Quantum trimer -- from a distance
Researchers confirm existence of Efimov state, a bound state of three particles, at vast distances between particles. The state was previously elusive to prove experimentally.
Experimental Physics
Articles tagged with Experimental Physics
Could diamonds be a computer's best friend?
Researchers at Ohio State University demonstrated that diamond wires can transmit spin, a magnetic effect that could revolutionize computing. The discovery challenges conventional methods of measuring spin dynamics and has the potential to make computers faster and more powerful.
Nanofriction on the tip of the microscope
Researchers observed 'dissipation' peaks in NbSe2 due to frictional force, related to charge density waves. Their theoretical model reproduces experimental data, shedding light on nanofriction mechanisms underlying energy losses.
ERC grant awarded to physicist Florian Schreck
Florian Schreck has received the ERC Consolidator Grant for his research on quantum many-body systems. His team will investigate new phenomena using strontium atoms, which have unique properties that allow for precise measurement and new material discoveries. This award recognizes Schreck's outstanding research results in Innsbruck.
High-energy physicists predict new family of four-quark objects
Researchers at the BESIII experiment have observed two new charged charmonium-like states, Zc(4020) and a neutral X(3872), in high-energy collisions. These discoveries suggest the existence of a previously unknown family of four-quark objects.
The 'woman who understood Newton'
Laura Bassi was a renowned physicist in the 18th century, making groundbreaking contributions to experimental physics through conversation, demonstration, experimentation, and explanation. Her work and legacy were recognized with numerous professorships and academy memberships, despite facing controversy and restrictions on her career.
When fluid dynamics mimic quantum mechanics
MIT researchers have produced the fluidic analogue of the double-slit experiment and electron confinement in a circular corral, demonstrating remarkable accuracy in statistical behavior. This discovery offers insight into rational quantum dynamics and wave-particle duality.
Making big 'Schroedinger cats'
Physicists at the University of Calgary successfully tested quantum mechanics on a large scale, creating a system in two substantially different states at once. This breakthrough demonstrates the application of quantum superposition principles to everyday macro objects.
Competition in the quantum world
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck and Complutense University of Madrid use a quantum simulator to study quantum mechanical phase transitions in many-body systems. They observe how competition between two processes takes place, leading to fragile long-range correlations between distant particles.
First data released from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) collaboration has released the first published results from its experiment on the International Space Station, measuring the ratio of positrons to electrons in cosmic rays with unprecedented precision. This key finding may eventually provide evidence for the existence of dark matter.
Liquid crystal research, future applications advance
University of Massachusetts Amherst mathematician Robert Kusner explains the observed
Messy experiment cleans up physics mystery of cornstarch
Scientists Scott Waitukaitis and Heinrich Jaeger report a groundbreaking study on non-Newtonian liquids, revealing the 'impact-activated solidification' process that transforms suspensions into solids under sudden impact. The experiment uses a combination of high-tech instruments to observe the phenomenon in unprecedented detail.
Search for Higgs boson at Large Hadron Collider reveals new particle
Physicists at the Large Hadron Collider have observed a new particle, sparking hopes that it could be the elusive Higgs boson. The discovery is based on data collected in 2011 and 2012, with more analysis expected later this year.
DOE supports fiber-optic data link critical to search for the Higgs 'God' particle
Southern Methodist University (SMU) physicists have designed a key component of the world's largest physics experiment at CERN. The new high-speed fiber-optic data link, supported by the US Department of Energy, will be 75 times faster than the current link, enabling scientists to analyze vast amounts of data more efficiently.
Images capture split personality of dense suspensions
Researchers observed a split personality in dense suspensions as they formed droplets. Despite high viscosity, the particles' interactions with the liquid led to a non-viscous behavior, challenging conventional understanding of drop formation.
Ultracold experiments heat up quantum research
Researchers at the University of Chicago experimentally demonstrate quantum criticality in ultracold atoms, a phenomenon that may connect the atomic realm to deep questions of cosmology. This breakthrough could lead to simulations of the early universe by studying systems in states of quantum criticality.
RUB researchers present a new switching principle for magnetic fields
A team of researchers from Germany and the Netherlands has developed a novel material that enables the switching of spin currents at room temperature in a vertical magnetic field. This breakthrough increases storage density distinctly and has potential applications in future hard discs and non-volatile random access memory devices.
Experiment observes elusive neutrino transformation
An international team of physicists has detected and measured the transformation of one type of neutrino into another, a finding that may help explain the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. The discovery was made using the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment in southern China.
Elusive Higgs boson in sight?
Researchers at Michigan State University's DZero team have detected a distinct Higgs-like signature that cannot be easily explained without the presence of something new. If confirmed, this finding would be a major milestone for the world physics community and validate the Standard Model.
Tevatron experiments report latest results in search for Higgs boson
Physicists from CDF and DZero collaborations found excesses in data that might be interpreted as coming from a Higgs boson, consistent with LHC results. The new result has a probability of being due to a statistical fluctuation at 2.2 sigma, excluding masses above 147 GeV.
The impact of quantum matter
Researchers at the Joint Quantum Institute create more complicated collisions between atoms using laser light, enabling the observation of high-angular-momentum scattering in long-lived atomic Bose-Einstein condensates. This innovation may facilitate the creation of exotic quantum states for practical applications like quantum computing.
Physicists localize 3-D matter waves for first time
Researchers at University of Illinois successfully localized quantum matter waves in three dimensions, a phenomenon theorized decades ago. The findings have implications for various electronics applications and could lead to better understanding and manipulation of materials.
NIST achieves record-low error rate for quantum information processing with one qubit
Physicists at NIST achieved a record-low probability of error in quantum information processing with a single qubit, meeting theoretical requirements for building viable quantum computers. The experiment used microwaves and a copper vacuum chamber to reduce errors, achieving an error rate of 1 per 50,000 logic operations.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review A·DateAug 31, 2011
BU researcher plays key role in discovery of new type of neutrino oscillation
A team of researchers at the T2K Experiment, led by Boston University Professor Edward Kearns, have observed an indication of a new type of neutrino transformation or oscillation from a muon neutrino to an electron neutrino. This discovery may lead to further studies on matter/anti-matter asymmetry and CP violation.
A tiltable head could improve the ability of undulating robots to navigate disaster debris
The study shows that varying the shape or adjusting the inclination of the robot's head affects its movement in complex environments. By controlling the vertical motion, the robots can maneuver through debris-filled areas produced by an earthquake or landslide.
MIT professor wins first JSA Outstanding Nuclear Physics Award
William Bertozzi, a renowned MIT professor, has been awarded the inaugural JSA Outstanding Nuclear Physicist Award for his pioneering work in experimental electromagnetic nuclear physics. The award acknowledges his leadership and innovative techniques that have advanced the field of nuclear physics.
Ultra high speed film
Researchers from Kiel University have developed a new technique to record films of extremely fast processes, capturing phase transitions and catalytic reactions in solids. The technique uses ultra short flashes of light to make snapshots of electronic states, enabling new insights into relevant properties of solids.
Antihydrogen trapped for first time
Researchers have achieved a significant milestone by trapping 38 antihydrogen atoms for more than one-tenth of a second using the ALPHA experiment. This achievement marks a crucial step towards studying the properties of antihydrogen, which could provide insights into the universe's mysterious lack of antimatter.
Physics experiment finds violation of matter/antimatter symmetry
The MiniBooNE experiment has confirmed the existence of a fourth flavor of neutrino, violating the fundamental symmetry of matter and antimatter. The discovery could explain the composition of the universe and potentially help resolve dark matter.
Glasperlenspiel: NIST scientists propose new test for gravity
Physicists at NIST have proposed an experiment to test gravity's behavior at very close scales, where electromagnetic forces dominate. The experiment involves suspending a glass bead in a laser beam 'bottle' to measure its motion relative to nearby objects with unprecedented sensitivity.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 1, 2010
Pinning atoms into order
Researchers at University of Innsbruck create one-dimensional structures in optical lattice and observe 'pinning transition' from superfluid to insulated phase. Strongly interacting atoms align regularly along wire due to repulsive interaction.
Quantum mechanics not in jeopardy
Researchers have confirmed an axiom in quantum physics by ruling out the existence of higher-order interferences experimentally. This confirms the accuracy of Born's law, a key principle in quantum mechanics that proposes interference occurs in pairs of possibilities.
New high-speed integrated circuit for world's biggest physics experiment is fastest of its kind
A new integrated circuit, designed by Southern Methodist University physicists, can transmit data at 5.8 billion-bits per second in the Large Hadron Collider, the largest particle accelerator in Europe. The 'link-on-chip' serializer circuit is critical for the upgrade of the collider and plans to increase data speed and number of lanes.
Photons led astray
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light have demonstrated that quantum particles can take both possible paths simultaneously in a random walk, leading to interference patterns and increased intensity at the edges. This breakthrough could provide new insights into statistical processes like photosynthesis.
Physicist awarded $750,000 to study neutrinos
Physicist Patrick Huber has been awarded $750,000 by the U.S. Department of Energy to research neutrinos. His work aims to better understand the role of neutrinos in cosmology, astrophysics, and elementary particle physics, with potential breakthroughs in these fields.
Rare space experiment gives clues about the fundamental structure of the universe
A recent space experiment using the Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope has provided evidence about the fundamental structure of space and time. The team confirmed aspects of Einstein's theories of gravity, which unite space and time in the concept of space-time.
NSF authorizes $29 million for preliminary design of world's deepest underground laboratory
The National Science Foundation has authorized $29.1 million for the preliminary design of DUSEL, a deep underground science and engineering laboratory in South Dakota. The facility will house experiments in physics, engineering, geoscience, and biology, shielded from cosmic rays and accessible to unique geological areas.
To understand the universe, science calls on the ultrasmall
Scientists studying neutrino experiments aim to understand the universe's expansion, Big Bang, and potential for a 'Big Crunch.' These tiny particles' unique properties and behavior are key to unlocking fundamental physics and resolving mysteries like dark matter.
Quantum measurements: Common sense is not enough
A team of physicists from Innsbruck, Austria, have proven that it is not possible to explain quantum phenomena in non-contextual terms. They used techniques designed for building a quantum computer and performed a series of measurements on a pair of laser-cooled calcium ions.
From three to four: A quantum leap in few-body physics
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck experimentally prove the existence of four-body loss resonances closely tied to Efimov trimer states, providing strong evidence for these new universal states. This achievement marks an important step towards simplifying laws for complex interactions in few-body physics.
Iowa State physicists part of research team testing Nobel-winning theory
A team of Iowa State physicists, including Soeren Prell, are part of an international research team testing the Kobayashi-Maskawa theory, which explains the difference between matter and antimatter. The BaBar experiment has confirmed the theory's predictions and provided insights into the universe's origins.
Smile, protons, you're on camera
A team of scientists, led by Marek Pfutzner, has successfully peered closely at the radioactive decay of a rare iron isotope, shedding light on an exotic form of radioactivity. The technique used a novel combination of advanced physics equipment and digital camera technology to capture ghostly images of trajectories of emitted protons.
Princeton scientists confirm long-held theory about source of sunshine
Princeton physicists have made the first real-time observation of low-energy solar neutrinos, confirming a long-held theory about the sun's nuclear reactions. The observation provides precise measurements of the neutrinos' energy and confirms that we understand how the sun shines.
Revamped experiment could detect elusive particle, physicists say
Physicists at the University of Florida propose a redesign to improve the detection of axions, a candidate for dark matter. The new design uses Fabry-Perot cavities to produce more photons, increasing the experiment's sensitivity by a factor of 10 compared to solar-based experiments.
Quantum cryptography
Researchers at Perimeter Institute outline a new aspect of Quantum Cryptography, improving the security of data transmission. The study demonstrates enhanced capabilities in quantum key distribution, paving the way for widespread adoption in secure communication networks.
'Strange' physics experiment is unraveling structure of proton
Researchers use intense beam of polarized electrons to study proton structure, discovering strange quarks that pop in and out of existence. The results provide a clearer picture of how protons are held together, shedding light on the strong nuclear interaction.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 2005
Next step to the quantum computer
Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully built a quantum register using neutral atoms, enabling the storage and manipulation of quantum information. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of quantum computing, which could potentially solve complex problems beyond current computer capabilities.
Scientists tame electron beams, bringing 'table top' particle accelerators a step closer
Researchers from Imperial College London and UK universities successfully accelerated electron beams near the speed of light using laser-produced plasmas. This achievement paves the way for the development of smaller, more affordable particle accelerators that could be used in university laboratories.
Quark study breaks logjam between theory, experiment
Physicists have demonstrated that their theories are correct in explaining how quarks interact in the beta decay of particles. The team's work marked the first time all relevant measurements were made together in one modern, statistically rigorous experiment.
Brookhaven Lab demonstrates participation in worldwide computing efforts at SC2003
Brookhaven Lab operates the main computing facility for Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and is developing a system for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The laboratory is integrating its RHIC and LHC computing facilities into a comprehensive data grid, providing access to data from large-scale physics and astronomy experiments.
BioScience seeks nominations of beauteous experiments
The contest aims to honor biology experiments that are considered aesthetically pleasing, with a panel of experts screening nominations. The journal's goal is to encourage creative thinking among biologists about both famous and obscure experiments.
Female physicists lead the way on Jefferson Lab experiment
A recent Jefferson Lab experiment, E00-116, has set a new record for the most female scientists on an experiment. The research investigated quark-hadron duality and was led by two female spokespeople, with a female postdoctoral fellow overseeing data analysis.
Brookhaven Lab physicist William Willis wins the 2003 W.K.H. Panofsky Prize
Willis developed liquid argon calorimetry, electron identification by detection of transition radiation, and hyperon beams. These innovations are now widely adopted in particle physics.
Surprise to physicists – protons aren't always shaped like a basketball
Researchers discovered that protons at rest can take on various shapes depending on the speed and spin of quarks inside. The findings challenge traditional physics textbook descriptions and offer clues for unifying the four forces of nature into a theory of everything.
Physicists puzzle over unexpected findings in 'little' big bang
Researchers probing strong nuclear force's nature encounter surprise at RHIC in Brookhaven, NY., where particles stream out faster from football-shaped collision tips than sides. This defies treasured boost invariance theory and complicates understanding of collisions.
Students from Boston, Connecticut, Ohio and Minnesota win 2002 US Physics Olympiad
Four students from Boston, Connecticut, Ohio and Minnesota are named as the US Physics Olympiad winners. The team members have demonstrated exceptional knowledge of physics through extremely challenging exams. They will be attending top universities next year.
New superconducting magnet to probe proton structure
A new superconducting magnet is being tested at the University of Illinois to enable precise measurements of the proton's magnetic moment and small-scale structures. The experiment, called G0, will use polarized electrons to scatter off liquid hydrogen and deuterium targets in the magnet.
First Results From Brookhaven Lab's New Collider
The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has created nuclear matter with the highest energy density ever achieved, opening a new frontier in scientific exploration. The experiment also reveals striking differences from previous experiments, hinting at new phenomena and a possible transition to quark-gluon plasma.
Strange quark contribution to proton structure yields surprising result
Scientists have calculated a lower strange quark contribution and discovered evidence for the proton's anapole moment, a parity-violating electromagnetic effect. The findings suggest less than 6% of the proton's magnetic moment arises from the strange quark.
Feynman Prize in nanotechnology won by Georgia Tech, HP Labs, UCLA
Researchers at Georgia Tech, HP Labs, and UCLA receive the Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology for their work on building devices with atomic precision. The team, led by Uzi Landman and R. Stanley Williams, successfully created a molecular switch, a key step towards building entire memory chips at the nanoscale.