Two, six, many
Researchers at Heidelberg University observed a phase transition with six atoms, showing signatures of a superfluid state. This finding reveals the emergence of collective behavior in microscopic systems.
Phase Transitions
Articles tagged with Phase Transitions
Tetrahedra may explain water 's uniqueness
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have found evidence of a critical point based on the cooperative formation of tetrahedra in supercooled water. This discovery suggests that water's anomalies, such as its maximum density and large heat capacity, originate from the two-state feature, rather than criticality.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020
Scientists explored optimal shapes of thermal energy storages
Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University studied the correlation between TES shape and efficiency, finding that straight walls are often preferred but can vary depending on specific criteria. The study also explored the potential of integrating TES with other energy accumulators, such as adiabatic compressed air storages.
Building walls that will make summer heat waves more bearable
A research team from KIST has developed a new material that can reduce heat penetration through building walls. By applying phase change materials with bubble injections, the indoor temperature can be suppressed and the cooling load of the building can be lowered.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateSep 28, 2020
New on/off functionality for fast, sensitive, ultra-small technologies
A research team at Osaka University developed an ultra-small actuator with unparalleled sensitivity, fast on/off response, and nanometer-scale precision. The actuator uses a phase transition in vanadium oxide crystals to achieve high accuracy and speed, revolutionizing micro-robotics and advanced technologies.
AI used to show how hydrogen becomes a metal inside giant planets
Researchers used AI and quantum mechanics to study dense metallic hydrogen, finding a smooth and gradual transformation from molecular to atomic phases. The discovery resolves long-standing debates on the nature of dense hydrogen and has implications for understanding giant gas planets.
Atomistic modelling probes the behavior of matter at the center of Jupiter
Researchers used artificial neural networks to simulate hydrogen's phase transitions at high pressures and temperatures, challenging previous assumptions. The study suggests a smooth transition between insulating and metallic layers in giant gas planets, reconciling existing discrepancies between lab and modeling experiments.
Direct observation of desorption of a melt of long polymer chains
Researchers have successfully observed the desorption of long polymer chains from a surface, classifying it as a first-order phase transition. This breakthrough study uses fast scanning calorimetry to measure heat exchange and characterizes the elusive adsorption/desorption transition.
Liquid sulfur changes shape and goes critic under pressure
Scientists at ESRF discover new type of critical point in liquid sulfur, allowing for better understanding of liquid-to-liquid transitions and their applications. This breakthrough could open doors to studying the complexity of other important systems like water.
Looking at linkers helps to join the dots
Researchers discovered a phase transition in quantum dot films, where conductivity increases when linker molecules replace long capping molecules. This breakthrough could lead to better solar panels and digital displays.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJul 9, 2020
Bumblebee habitats and diets change over their lifecycle
A study tracked queen bumblebees' movements as they established nests, revealing changes in habitat selection and diet preferences. The findings suggest that diversified landscapes support bumblebee colonies by meeting their changing needs during different phases of their lifecycle.
Dirac electrons come back to life in magic-angle graphene
Researchers discovered a high-energy parent state with unusual symmetry breaking in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene, leading to the revival of Dirac electrons. The system exhibits asymmetric electronic compressibility and phase transitions near integer fillings.
SUTD-led research powers longer lasting rechargeable batteries
Researchers from SUTD have developed a new material that increases the lifespan of rechargeable batteries using sodium ion technology. The breakthrough addresses the global shortage of lithium resources and enhances energy density, enabling more efficient power supplies for electronic products.
Orbital ordering triggers nucleation-growth behavior of electrons in an inorganic solid
A new study by Waseda University researchers found that orbital ordering in a vanadate compound exhibits a clear nucleation-growth behavior. The team discovered two soft phases similar to vapor and water, with surface tension between the phases, a phenomenon never observed before in electron-based phase transitions.
USTC has made significant progress in many-body simulation based on Rydberg atoms
The research team successfully simulated the non-equilibrium phase transition of Rydberg atoms, revealing previously unobserved optical response and time-domain spectral properties. The findings are predicted by the forest fire model, offering a new approach to study the basic physics of many-body dynamics.
NUS researchers develop novel device to improve performance of underactive bladders
The NUS team created a soft and thin sensor that monitors bladder volume continuously, while an actuator equipped with a shape memory alloy spring clears the bladder. The device can effectively empty between 70 to 100 per cent of the bladder, comparable to current intermittent catheterisation treatment.
Researchers discover pressure-induced polyamorphism in dense SO2
Scientists found pressure-induced amorphization and reversible structural transformations in sulfur dioxide under extreme conditions. The researchers discovered a phase transition from molecular to polymeric amorphous forms of SO2, shedding light on a poorly understood phenomenon in condensed matter physics.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020
Machine learning puts a new spin on spin models
A team of researchers used machine learning to study complex spin models, revealing key similarities between distinct phases. By training an AI on one model and applying it to another, they found that the algorithm could correctly classify phases and identify temperature transitions.
Machine learning illuminates material's hidden order
Physicists used a combination of ultrasound and machine learning to study uranium ruthenium silicide's phase transition at 17.5 kelvin. The machine-learning algorithm eliminated over half of the possible explanations, providing new insights into the material's behavior.
Columbia team discovers new way to control the phase of light using 2D materials
Researchers develop a new method to manipulate light's phase without changing its amplitude, reducing optical loss and electrical power consumption. This breakthrough enables the scaling of photonic circuits and reduces power dissipation in applications like LIDAR and neural circuits.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 24, 2020
Something from nothing: Using waste heat to power electronics
A University of Tsukuba-led research team created a thermocell with a material exhibiting temperature-induced phase transition, boosting output voltage from tens of millivolts to around 120 mV. This design enables efficient energy harvesting from waste heat to power small electronics sustainably.
Showing how the tiniest particles in our universe saved us from complete annihilation
A team of researchers proposes that gravitational waves could be evidence of a phase transition in the early universe, allowing for neutrino particles to reshuffle matter and anti-matter. This imbalance is thought to have prevented a complete annihilation of matter and anti-matter.
SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 3, 2020
The Atlantic Ocean fingerprint on the climate of the Middle East
A study revealed a North Atlantic-Middle East teleconnection that influences Middle East summer temperatures, with ocean-atmosphere interactions driving the variability. The connection involves AMV, a low-frequency fluctuation of basin-wide anomalously warm and cold phases.
SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJan 30, 2020
Imprinted color patterns
Chinese researchers create an azopolymer that allows light-induced nanoimprinting at room temperature, overcoming heat-dependent issues in traditional photolithography. The technique enables the creation of structurally colored surfaces and has potential applications in nanofabrication and electronics industry.
ENSO heat engine shifts eastward under global warming
The ENSO heat engine is shifting eastward under global warming, leading to changes in global climate variations during ENSO years. This shift may also accelerate the decay of El Niño events after their peak phase, shortening their duration.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 8, 2020
Applying physics principle yields grim prediction on hurricane destruction in an era
A physicist has developed a new model predicting the increased destructive power of hurricanes as water temperatures rise. The model is based on a physics principle and suggests that the destructive power of Atlantic hurricanes off Africa could reach three times their current level if water temperatures increase by 2 degrees Celsius.
Novel material switches between electrically conducting and insulating states
Researchers have designed a novel material exhibiting a metal-insulator transition near 600 degrees Celsius, revealing its potential for high-temperature sensors and power electronics. The discovery could inform the design of quantum materials platforms for future electronics.
Designer lens helps see the big picture
Researchers at KAUST have developed a novel method for quantitative phase and intensity imaging in microscopy, overcoming limitations of existing techniques. This new approach enables high-resolution images to be acquired quickly and accurately using affordable optics and common light sources.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 20, 2019
Rising grain prices in response to phased climatic change during 1736-1850 in the North China Plain
A recent study analyzed climate change impacts on grain price anomalies in the NCP during 1736-1850. Grain prices increased significantly with climatic transition, and were negatively correlated with precipitation levels.
Disordered proteins become stable, 'super-sticky' materials
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new method to create stable IDP-based materials by controlling environmental triggers. This allows researchers to harness the phase transition properties of IDPs to build novel materials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
How long does memory last? For shape memory alloys, the longer the better
Researchers found that rapidly cooled copper-based shape memory alloys performed better than slowly cooled samples due to the formation of nickel-rich dots. This discovery could lead to more energy-efficient HVAC and refrigeration systems using heat pumping technology.
Longest coral reef survey to date reveals major changes in Australia's Great Barrier Reef
A new study reveals major changes in Australia's Great Barrier Reef over the past 91 years, with intertidal communities experiencing significant declines in species richness and diversity. The research highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to track changes in community structure and coral abundance.
At the edge of chaos, powerful new electronics could be created
Scientists at the University of Groningen observed a phenomenon in ferroelastic material barium titanate that resembles spatial chaos in non-linear dynamical systems. This could lead to highly diverse responses in adaptable neuromorphic electronics, enabling complex computing.
A new 'golden' age for electronics?
Scientists at Nagoya University have created materials with negative thermal expansion, which can compensate for the expansion of components during heating and cooling cycles. This reduces stresses and increases component lifetime, making them ideal for use in electronics.
Applying the Goldilocks principle to DNA structure
Researchers at UC San Diego discover a gel-like state of DNA that enables stability and responsiveness in the nucleus. The study suggests a physical principle of chromosomal organization with implications for gene expression and cell fate.
Developing a new type of refrigeration via force-driven liquid gas transition
Researchers developed a new type of refrigeration using a nanosponge, a soft material with tiny pores, to replace hydrofluorocarbons. The team successfully carried out a force-driven liquid-to-gas phase transition, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Phase transitions: The math behind the music
A physics professor at Case Western Reserve University has developed a theory that explains how basic ordered patterns emerge in music using statistical mechanics. The theory reveals that the same principles guiding physical systems also govern musical harmony, shedding new light on the fundamental structure of music.
New structural phase transition may broaden the applicability of photo-responsive solids
A team of scientists at Waseda University has discovered a new type of structural phase transition in an organic crystal that can be triggered by light. This finding may broaden the applicability of photo-responsive solids and enable the development of next-generation actuators that can be controlled remotely using light.
A fascinating phase transition: From one liquid state to another
A team at The University of Tokyo has described a rare phenomenon called liquid-to-liquid phase transitions in pure substances. The study found that a liquid made of one type of molecule can switch between liquid and glassy states, offering a novel way to control transport properties.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019
Breakthrough nanoscience discovery made on flight from New York to Jerusalem
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Cornell University discovered that magic-size nanoclusters can change their internal structure in a single step, like molecules do during isomerization. This finding bridges the gap between small-scale molecular isomerization and large-scale phase transitions.
Merging neutron stars
Research groups calculate the signature of a phase transition in gravitational waves emitted by merging neutron stars, which could reveal the presence of quark matter. A phase transition may occur when densities exceed atomic nuclei and temperatures reach 10,000 times those in the Sun's core.
Phase transition dynamics in two-dimensional materials
The study reveals that using a metallic substrate with higher chemical reactivity can significantly increase the phase transition yield of 2D-TMD materials. This method enables the easy achievement of structural phase transitions and opens possibilities for new device applications such as low contact resistance electrodes.
A high-performance material at extremely low temperatures: High-entropy alloy
A high-performance material has been discovered, exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties at extremely low temperatures. The CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy shows a high ultimate tensile strength of 1.26 GPa and elongation to failure of 62% at 4.2 K.
Data storage using individual molecules
Physicists from the University of Basel created a network with pores about one nanometer in size and controlled the physical state of individual Xenon gas atoms between solid and liquid by temperature and electrical pulses. The study paves the way for the development of new, smaller data storage devices.
Disorder plays a key role in phase transitions of materials
Researchers used a new technique to examine the crystal structure of Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) and found that atomic motions during phase transitions are disordered, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of complex materials such as high-temperature superconductors.
Atomic path from insulator to metal messier than thought
Scientists have studied vanadium dioxide's ultrafast phase transition, revealing that atomic motions are unpredictable and occur independently of each other. This discovery lays the groundwork for advances in computer hardware and could lead to breakthroughs in controlling material behavior.
Rosen becomes UT Southwestern's first Allen Distinguished Investigator
Dr. Michael Rosen, a leading biophysicist, has been recognized as UT Southwestern's first Allen Distinguished Investigator. His research focuses on protein phase transitions and biomolecular condensates in the cell nucleus.
When light, not heat, causes melting
Scientists observed a material's phase change when triggered by ultrafast laser light instead of temperature change. The process generates topological defects and affects electron dynamics. Researchers can potentially use this phenomenon for data storage systems using controlled light pulses.
A new brain-inspired architecture could improve how computers handle data and advance AI
Researchers at IBM developed a new computer architecture with co-located memory and processing, significantly outperforming conventional computers. This brain-inspired design achieved 200 times faster performance in machine learning tasks.
Unusual rare earth compound opens doorway to new class of functional materials
Scientists at Ames Laboratory have discovered a rare-earth intermetallic with an unusual magnetoelastic transition that displays a sharp magnetic phase change, giant magnetocaloric effect, and no hysteresis. This discovery has the potential to lead to the development of new materials for applications like magnetic refrigeration.
Putting a quantum gas through its phases
Scientists at ETH Zurich develop a controlled quantum system with two coupled order parameters, enabling the creation of diverse phase diagrams and exploring complex interactions. The platform provides a unique tool for studying technologically relevant materials and simulating their properties.
Study provides insight into the physics of the Higgs particle
Physicists at the University of Bonn have succeeded in putting a superconducting gas into an exotic state that allows new insights into the properties of the Higgs particle. The experiments also reveal a way to switch superconductivity on and off very quickly, opening up new applications for superconductors.
From face recognition to phase recognition
Scientists have developed a neural network that can recognize features in x-ray absorption spectra sensitive to atomic arrangement at fine scales. This method helps reveal details of atomic-scale rearrangements during iron's phase transition, and could be applied to study nanoparticles, catalytic materials, and other materials.
Insulator-metal transition at the nanoscale
Scientists discovered defects play a crucial role in initiating phase transitions from insulators to metals. The study also reveals an intermediate state formed during transformation, challenging previous assumptions of two-state transitions.
Research reveals how order first appears in liquid crystals
Chemists at Brown University have developed a method to detect the intermediate state in liquid crystals, where order starts to form in discrete patches. This breakthrough could provide insights into slow molecular motion in various natural phenomena, such as Alzheimer's disease and protein tangles.
From insulator to conductor in a flash
Researchers have developed a method to rapidly transition strongly correlated materials from insulators to conductors using tailored laser pulses. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of next-generation electronics that are faster and more energy efficient.
Mirror, mirror
Researchers have confirmed the existence of the charge Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition, a mirror-like phenomenon to vortex BKT transitions. The discovery builds on earlier work and could lead to breakthroughs in sensors, communication, memory storage, and other technologies.
Arvind Kalidindi and Christopher A. Schuh awarded 2017 JMR Paper of the Year
Researchers Arvind Kalidindi and Christopher A. Schuh developed a Monte Carlo-based simulation to determine the minimum free energy state of nanocrystalline alloys. They produced equilibrium phase diagrams for these alloys, shedding light on grain size changes with temperature.
Robotic crystals that walk n' roll
Scientists at Waseda University have developed robotic crystals that walk slowly like an inchworm and roll 20,000 times faster than its walking speed. These autonomously moving crystals have great potential as material for soft robots in the medical field, particularly for microrobots that transport substances in the microscopic region.
Vanadium dioxyde: A revolutionary material for tomorrow's electronics
Researchers have discovered a way to harness vanadium dioxide's unique properties for ultra-low-power electronic devices. By adding germanium to the material, they can lift its phase change temperature to over 100°C, enabling new technologies in space communication, neuromorphic computing, and autonomous vehicles.