Quantum Mechanics
Articles tagged with Quantum Mechanics
How to build a discovery machine
Researchers measure energy below a zeptojoule–enough for a red blood cell to move a nanometer
Scientists have successfully measured incredibly small amounts of energy using a novel calorimeter technique, achieving a world-first in sensitivity. The breakthrough could pave the way for counting individual photons and detecting elusive dark-matter axions in space.
Good vibrations for quantum communications
Scientists have successfully demonstrated atomic spin qubit interaction with a single-quantum sound wave, opening up new possibilities for quantum information storage and sensing applications. The experiment uses phonons to interact with atomic defects in diamond, enabling precise measurement of forces and temperatures.
Quantum algorithms for improving surface coatings
Researchers develop quantum algorithms to simulate polymer degradation caused by UV radiation, using industrially relevant aircraft coatings as an example. The goal is to optimize surface coatings for various industries, improving safety and reducing costs.
Cal Poly research shows time-varying magnetic fields can engineer exotic quantum matter
Researchers at Cal Poly have discovered a way to create exotic quantum matter by controlling the timing of magnetic fields. This breakthrough could lead to more stable and error-free quantum technologies, including quantum computing and simulation.
Oxford team achieves first-ever ‘quadsqueezing’ quantum interaction
Researchers at Oxford have demonstrated a new type of quantum interaction called quadsqueezing, a fourth-order effect that was previously unreachable. By controlling complex forms of squeezing, the team has created stronger and more accessible quantum effects for applications in simulation, sensing, and computing.
A surprisingly simple way to control quantum behavior
Researchers demonstrate a new way to control quantum behavior using materials design alone by freezing molecular hydrogen in dry ice. This technique could improve energy storage for hydrogen fuel, memory for quantum computing, and measure comet temperatures in outer space.
Quantum materials: Volkswagen Foundation provides €2 million for Eckhardt Endowed Professorship at Goethe University
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt are exploring modern quantum materials, which exhibit fascinating phenomena in response to external stimuli. Olena Fedchenko investigates electronic structure and properties of these materials using various photon sources.
Breakthrough in the simulation of complex quantum systems
A new method developed at LMU reconstructs precise energy spectra without lengthy calculations, revealing previously hidden details. This approach uses complex time evolutions to supplement time-dependent data and effectively overcomes the resolution limit, allowing finer structures to be resolved.
New MIT study bridges the worlds of classical and quantum physics
Researchers at MIT have discovered a mathematical connection between quantum mechanics and classical physics, enabling the description of quantum behavior using everyday classical ideas. The team's findings shed light on phenomena such as the double-slit experiment, which has long been challenging to explain using classical tools.
Particle thought to break physics followed rules all along
Researchers at Penn State have made precise calculations, showing that a discrepancy in particle physics was a fluke, not nature. The study strengthens confidence in the Standard Model to 11 decimal places, ruling out new forces or quantum objects.
Mapping the molecules of life: expanding the quantum-mechanical foundation for biomolecular AI
Researchers introduced QCell, a curated collection of 525,000 new quantum-mechanical calculations for biomolecular fragments. The dataset addresses the limited coverage of nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, enabling reliable simulations of critical biological processes such as DNA dynamics and membrane behavior.
Could the mathematical ‘shape’ of the universe solve the cosmological constant problem?
Researchers show math underlying quantum gravity bears resemblance to quantum Hall effect, resolving cosmological constant problem. The Chern-Simons-Kodama state, a proposed ground state of quantum gravity, has a similar topology that keeps the cosmological constant's value stable.
Water simulation of famous quantum effect reveals unexpected wave patterns
Physicists used a water tank to simulate the Aharonov-Bohm effect, revealing counter-rotating wave patterns that mimic quantum effects. The study showed that adding a vortex causes shifts in wave phase, resulting in rotating lines of zero wave height, or nodal lines.
Multitasking quantum sensors can measure several properties at once
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to measure multiple physical quantities with solid-state quantum sensors, exploiting entanglement to overcome signal mixing. This approach enables deeper understanding of the behavior of atoms and electrons in materials and living systems, such as cancer cells.
Gravity follows Newton and Einstein’s rules, even at cosmic scales
Researchers tracked galaxy clusters to test gravity's strength, finding it weakens with distance as predicted by Newton and Einstein. The study confirms the existence of invisible dark matter, closing the door on alternative theories like Modified Newtonian Dynamics.
Does gravity follow the rules of quantum mechanics?
A team of researchers led by Kazuhiro Yamamoto has proposed a method to create a momentum-squeezed state in movable mirrors, which significantly broadens the quantum superposition of a mirror's position. This approach can amplify the signal of quantum entanglement generated by gravity, making it easier to detect.
Scientists capture superconductivity’s ‘dancing pairs’ for first time, filling gap in decades-old theory
Researchers directly imaged paired electrons causing electric current to flow without resistance at sufficiently low temperatures. The experiment revealed that the paired atoms moved in a synchronized dance, with their positions dependent on those of other pairs.
Quantum fluctuations give rise to a new type of topological semimetal
Researchers discovered a new type of topological semimetal in the heavy fermion compound CeRu₄Sn₆, stabilized by quantum criticality. The study expands the repertoire of exotic phases of matter and suggests that quantum fluctuations can act as 'nurseries' for strongly correlated topological states.
Making light spin with a gold nanorod
By striking a gold nanorod off-center with an electron beam, researchers created rotating circular polarization in light, a property useful for controlling information encoding and transmission. This simple approach could enable new ways to encode, route, and process information using light.
Precision boost for quantum sensor technology
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have directly measured the 'waiting time' in a two-dimensional material, which lasts exactly 24 billionths of a second. This knowledge increases the accuracy of atomic sensors and paves the way for future medical diagnostics.
Researchers reveal new method for dialing up superconductivity
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new method for controlling superconductivity by manipulating the surrounding environment. By adjusting electron interactions, they were able to switch the material's superconductivity on and off, revealing a simpler way to control atomic power behind superconductivity.
Small quantum system outperforms large classical networks in real-world forecasting
A quantum processor with nine interacting spins outperformed classical networks with thousands of nodes in realistic weather forecasting tasks. The researchers leveraged the natural dynamics of quantum systems to bypass complex circuits, achieving higher accuracy than classical reservoir models.
New microscopy technique reveals hidden magnetic chemistry in living systems
A University of Tokyo team developed a fluorescence imaging method to track short-lived molecular intermediates and their magnetic responses in real time. The approach isolates spin-dependent part of chemistry, revealing how magnetically sensitive intermediates appear and disappear.
A tiny detector for microwave photons could advance quantum tech
Researchers at EPFL create a semiconductor-based detector that converts incoming microwave photons into measurable electrical signals, opening new perspectives for quantum microwave optics and scalable quantum information platforms. The device detects between 55%-67.7% of incoming photons with high efficiency and operates continuously.
Noise limits today’s quantum circuits
Researchers found that only the last few layers of a quantum circuit matter due to accumulating noise, which weakens earlier steps. This means that even deep noisy circuits can be adjusted or 'trained' for simple tasks.
Racetrack-shaped lasers for bright, stable frequency combs
A new laser source generates a specific type of light source called a frequency comb in the mid-infrared region, paving the way for miniaturization. The device overcomes engineering challenges to produce bright, stable, and compact frequency combs.
‘Hidden Satellites’ discovered in X-rays radically changes how we measure and understand them
Researchers have uncovered hidden features in X-ray signals, fundamentally changing how scientists interpret them across multiple fields. The discovery enables more precise measurements and a deeper understanding of materials, from battery materials to biological proteins.
Quantum magnetism: FSU researchers demonstrate spin-flip process in atomic nucleus does not account for all magnetic behavior
A new study by FSU researchers using the John D. Fox Superconducting Linear Accelerator Laboratory showed that a long-standing explanation for magnetism in atomic nuclei does not fully work for titanium-50. The research suggests that scientists may need to rethink how they explain nuclear magnetism.
Finding the “quantum needle” in a haystack
A research team at INRS has developed a simple and energy-efficient way to overcome the obstacle of detecting single photons in a sea of unwanted light. By repurposing a classical optical device, they succeeded in reorganizing light in time to highlight the useful photons without destructive amplification.
Quantum researchers engineer extremely precise phonon lasers
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a squeezed phonon laser that precisely controls individual particles of vibration or sound, allowing for accurate measurements of gravity and other forces. This technology has the potential to create more accurate, 'unjammable' navigation systems without relying on satellites.
Experimental evidence shows how photons spread across multiple paths in an interferometer
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new experimental method to demonstrate the physical delocalization of individual photons in an interferometer. The study challenges traditional interpretations of quantum mechanics and has significant implications for high-tech sensors and our understanding of reality.
‘Spin-flip’ in metal complexes can help solar cells leap beyond limits
Researchers successfully captured singlet-fission-amplified excitons with a molybdenum-based emitter, achieving 130% quantum yield and pushing the limits of solar cell efficiency. The team used a metal complex called 'spin-flip' emitter to harvest multiplied energy from singlet fission.
Dancing to invisible choreography, quantum computers can balance the noise
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a method to reduce noise in quantum computers by using a geometric approach. By adjusting the shape of a 3D space curve, they can design pulses that suppress noise errors and improve performance. This breakthrough brings us closer to large-scale quantum computing.
Finding order in disorder: A new mechanism that amplifies transverse electron transport
A study by researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology discovered that engineered disorder can amplify transverse electron transport in magnetic materials. The findings suggest that deliberately using disorder in materials design could lead to new opportunities in spintronics and thermoelectric energy-conversion technologies.
Physicists find electronic agents that govern flat band quantum materials
Researchers at Rice University and the Weizmann Institute have visualized compact molecular orbitals in flat band quantum materials, providing insight into the interplay between topology and correlation physics. The study reveals that these electronic agents underlie the unusual quantum critical behavior in a highly correlated metal.
Rice scientists unveil new tool to watch quantum behavior in action
Rice University researchers have developed a new capability, magnetoARPES, to study quantum behaviors in materials like superconductors. The technique allows researchers to probe the full electronic response to a magnetic field, giving insights into collective electron behaviors.
New ‘vacuum ultraviolet’ laser may improve nanotechnology, power nuclear clocks
Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have demonstrated a new kind of vacuum ultraviolet laser that is 100 to 1,000 times more efficient than existing technologies. The device could enable scientists to observe phenomena currently out of reach, such as following fuel molecules in real time as they undergo combustion, spottin...
Press program now available for the world's largest physics meeting
The Global Physics Summit will feature over 12,000 individual presentations on new research in astrophysics, particle physics, and quantum information science. Registered journalists and public information officers will receive daily emails with information during the meeting.
Targeted shaking stabilizes exotic quantum states
Researchers discovered that carefully designed random pulses can drastically slow down unwanted heating in superconducting quantum computers, enabling complex quantum simulations. The study confirmed exotic quantum states of matter using a 78-qubit processor and explored new states of matter beyond classical computer capabilities.
Material previously thought to be quantum is actually new, nonquantum state of matter
Rice researchers found that cerium magnesium hexalluminate is not a quantum spin liquid, despite exhibiting characteristics of quantum spin liquid states. The material's unique ability to 'choose' between different low energy states produced observational data similar to a quantum spin liquid state.
Better understanding of the unknown leads to more accurate collision simulations
Physicists have developed a more accurate method for estimating the impact of calculations that are not performed in high-energy particle collisions. The new approach uses perturbative calculations to reduce uncertainties present in previous simulations.
What's going on inside quantum computers?: New method simplifies process tomography
A new framework called compilation-based quantum process tomography (CQPT) has been introduced to simplify the process of determining a quantum device's behavior. CQPT uses a single measurement outcome per input state, making it more efficient and scalable than traditional methods.
New study sheds light on fundamental aspect of quantum systems and memory
Researchers investigated the role of memory in quantum systems and dynamics, discovering a process can appear memoryless from one view while retaining memory from another. The study clarifies a fundamental aspect of quantum dynamics and highlights the uniquely quantum nature of time evolution.
Surprising effects under ion bombardment: the quantum switch
Researchers at TU Wien investigate the surprising effects of ion bombardment on the quantum material 1T-TaS2. They observe a clean and reliable switching behavior, where the material's state is reliably switched after each impact.
$9M for exploring the fundamental limits of entangled quantum sensor networks
Researchers aim to harness entanglement for high-precision networking, improving measurement sensitivity and resolving finer details. The five-year effort seeks to establish ways to maintain entanglement over time, paving the way for a future quantum internet.
The quantum trembling: Why there are no truly flat molecules
Researchers at Goethe University used X-ray radiation to determine the spatial structure of formic acid, finding that its atoms oscillate slightly back and forth. This 'quantum trembling' causes the molecule to lose its symmetry and become effectively three-dimensional at almost every moment.
Microscopic mirrors for future quantum networks
The Harvard team developed a new microfabrication method to produce high-performance, curved optical mirrors with extremely smooth surfaces. The mirrors can control light at near-infrared wavelengths, enabling fast and efficient quantum networking.
‘Giant superatoms’ unlock a new toolbox for quantum computers
Giant superatoms combine two quantum-mechanical constructs to suppress decoherence and create entanglement, opening opportunities for scalable and reliable quantum systems. This breakthrough enables quantum information to be protected, controlled, and distributed in new ways.
Robust frozen dynamics observed on a quantum system
Duke University researchers have observed statistical localization in a neutral-atom platform, where most configurations of quantum bits remain effectively frozen. This phenomenon has implications for robustly storing information in a quantum system and could be a powerful feature of quantum mechanics.
Proposals for exploring viruses and skin as the next experimental quantum frontiers share US$30,000 science award
Researchers Connor Thompson and Samuel Morriss share the US$30,000 prize for proposing innovative experiments on viruses and skin as test subjects for quantum biology. Their essays present novel frameworks for studying 'quantum advantage' and its applications to life's quantum foundations.
New measurement method enables efficient real-time verification of quantum technologies
Researchers at the University of Vienna developed a novel protocol that samples only a subset of generated quantum states, enabling efficient real-time verification. The new method uses optical switches to randomly capture states, allowing for non-destructive certification and paving the way for robust quantum computing and networks.
Using muons to uncover the behavior of superconducting electron pairs
A team of researchers led by Yoshiteru Maeno used magnetic resonance based on muons to investigate the superconducting state of strontium ruthenate. They discovered that the material exhibits spin-singlet superconductivity, which provides crucial insights into the behavior of unconventional superconductors.
Measuring time at the quantum level
Physicists have developed a way to accurately measure time in quantum events without using an external clock. The study found that the atomic-scale shape of materials influences how quickly quantum transitions unfold, with lower-symmetry structures leading to longer transition times.
Surgery for quantum bits
Scientists have developed a method to perform quantum operations between logical qubits while correcting for potential errors. The 'lattice surgery' technique involves splitting and merging surface-code squares to entangle two logical qubits, allowing for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Last chance to get a hotel discount for the world’s largest physics meeting
The American Physical Society's Global Physics Summit will feature over 10,000 individual presentations on new research in astrophysics and particle physics. Attendees can book discounted hotel rates near the Colorado Convention Center until February 12 to receive a discount.
VIP-2 experiment narrows the search for exotic physics beyond the Pauli exclusion principle
The VIP-2 experiment, a highly sensitive test of the Pauli exclusion principle, found no evidence of its violation. The team set the strongest limits yet on possible violations involving electrons in atomic systems, constraining speculative theories beyond the Standard Model.
Terahertz microscope reveals the motion of superconducting electrons
Physicists have developed a new terahertz microscope that allows them to observe quantum vibrations in superconducting materials for the first time. The microscope enables researchers to study properties that could lead to room-temperature superconductors and identify materials that emit and receive terahertz radiation.
Direct imaging captures the crystalline vibrations of a supersolid made of atoms and light
Researchers at ICFO have successfully created a supersolid state of matter by coupling ultracold potassium atoms to light, directly imaging the crystal-like structure and its oscillating spacing. The team observed stripes forming and vanishing as the cloud size expanded or shrunk, behavior related to its superfluid nature.