move in Earth’s solid inner core

A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that certain groupings of iron atoms in the Earth's inner core are able to move about rapidly, changing their places in a split second. This collective motion could help explain numerous intriguing properties of the inner core and shed light on its role in powering Earth's geodynamo.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2023

Down goes antimatter! Gravity's effect on matter's elusive twin is revealed

Researchers confirmed that antimatter falls under the influence of gravity, ruling out gravitational repulsion as a cause for its absence in the universe. The study used an antihydrogen experiment to observe individual atoms taking a downward path, providing a definitive answer to long-standing questions about antimatter's behavior.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Antimatter embraces Earth, falling downward like normal matter

A new experiment at CERN has shown that gravity pulls antimatter downward, eliminating the possibility of antigravity. The gravitational acceleration of antimatter is close to that for normal matter on Earth, with a value within about 25% of normal gravity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Shh! Quiet cables set to help reveal rare physics events

Researchers at PNNL have developed ultra-low radiation cables to minimize interference from cosmic radiation, increasing sensitivity and flexibility in detector design. These cables can help solve key mysteries of the universe, including dark matter and neutrino properties.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalEPJ Techniques and Instrumentation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

New clues to the nature of elusive dark matter

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have uncovered new clues in the quest for understanding dark matter, a mysterious substance making up 84% of the universe's mass. The study suggests that the dark photon hypothesis is preferred over the standard model hypothesis, providing evidence for a potential particle discovery.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateSep 18, 2023

Electrons take flight at the nanoscale

A new device design inspires improved integrated circuit designs by visualizing electric current flow lines around sharp bends. The research enables better understanding of heat generation in electronic devices, leading to more efficient circuit creation and reduced risk of overheating.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2023
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.

Strongly intriguing details of collisions at extreme energies

Physicists from the Polish Academy of Sciences develop new theoretical tools to study collisions at extreme energies. The phenomenon is fast and involves small particles that cannot be observed directly, requiring

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review C·DateSep 14, 2023

A linear path to efficient quantum technologies

Researchers have demonstrated a way to perform Bell-state measurements with an efficiency exceeding the commonly assumed upper theoretical limit. This breakthrough opens up new perspectives for photonic quantum technologies and could lead to more efficient quantum computing, communication, and sensor devices.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

Scientists use quantum device to slow down simulated chemical reaction 100 billion times

Researchers at the University of Sydney have successfully slowed down a simulated chemical reaction by a factor of 100 billion times using a quantum computer. This achievement allows for direct observation of previously inaccessible processes, enabling breakthroughs in fields like materials science and drug design.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Ringing protons give insight into early universe

Researchers explore nucleon resonances, gaining insight into early universe's chaotic state. The experiment provides new information on the 3D structure of resonating protons and neutrons.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 21, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Tensile cracks can shatter classical speed limits

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered supershear tensile cracks that surpass classical speed limits and transition to near-supersonic velocities. These findings challenge traditional understanding of fracture mechanics, offering new avenues for studying material properties.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

Successful structure search: Construction of monoatomic lead layers with specially developed method unveiled for the first time

A team of scientists from Chemnitz University of Technology has successfully synthesized two-dimensional lead layers using a novel method. The researchers were able to comprehensively describe the structures of these layers, which could become relevant in the development of novel electronic systems and quantum materials.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2023

On the hunt for strangeness

Peter Hurck, the 2023 JSA Postdoctoral Prize winner, is conducting data analyses to identify strange particles and learn about their properties. He hopes to improve data analysis methods for these particles using high-quality data from GlueX experiments.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 21, 2023

Precision measurement of polarization

Allison Zec has achieved the world record in precise measurement of an electron beam’s polarization, measuring it to within half a percent. Her work on the CREX Compton polarimeter was recognized with the prestigious JSA Thesis Prize, awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 20, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Staying sharp: Researchers turn to an everyday shop tool to study how materials behave

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University is developing a new method for understanding metal behavior under extreme conditions using metal cutting, a traditional manufacturing tool. The process involves shearing or deforming the metal to extreme levels under high rates and can provide fundamental information on material strength an...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateJul 18, 2023

New superconductors can be built atom by atom

Researchers designed two new types of superconductivity by depositing chromium atoms on a superconducting niobium surface, confirming theoretical predictions. This method enables the creation of two-dimensional superconductors with atomic precision.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

3D glasses for topological materials

Scientists have successfully visualized the topology of electrons in topological quantum materials using '3D glasses,' a technique that uses circularly polarized X-ray light. This breakthrough enables the characterization of quantum materials topologically, paving the way for energy-saving electronics and high-tech advancements.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

UW students have turned Schrödinger's cat on its head

The UW students' achievement enables the implementation of a fractional Fourier Transform in optical pulses, allowing for more precise pulse identification and filtering. This innovation has significant implications for spectroscopy and telecommunications, where precise signal processing is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 29, 2023

High-speed proton transaction

Researchers at DESY reveal the rapid proton transaction process between urea molecules, which could have led to RNA molecule formation billions of years ago. The experiment demonstrates the importance of studying molecular processes in aqueous environments for understanding biological phenomena.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2023

Unveiling the secrets of liquid iron under extreme conditions

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have made a breakthrough in measuring liquid iron's resistivity under extreme conditions. They achieved this using new techniques involving diamond anvil cells and powerful lasers, allowing for measurements at pressures up to 135 GPa and temperatures over 6680 K.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers enhance electron–phonon coupling strength in low-dimensional strontium ruthenate

Researchers demonstrated a 300-fold increase in electron-phonon coupling strength by reducing dimensionality, paving the way for novel engineering opportunities. The enhancement was attributed to non-local nature of coupling in synthetic SRO/STO superlattices.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Direct photons point to positive gluon polarization

A new publication by the PHENIX Collaboration at RHIC's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider provides definitive evidence that gluon spins are aligned in the same direction as the spin of the proton they're in. This result, known as the 'golden measurement,' allows theorists to calculate how much gluons contribute to a proton's spin.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 21, 2023

Trillionths of a second: Photon pairs compress an electron beam into short pulses

Scientists at University of Konstanz have developed a method to compress an electron beam into short pulses using femtosecond light flashes. The resulting electron pulses exhibit temporal superposition and can be used to study ultrafast phenomena in quantum mechanics, including the interaction between electrons and light.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 19, 2023

Intriguing correlation between earthquakes and cosmic radiation

Researchers have found a surprising correlation between global seismic activity and changes in cosmic radiation intensity, potentially aiding in earthquake prediction. The periodicity of this phenomenon has been identified as every 10-11 years, but its exact cause remains unknown.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics·DateJun 15, 2023

For experimental physicists, quantum frustration leads to fundamental discovery

Researchers have discovered a new phase of matter called the chiral bose-liquid state, which has surprising characteristics, such as robust spin and long-range entanglement. This discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding the physical world and potentially leading to breakthroughs in quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Mirror, mirror on the wall… Now we know there are chiral phonons for sure

Physicists have discovered that phonons, quasiparticles describing crystal lattice vibrations, can exhibit chirality - a fundamental concept with implications for material properties. Using circular X-ray light, researchers observed corkscrew motions of phonons in quartz, revealing the phenomenon of chiral phonons.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Critical decision-3A clears way toward standard model test

The MOLLER experiment has been granted Critical Decision-3A, allowing it to begin procurement of key components and make a precise measurement of the electron's weak charge, which will compare to the Standard Model's prediction.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJun 1, 2023

Symmetry breaking by ultrashort light pulses opens new quantum pathways for coherent phonons

Researchers at Max Born Institute find that ultrafast mid-infrared excitation of electrons in bismuth reduces crystal symmetry, opening new quantum pathways for coherent phonon excitation. This leads to bidirectional atomic motions and oscillations with a frequency different from low-excitation levels.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Fractons as information storage: Not yet quite tangible, but close

Researchers have modeled fractons, stationary quasiparticles, and found they are not visible even at absolute zero temperature due to quantum fluctuations. The team plans to develop a model to regulate these fluctuations, paving the way for experimental materials that could exhibit fractons.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2023

Quantum scientists accurately measure power levels one trillion times lower than usual

Researchers at Aalto University create a new bolometer that can accurately measure microwave power down to the femtowatt level at ultra-low temperatures. This breakthrough device has the potential to significantly advance quantum computing and technology, enabling more precise control over qubits and improving overall performance.

SourceAalto University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMay 25, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

If the Higgs can reach the Hidden Valley, we will see new physics already in next-generation accelerators

Researchers at the Polish Academy of Sciences propose that Higgs boson decays into exotic particles may be detectable in future lepton accelerators like CLIC and FCC. The detection would rely on observing jets of particles produced by quark-antiquark pairs, with characteristic shifts from the axis of the colliding beams.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateMay 18, 2023

A passage of light leading to a path for a solution

A team of researchers successfully controlled 'trions,' a breakthrough toward developing revolutionary optical communication technology. They used a nanoscale plasmonic waveguide to create high-purity trions, which offer advantages over excitons in practical device applications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2023

Laser pulses triple transition temperature for ferromagnetism in YTiO3

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute successfully induced high-temperature ferromagnetism in YTiO3 by applying laser pulses, raising the transition temperature to triple its original value. This breakthrough discovery opens new avenues for exploring and manipulating magnetic properties of materials.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Two qudits fully entangled

The team successfully entangled two qudits with unprecedented performance, enabling faster and more robust quantum computing. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in fields like chemistry and physics.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Teasing strange matter from the ordinary

Researchers have made the first-ever observations of how lambda particles, a form of strange matter, are produced by a specific process called semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS). The study reveals that diquarks, pairs of quarks and gluons, can march through atomic nuclei, contributing to the formation of lambdas.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

When electrons dress up in light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that exciting electrons with strong light leads to exotic quantum effects, enabling new functions on demand. The team made an unforeseen discovery: Floquet bands form after a single optical cycle, paving the way for ultrafast electronics and tailored quantum functions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2023

Ultra-fast light at the end of the vacuum tunnel: Meta-optics shows physical processes in the attosecond range

A new type of meta-optics, developed at Harvard, has been successfully tested at Graz University of Technology, allowing the observation of ultra-fast physical processes. The lens uses extreme ultraviolet radiation to track charge carriers in space and time, enabling optimization of modern transistors and optoelectronic circuits.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2023

A new type of photonic time crystal gives light a boost

A new type of photonic time crystal has been developed, showing that these artificial materials can amplify electromagnetic waves. This could lead to more efficient wireless communications and improved lasers., The creation of two-dimensional photonic time crystals makes them easier to fabricate and experiment with.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 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.

Magnetism fosters unusual electronic order in quantum material

Physicists at Rice University have found that magnetism subtly modifies the landscape of electron energy states in iron-germanium crystals, promoting and preparing for the formation of a charge density wave. This is one of the few known examples of a kagome material where magnetism forms first, leading to charges lining up.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

A surprising way to trap a microparticle

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a surprising way to trap microparticles using the combined effects of electrostatics, hydrodynamics, and random Brownian motion. This phenomenon enables the capture of particles in complex environments, such as winding channels, and could revolutionize microfluidic applications and...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Quantum chemistry: Molecules caught tunneling

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully measured tunneling reactions in molecular chemistry, confirming a precise theoretical model. The experiment used hydrogen and deuterium isotopes to demonstrate the quantum mechanical tunnel effect in a slow ion-molecule reaction.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Heterostructures developed at Purdue support predictions of counterpropagating charged edge modes at the v=2/3 fractional quantum Hall state

Researchers at Purdue University have developed heterostructures that support the prediction of counterpropagating charged edge modes at the v=2/3 fractional quantum Hall state. The team's experiment measured an electrical conductance equal to half the fundamental value of e^2/h, consistent with theoretical predictions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 23, 2023

How to reverse unknown quantum processes

Physicists from the University of Vienna successfully demonstrated a universal rewinding protocol that can reverse certain quantum processes, including the time evolution of a single photon. The protocol uses an intricate optical setup and demonstrates reversibility without knowing the interactions with the quantum system.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalOptica·DateFeb 7, 2023

Entangled atoms across the Innsbruck quantum network

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully entangled two trapped ions separated by 230 meters, using photons transmitted through an optical fiber cable. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of trapped ions as a platform for building future quantum networks and distributed computing systems.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Nearly 50-meter laser experiment sets record in University of Maryland hallway

Researchers at the University of Maryland successfully guided a 45-meter-long beam of light through an unremarkable hallway, pushing the limits of an innovative technique. The team utilized ultra-short laser pulses to create a plasma that heated air, forming a high-density core and enabling efficient light delivery.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 19, 2023

Can you trust your quantum simulator?

Physicists at MIT and Caltech developed a new benchmarking protocol to characterize the fidelity of quantum analog simulators, enabling high precision characterization. The protocol analyzes random fluctuations in atomic-scale systems, revealing universal patterns that can be used to gauge the accuracy of these devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2023

Blast chiller for the quantum world

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have demonstrated a new nonlinear cooling method, allowing massive objects to be cooled to nearly absolute zero. This breakthrough enables the observation of quantum effects on macroscopic objects, paving the way for highly sensitive quantum sensors.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Swarm intelligence caused by physical mechanisms

Researchers at Leipzig University developed an experimental model of microswimmers that exhibit properties of natural swarm intelligence. The swimmers' internal states and navigation rules can be controlled, allowing for the observation of complex collective behaviors.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The optical fiber that keeps data safe even after being twisted or bent

Physicists at the University of Bath developed an optical fiber that uses topology to enhance its robustness, protecting light from environmental disorder. This design allows for scalable structure preservation over long distances, making it suitable for future quantum networks.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

Researchers use quantum mechanics to see objects without looking at them

A new method bridges the quantum and classical worlds, enabling interaction-free detection of microwave pulses with a superconducting circuit. This breakthrough demonstrates genuine quantum advantage using a simpler setup, with potential applications in quantum computing, optical imaging, and cryptographic key distribution.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.