Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Toronto physicists identify ‘octupolar’ magnetism, with implications for quantum technologies

Physicists at University of Toronto have identified 'octupolar' magnetism, a complex form of magnetism with eight poles, using light to probe atomic vibrations. This discovery opens up new avenues for quantum technology development, including controllable memory elements and computing devices.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2026

Vast hidden network discovered in the simplest quantum interaction: SNU–University of Seoul team develops a new graph theory unifying quantum coupling regimes

Researchers developed a unified graph theory framework to describe atom-light interactions across regimes, revealing a vast and intricate network of quantum states. The framework uses a magnetic Laplacian metric to compress complexity into a single number, replacing fragmented approaches for different coupling strengths.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2026

Quantum device simulates matter popping into existence

A research team at the Duke Quantum Center has observed string-breaking dynamics related to particle-antiparticle formation on a quantum simulator. The experiment emulates a phenomenon where two connected fundamental building blocks of matter stretch apart, creating new particles when the connection snaps.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2026

Toward scalable quantum networks: An efficient and practical approach to secure quantum conferencing

The study presents an asynchronous measurement-device-independent quantum cryptographic conferencing protocol that overcomes scalability challenges in conventional protocols. The protocol enables the generation of secure keys at higher rates, making it suitable for larger-scale quantum networks.

SourceNanjing University School of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2026

What kills Schrödinger’s cat?

An underground experiment has tested a theory linking gravity to quantum decoherence, ruling out a pioneering model. The Gran Sasso National Laboratory provided an ideal environment to detect subtle fluctuations predicted by the theory, but no signal was detected, shedding light on the interplay between gravity and quantum mechanics.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Quantum entanglement on a chip reaches audio frequency

Researchers from Shanxi University and Nanjing University demonstrate two-mode squeezed light in the audio-frequency band on a chip, achieving quantum entanglement between generated optical modes. The system enables stable quadrature measurements across multiple frequency channels, paving the way for future chip-scale quantum sensors a...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

New device design could miniaturize photonics, quantum technologies

Researchers create powerful optical device with layered semiconductor and metasurface, enhancing nonlinear frequency conversion and enabling efficient light mixing and transformation. The device has potential applications in telecommunications, quantum communication, and photonic quantum computing.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Magnetic fields put a new spin on surface chemistry

A groundbreaking study reveals that electron spin influences chemical reactions at surfaces, and controlling spin orientation with magnetic fields can dramatically change reaction rates. The study demonstrates the potential for spin-based control of surface chemistry, opening up new possibilities for selective catalysis and reactivity.

Scientists observe Einstein’s gravity in the quantum world

An international team has observed a distinctive change in the quantum properties of atoms as they fell under gravity, measuring a tiny difference in quantum phase accumulated while one was falling and the other was held still. This result provides an experimental connection between quantum physics and Einstein's theory of gravity.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 2, 2026

Bright ideas accelerate the hunt for quantum emitters

Researchers from the University of Osaka have developed a prediction framework that rapidly evaluates promising quantum materials without sacrificing accuracy. The framework enables the evaluation of optical losses using simplified theoretical expressions, making searches much more tractable.

SourceThe University of Osaka·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2026

A new kind of polymer with two faces and a twist

A team from the University of Osaka has created a new family of chiral semiconducting polymers that can generate highly spin-polarized electric currents. The polymers' unique molecular structure enhances the material's ability to selectively transmit electrons with a particular spin orientation, paving the way for future energy-efficie...

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Light engines in the quantum world

Physicists at the University of Basel have developed a theoretical approach to reconcile thermodynamics and quantum physics. By using a miniature heat engine in a cavity, they can absorb and emit light particles, creating a

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2026

Researchers generate quantum entanglement using sunlight

Scientists have demonstrated that quantum entanglement between photons can be generated directly from sunlight, opening the possibility of more energy-efficient and accessible quantum technologies. The researchers achieved an entanglement rate of about 94% similarity to a perfectly entangled state.

SourceOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026

‘Spooky’ particles transit DC suburbs, a step toward a quantum network

Researchers at NIST successfully transmitted entangled photons through a commercial fiber-optic network, a crucial step towards building quantum networks. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using existing infrastructure to connect distant users and could enable ultra-secure communications and boost quantum computing power.

Zooming in: Electron orbitals photographed in 3D

Physicists have developed a method to visualize three-dimensional wavefunctions of molecules, enabling the study of molecular interactions. The technique, which uses a table-top soft-X-ray laser and powerful computer algorithms, allows for the imaging of features smaller than atomic scales.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

Using a molecule as a quantum sensor

Researchers from the University of Waterloo developed a new quantum sensing technique using a molecule as a sensor, enabling precise imaging of single molecules. This technique has potential applications in drug discovery and structural biology.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

AI-designed metamaterials pave the way for high-speed spin-wave computing

Researchers developed an inverse-design framework to optimize magnonic crystal design, identifying unconventional lattice structures with large band gaps. The approach enables the exploration of previously unexplored material systems and device dimensions, paving the way for high-speed spin-wave computing and energy-efficient devices

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2026

'Electron lighthouse' illuminates new physics

Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a device that enables control of electron flow using laser light, potentially leading to advancements in sensing, imaging, and telecommunications. The phenomenon relies on quantum interference, allowing for directional control of electrons.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2026

Quantum bath syncs distant qubits

Researchers developed a prototype device that autonomously synchronizes distant qubits using a common source of correlated light particles, confirming a 20-year-old prediction. The approach requires no active control or measurement, making it fully autonomous and potentially boosting quantum technology.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

Scientists unveil technique to build ultra-thin material stacks that promise quantum breakthrough

Researchers unveiled a technique to build ultra-clean 2D heterostructures using muscovite crystals, eliminating microscopic residues that disrupt electronic device performance. This method enables precise stacking of atomic layers, leading to new properties and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and nanoelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

Inside this computer chip, the memory vibrates

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach for quantum computing that separates computation from working memory, using mechanical vibrations to store information. This method has the potential to improve the efficiency of quantum computers and enable them to tackle complex problems more efficiently than classical computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2026

First bulk ferromagnetic icosahedral quasicrystals synthesized without rapid quenching

Researchers develop annealable ferromagnetic icosahedral quasicrystals with unprecedented structural quality, revealing intrinsic magnetic properties and magnetic criticality. The discovery enables the first systematic investigations of quasiperiodic magnetism and magnetic criticality in QCs.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Graz University of Technology unravels mystery of the structure of MOF thin films

A team at Graz University of Technology has solved the puzzle of MOF thin film structure using advanced diffraction techniques and computational modeling. They found that prototypical Cu(bdc) thin films are not porous as expected, but instead densely packed with additional hydroxide groups.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 2, 2026

A 3D scanner for electromagnetic fields

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a technique to create precise 3D maps of electric and magnetic fields close to the surface of chips. This allows for better optimization and testing of chip materials for quantum applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2026

Twisting quantum potential into reality

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney have discovered a new method for controlling tiny quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride by twisting its layered structure. This breakthrough brings them closer to practical applications in quantum computing, secure communication and ultra-sensitive sensing.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2026

Exploring the origin of freely adjustable parameters in the fundamental equations of nature

A study by researchers at Kyushu University suggests that continuous parameters in quantum gravity may not be freely adjustable, but rather emerge from operators within the theory. The findings support Einstein's century-old claim about the fundamental laws of nature and have implications for our understanding of quantum gravity.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2026