Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Opposites interfere

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science observe oscillating interference pattern between two identical quantum particles, proving quantum theory's predictions. The particles' actions are inextricably tied due to entanglement, even when separated by distance.

Nanotube flickering reveals single-molecule rendezvous

Researchers used nanotechnology to study exciton mobility on carbon nanotubes, revealing that each excition travels about 90 nanometers and visits some 10,000 carbon atoms during its lifespan. The unique properties of carbon nanotubes made them an ideal system for observing single-molecule reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2007

A single-photon server with just one atom

Researchers have developed a system that uses a single trapped atom to generate high-quality single photons, which can be controlled and made indistinguishable for quantum computing. The 'single-photon server' has the potential to revolutionize quantum information processing by enabling deterministic atom-photon entanglement experiments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 12, 2007

Artificial atoms make microwave photons countable

Using artificial atoms on a chip, Yale physicists have successfully detected and stored individual microwave photons, bringing quantum mechanics to a larger scale. This breakthrough enables the creation of new types of quantum machines that can exponentially speed up computations in cryptography, quantum physics, and chemistry.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2007

A boost for solar cells with photon fusion

Researchers develop innovative process to combine low-energy photons in sunlight into higher-energy shortwave photons, boosting solar cells' efficiency. This breakthrough could enable the use of previously lost light energy, leading to a significant increase in solar cell efficiency.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2006

LANL/NIST team sends quantum encryption 'keys' over record distances

Scientists from LANL, NIST and Albion College generated and transmitted secret quantum keys over 184.6 km of fiber-optic cable, setting a new record distance for quantum key distribution. The team used innovative sensors to detect single photons, improving the security of quantum encryption and paving the way for practical applications.

Research paper illuminates how light pushes atoms

Kurt Gibble's paper analyzes the speed of an atom after absorbing a photon of light and shows that photons in narrow laser beams deliver less momentum than those in wide beams. This discovery has implications for atomic clocks, which use microwaves to achieve high accuracy, potentially allowing them to be even more precise.

Hidden structure revealed in characteristics of transistor laser

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered significant structure in the current-voltage characteristics of a transistor laser, allowing them to study the elusive electronic structure. The research enables the development of transistor lasers that can operate at different speeds for various commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 6, 2006

Physicists demonstrate storage and retrieval of single photons between remote memories

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have successfully stored and retrieved single photons between remote quantum memories composed of rubidium atoms. This breakthrough demonstrates the storage of light-based information in matter, a necessary step for transmitting quantum information long distances through optical fibers.

Atoms under control

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have cooled single rubidium atoms in an optical resonator for up to 17 seconds, a record-breaking achievement. This milestone demonstrates the potential of atomic manipulation for quantum computing applications.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 11, 2005

Pitt and Bell Labs researchers send 'heavy photons' over world-record distances

Researchers from Pitt and Bell Labs have successfully created a two-dimensional semiconductor structure that allows excitons to exist longer and travel farther than previously recorded. This breakthrough could lead to the development of excitonic circuits for optical communication, enabling photons to be converted directly into excitons.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 21, 2005

Photons under control

Scientists at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics create single photons by trapping a calcium ion between two mirrors, allowing for controlled emission. The device enables user-controlled photon emission time and shape, paving the way for quantum information processing.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2004

UK scientist gambles on gravitational waves

Professor Jim Hough of the University of Glasgow believes that gravitational waves will be detected in the near future due to advancements in instrument technology. The UK's GEO 600 device has shown promising results, and its innovations are being considered by LIGO for implementation.

Physics tip sheet #42

Researchers have developed a technique to improve electromagnetic signal transmission in complex environments using time reversal, which may enhance cell phone communications. Additionally, studying competition dynamics in noisy systems reveals that flexible competitors can increase their prosperity by adjusting their adaptation rate. ...

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 24, 2004