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HZB researchers are used to boost the efficiency of silicon solar cells

Researchers at HZB integrated a thin layer of singlet fission-capable tetracene crystals into a silicon solar cell, successfully generating two pairs of charge carriers simultaneously. This breakthrough increases the quantum efficiency to 200 percent and brings the theoretical efficiency limit closer to 40 percent.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateOct 4, 2018

ICESat-2 laser fires for first time, measures Antarctic height

ICESat-2 successfully fired its laser for the first time, sending photons to measure Antarctic height and detecting small changes in planet's ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice. The mission will continue with procedures to optimize the instrument, aiming to start getting excellent science-quality data within a month after launch.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 3, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists discover new nursery for superpowered photons

Researchers have found a new source of high-energy photons in the cosmos: a microquasar located in our galaxy. The gamma rays emitted by this system are among the most energetic ever observed and were detected using the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Gamma-Ray Observatory.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

Elusive origin of stellar geysers revealed by 3D simulations

Astrophysicists use 3D simulations to explain how luminous blue variables launch material into space through intense light and turbulent motion. The study sheds light on the violent mood swings of rare, massive stars that can shed billions of metric tons of material annually.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2018

Shen leads team seeking to improve quantum computation

A team of scientists, led by Dr. Shen, is working on developing a two-photon controlled-phase logic gate, an essential building block for optical quantum information. The team aims to overcome the difficulty in manipulating photons and create a fundamental component for photonic quantum computation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateSep 24, 2018

Researchers managed to prevent the disappearing of quantum information

Researchers at University of Turku and University of Science and Technology of China have successfully controlled the flow of quantum information into the environment, preventing its disappearance. This breakthrough has significant implications for basic research and the development of quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2018

Enhanced 3D imaging poised to advance treatments for brain diseases

PySight improves rapid 2D and 3D imaging of the brain with high spatiotemporal resolution, enabling scientists to better understand brain dynamics and discover new treatments. The open-source software integrates with state-of-the-art hardware, overcoming technical barriers to continuous 3D imaging.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateSep 13, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Just seven photons can act like billions

Researchers created a system with just seven photons and found that phase transitions occur in these small systems, allowing for the study of quantum properties. This discovery has potential applications in measurement or sensing, as well as exploring properties at the smallest scale when phase transitions occur.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 10, 2018

Superradiance: Quantum effect detected in tiny diamonds

Researchers at TU Wien have measured the phenomenon of superradiance in tiny diamond defects, where one atom causes other atoms to emit energy as light. This creates an intense flash of quantum light that happens within 100 nanoseconds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 3, 2018

Light exchange

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully demonstrated a logic gate that enables the exchange of information between photons and atoms, a breakthrough necessary for scaling up quantum computers. This achievement paves the way for the development of more powerful quantum computing systems.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 3, 2018
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.

Researchers achieve multifunctional solid-state quantum memory

The team developed a multi-degree-of-freedom multiplexed solid-state quantum memory with high multimode capacity and demonstrated photon pulse operation functions with time and frequency DOFs. The device enables coherent manipulation of quantum states and can serve as a quantum mode converter with high fidelity.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2018

Making light work of quantum computing

A University of Queensland researcher led an international study to develop a programmable machine that can accomplish various tasks using reprogrammed settings, resulting in exponential changes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 20, 2018

Light from ancient quasars helps confirm quantum entanglement

Researchers used light from distant quasars to determine measurements on pairs of entangled photons, finding correlations that exceeded Bell's original limit for a classically based mechanism. This strengthens the case for quantum entanglement and restricts options for the freedom-of-choice loophole.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

SERSitive: New substrates make it possible to routinely detect one molecule in a million

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland have developed new substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) that guarantee signal enhancement and repeatability. These substrates enable the routine detection of small amounts of chemical compounds, including organic molecules and specific bacteria.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2018

Clearer vision of the biochemical reaction that allows us to see

Researchers propose a refined approximation of the photo-excitation equation that describes the effect of photons on rhodopsin protein in eyes. The study has implications for other molecules, like azobenzene, and demonstrates tunnelling process to populate excited states.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 31, 2018

Demon in the details of quantum thermodynamics

Researchers have discovered that using information to extract work on a quantum scale is possible, but it comes with a catch: some information may be lost in the process. Quantum backaction allows researchers to measure particles without fully collapsing their superposition states, resulting in negative information.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 25, 2018

Ytterbium: The quantum memory of tomorrow

Researchers at UNIGE have discovered ytterbium, a rare earth element that can store and protect quantum information even at high frequencies. The material's properties make it an ideal candidate for future quantum networks, where the aim is to propagate signals over long distances by acting as repeaters.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

Microscopic trampoline may help create networks of quantum computers

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST have developed a device that converts microwave energy into laser light, crucial for sending quantum signals. The team's innovation could one day enable huge networks of quantum computers to communicate efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 16, 2018

Faster photons could enable total data security

The team has generated rapid single-photon light pulses, which cannot be intercepted without disturbing them. This enables secure data transfer using light passed along fibre optic cables, making it ideal for environments where security is paramount.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 16, 2018

RIT researcher develops new solar sailing technology for NASA

A Rochester Institute of Technology researcher has developed a new solar sailing technology using diffractive metafilm materials that could propel spacecraft more efficiently and reduce overheating. The new material can steer reflected or transmitted photons for near-Earth, interplanetary, and interstellar space travel.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJul 16, 2018

MAGIC telescopes trace origin of a rare cosmic neutrino

Astrophysicists have localized a high-energy cosmic neutrino originating outside the Milky Way to a blazar in the Orion constellation using MAGIC telescopes and IceCube detector. The observation provides insight into the origin of cosmic rays, which are believed to be accelerated by protons in the blazar's jets.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Physics·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Implanting diamonds with flaws offers key technology for quantum communications

Princeton researchers successfully implant diamonds with silicon vacancies to create a quantum repeater, enabling the transmission of fragile quantum information over long distances. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-secure communication networks and new quantum computers solving complex problems.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2018

A milestone on the path towards efficient solar cells

Researchers at FAU and ANSER Center investigate singlet fission mechanism, gaining insights into its potential for increasing solar cell efficiency. They find that SF efficiency correlates with the coupling of molecular sub-units, providing a promising approach to boost performance.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalChem·DateJun 27, 2018

Photon loss won't hurt in quantum sampling, USTC researchers find

Boson sampling with photons faces major obstacle due to unavoidable photon loss, but researchers from USTC have confirmed experimentally that lost photons still produce useful output. This discovery allows for exponentially faster sampling rates and brings demonstration of quantum supremacy closer to reality.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

The photoelectric effect in stereo

A team of physicists has measured a tiny time difference in the ejection of an electron from a molecule depending on its position. The researchers used attosecond laser pulses to study the photoelectric effect in carbon monoxide molecules, achieving precise measurements of the Wigner time delay and electron localization.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2018

When photons spice up the energy levels of quantum particles

A team of mathematical physicists has developed a new theoretical calculation that predicts new possible states for quantum particles that have received a photon. These states are distinct from conventional coherent states and can be applied to various models satisfying shape-invariance conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 19, 2018

Detecting the birth and death of a phonon

Researchers create method to detect individual phonons, enabling study of phonon decay and its implications for quantum technologies. The technique uses ultra-short laser pulses to excite and probe phonons in diamond crystals.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2018
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.

Quarks feel the pressure in the proton

Scientists at Jefferson Lab measured the pressure distribution inside a proton for the first time, revealing a pressure cooker environment. The results show that quarks are subjected to a high outward-directed pressure near the center of the proton.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateMay 16, 2018

Entangled atoms shine in unison

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully demonstrated fully-controlled free-space quantum interference of single photons emitted by a pair of effectively-separated entangled atoms. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for building quantum computers and measuring physical properties with unprecedented precision.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 2018

Nature publishes the results of the global experiment The Big Bell test

The Big Bell Test project, which involved over 100,000 participants worldwide, confirmed the predictions of quantum physics by overcoming Bell's limit. This achievement demonstrated the power of global networks in cutting-edge scientific research and paved the way for secure communications that are impossible to intercept.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2018
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.

The BIG Bell Test

The BIG Bell Test challenged Einstein's principle of local realism by using human input to close a paradox known as the freedom-of-choice loophole. Participants contributed over 90 million bits, determining how entangled atoms and particles were measured in twelve laboratories worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature·DateMay 10, 2018

The big bell test

The BIG Bell Test challenged Einstein's local realism by using human volunteers' unpredictable choices to close a stubborn loophole. Participants contributed over 90 million bits, demonstrating strong disagreement with local realism and introducing new methods in entanglement study.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 9, 2018

Scientists observe stronger-than-binary correlations with entangled photonic qutrits

Researchers have observed stronger-than-binary correlations in quantum mechanics for the first time, utilizing three-dimensional entangled photon sources. The experiment, conducted 8 meters apart, demonstrates the existence of such correlations, which could lead to a deeper understanding of fundamental problems in quantum theory.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 8, 2018
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.

Picking one photon out of the flow

Scientists at University of Southern Denmark create photonic quantum memory allowing manipulation of light on nonlinear level. They successfully demonstrate novel method to subtract a single photon from an optical beam, enabling future applications in quantum information science.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2018

Can we tell black holes apart?

Astronomers used computer simulations to create images of accreting supermassive black holes in different gravity theories. They found that even highly non-Einsteinian black holes could mimic the appearance of standard black holes, highlighting the need for new techniques to distinguish them.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Physicists reveal material for high-speed quantum internet

Researchers discover silicon carbide as a promising material for single-photon emission, enabling high-speed quantum internet. This breakthrough could guarantee unconditionally secure data communication lines forever.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateMar 21, 2018

Physicists made crystal lattice from polaritons

Physicists at ITMO University and University of Sheffield created a polariton crystal lattice with adjustable geometry. The lattice's properties can be modified, allowing for the study of quantum effects and potential applications in optical computing.

SourceITMO University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 20, 2018

Controlled coupling of light and matter

Researchers have successfully harnessed the power of quantum mechanics by controlling the interaction between light and matter at room temperature. By using plasmonic nanoresonators to concentrate electromagnetic energy, they enabled the re-absorption of photons by quantum emitters with high probability.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 5, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cartoon coyote's fall inspires development of new properties of silicon

Scientists have discovered a way to control the flow of terahertz photons using ordinary computer chips, which could lead to faster computers and higher bandwidth communications. The method uses a 'coyote time' effect, where the molecule doesn't know its energy after the first photon hits, allowing for more efficient switching.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2018

Quantum optics: Attosecond pulses break into atomic interior

Researchers at the Laboratory for Attosecond Physics have successfully observed non-linear interaction of an attosecond pulse with electrons in one of the inner orbital shells around the atomic nucleus. This breakthrough was made possible by the development of a novel source of attosecond pulses.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalOptica·DateFeb 27, 2018

Developing reliable quantum computers

A team of researchers has developed a statistical approach to identify characteristic signatures across unmeasurable probability distributions in quantum computers. This breakthrough could help predict the behavior of photons in optical arrangements and differentiate between various particle types, bringing us closer to solving the cer...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 22, 2018
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.

Physicists create new form of light

Researchers observe groups of three photons interacting, forming a new kind of photonic matter. The bound photons acquire mass and travel slower than non-interacting photons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 15, 2018

New hole-punched crystal clears a path for quantum light

Researchers at the University of Maryland created a photonic chip that generates single photons and steers them around bends in the road. The device mitigates issues by rethinking crystal hole shapes and patterns, ensuring reliable transit for individual photons.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateFeb 15, 2018

New technique can capture images of ultrafast energy-time entangled photon pairs

Scientists at the University of Waterloo have captured the first images of ultrafast photons that are energy-time entangled, enabling direct applications for quantum cryptography and communication protocols. This technique will allow for establishing highly secure communication channels over long distances.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2018

Extremely bright and fast light emission

Researchers discovered that caesium lead halide nanocrystals emit light at room temperature after just one nanosecond, making them faster and brighter than other quantum dots. This is due to their unique excited energy state, which allows for immediate light emission, unlike traditional quantum dots that rely on a dark state.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018
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.

Quantum 'spooky action at a distance' becoming practical

A team of researchers has successfully tested quantum nonlocality in the presence of photon loss using quantum teleportation. They demonstrated that entangled photons can still be verified even when many are lost during transmission, enabling the development of secure global quantum information networks.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2018

Exploring the realistic nature of the wave function in quantum mechanics

Researchers propose a new interpretation of quantum mechanics, where the wave function represents a real existence rather than a mathematical description. This idea is demonstrated through an encounter-delayed-choice experiment, showing that a quantum object can exhibit both particle and wave behavior depending on the measurement.

SourceScience China Press·DateJan 4, 2018

Using the dark side of excitons for quantum computing

Dark excitons, bound pairs of an electron and hole, can store information in their spin state, but reading their spins is hard due to lack of light emission. New experiments overcome this by introducing a microlens that captures more photons, enabling researchers to detect dark exciton spins more efficiently.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateDec 20, 2017