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Spectroscopy and theory shed light on excitons in semiconductors

Researchers have developed a new method to visualize the quantum mechanical wave function of excitons in organic semiconductors. This understanding is essential for developing more efficient materials with organic semiconductors. The technique, known as photoemission exciton tomography, provides insights into the behavior of excitons i...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

New dark matter theory explains two puzzles in astrophysics

A new theory, self-interacting dark matter (SIDM), proposes that dark matter particles interact through a dark force, explaining high-density halos and low-density halos of ultra-diffuse galaxies. SIDM simulates cosmic structure formation with strong dark matter self-interactions, diversifying halo density in central regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2023

Unexpected behaviour discovered in active particles

Physicists investigate systems of self-propelled particles whose speed depends on orientation, discovering a series of new effects, including spontaneous cluster formation with permanent flow and programmable shapes. The findings have practical importance for technical applications, such as realising programmable matter.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 23, 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

Calculations reveal high-resolution view of quarks inside protons

Researchers used supercomputers to predict the spatial distributions of charges, momentum, and other properties of 'up' and 'down' quarks within protons. The results revealed key differences in the characteristics of the up and down quarks, implying different contributions to the proton's fundamental properties.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review D·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2023

Study reveals long-debated makeup of the molecules that help organize your cells

A new study from the University of Chicago has laid out the internal structure of polyelectrolyte complexes, a special kind of molecular assembly that helps cells keep themselves organized. The researchers used a combination of simulations and neutron scattering to determine the precise structure of these molecules, which could lead to...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2023

Pusan National University researchers build a numerical algorithm to study continuous ice-breaking

Researchers at Pusan National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict ice resistance and fracture points for ships navigating through the Arctic shipping routes. The model uses an elastic material approach, allowing it to study continuous ice-breaking processes, which is essential for efficient navigation.

SourcePusan National University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2023

New possibilities in the theoretical prediction of particle interactions

A team of scientists at Mainz University has developed a method to efficiently compute a new class of Feynman integrals associated with Calabi–Yau geometries. This allows for high-precision theoretical predictions of particle interactions and better understanding of their mathematical structure.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2023

Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

Researchers propose a novel approach to analyzing microplastic particles, highlighting the importance of particle size and shape in determining environmental impact. Studies show that even samples with similar numbers of particles can have varying levels of plastic pollution based on mass, volume, and specific surface area.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateFeb 28, 2023

Amplified search for new forces

A team of researchers has developed an amplification technique to study a parity-violating interaction between spins mediated by a hypothetical Z' boson. The setup, called SAPPHIRE, uses polarized rubidium and xenon atoms to increase sensitivity five orders of magnitude, setting new constraints on the strength of this interaction.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Researchers achieve the first observation of de Broglie-Mackinnon wave packets by exploiting loophole in 1980’s-era laser physics theorem

University of Central Florida researchers observed de Broglie-Mackinnon wave packets, a long-standing theoretical concept, by exploiting a loophole in 1980's-era laser physics theorem. The team's use of space-time wave packets, which resist stretching in dispersive media, verifies predicted properties and opens the path to studying top...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Astral alchemy

Scientists successfully synthesized the elusive Λ(1405) particle and measured its complex mass, revealing a temporary bound state of a K- meson and proton. The findings may provide insights into the interior of ultra-dense neutron stars and the early formation of the Universe.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysics Letters B·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Coarse sea spray keeps lightning strikes away

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that coarse sea spray significantly reduces the amount of lightning in storm clouds. The study found that aerosols larger than 1 micron, or coarse sea spray, inhibit lightning by up to 90%, while smaller aerosols actually increase lightning and affect rainfall.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 8, 2022

Study proposes mathematical tool to help understand fractal structure of quark-gluon plasma

A new study proposes a mathematical tool to understand the fractal structure of quark-gluon plasma, which is formed in high-energy collisions. The fractal structure explains some phenomena seen in these collisions, including particle momentum distributions that follow Tsallis statistics.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJun 6, 2022

Physicists elucidate connection between symmetry and Mott physics in step towards understanding high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers at University of Illinois discover key connection between symmetry and Mott physics, providing new insight into high-temperature superconductivity. They found that breaking a hidden symmetry destroys Fermi liquids, implying that all models of Mott insulators must break this particle-hole symmetry.

Constraining quantum measurement

Physicists investigate the act of measuring a quantum particle, revealing that non-linear models can reconcile quantum behavior with classical measurement outcomes. The study sheds light on the elusive crossover between quantum physics and the everyday world.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Getting up to speed on the proton

Physicists have developed a groundbreaking theory, LaMET, to calculate the quark and gluon structure of protons traveling at the speed of light. This breakthrough resolves limitations in existing lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) theories, allowing for predictions on proton structure that can be tested by future experiments.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateOct 6, 2021

Quantum mechanics affects light emission

Researchers found that quantum mechanics' influence on particles affects light emission, demonstrating wavefunction collapse and altering interference patterns. The study sheds new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon, revealing a direct connection between light emission and quantum entanglement.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2021

Particle physics: Will muons lead us towards a new physics?

A new theoretical calculation of the muon magnetic moment has reduced the discrepancy with experimental measurements, but sparks debate on the standard model's fate. The calculation, involving CNRS physicists, used precise measurements made with electron-positron colliders and European supercomputers.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2021

The muon's magnetic moment fits just fine

Researchers estimated muon's magnetic field strength using a fully verified theory independent of experimental measurements. The result aligns with the standard model of particle physics, suggesting no need for new physics to explain the phenomenon.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2021