Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Physics, photosynthesis and solar cells

A team of researchers has developed a new type of quantum heat engine photocell that can regulate solar power conversion without active feedback or adaptive control mechanisms. This design is inspired by the natural regulation of energy flow in photosynthetic green plants, and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 30, 2016

New invention revolutionizes heat transport

Researchers at Aalto University have made a groundbreaking discovery in heat transport, enabling efficient cooling of quantum processors and paving the way for faster and more reliable quantum computing. The innovation uses photons to transfer heat over long distances, surpassing previous limitations.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 1, 2016

Coulomb blockade in organic conductors found, a world first

A team at Osaka University has successfully demonstrated experimental evidence and theoretical calculations to show that Coulomb blockade occurs on two-dimensional organic conducting polymer films. This breakthrough could revolutionize our understanding and design properties of organic and molecular devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 3, 2016

In this month's Physics World: Extremes...

Researchers have pushed boundaries to establish new limits in science, from growing carbon nanotubes with exceptional reflectivity to studying extremophiles like Deinococcus radiodurans. These discoveries highlight the importance of exploring extremes and advancing our understanding of physics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateOct 28, 2015

Surfing over simulated ripples in graphene

Scientists from India developed a theory governing curved graphene using a quantum simulator based on an optical lattice. The findings could lead to novel graphene-based sensors with controlled deformation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 18, 2015

New theory leads to radiationless revolution

Physicists have developed a radical new theory that confines electromagnetic energy without leaking away, with potential applications in explaining dark matter and combating energy losses. The theory contradicts fundamental principles of electrodynamics but could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computers and laser technology.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

The quantum physics of artificial light harvesting

A team of researchers developed an artificial model system to study quantum effects in light harvesting, revealing a delicate interplay between molecular vibrations and electrons. The resulting theoretical model explains experiments perfectly, shedding light on the physical mechanisms necessary for energy-efficient photovoltaic cells.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2015

New calculations to improve CO2 monitoring from space

A new calculation method developed by a UCL-led team of scientists can accurately predict how much radiation carbon dioxide absorbs, reducing uncertainties in climate change modeling and enabling more accurate predictions about Earth's warming over the next few decades. The improved accuracy will enable missions to achieve their goals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 15, 2015

Atlas of thoughts

A research group at Aarhus University developed a computer game called Quantum Moves, played 400,000 times by ordinary people, providing unique insight into the human brain's ability to solve problems. The results show females outperform males in solving problems, highlighting an unexploited capacity for ingenuity in the human brain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalHuman Computation·DateMar 19, 2015

Ultrafast complex molecular simulations by 'cutting up molecules'

A novel ultrafast quantum chemical method called FMO-DFTB enables rapid simulations of complex molecular systems, achieving a huge improvement over traditional methods. The method has successfully evaluated large molecules including polypeptides, DNA segments, small proteins, and fullerite surfaces.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateDec 4, 2014

Taking advantage of graphene defects

Researchers discovered graphene's ability to rectify electric current using artificial triangular holes, offering a new approach for security screening detectors. The study provides an analytical framework for estimating the ratchet effect, which could lead to terahertz radiation detection.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 24, 2014

Proteins 'ring like bells'

Researchers at the University of Glasgow discovered that proteins like lysozyme can vibrate at frequencies similar to a few terahertz, allowing for efficient biochemical reactions. This 'ringing' motion enables proteins to morph quickly and bind with other molecules, critical for life's biological functions.

SourceUniversity of Glasgow_·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2014

Quantum cryptography for mobile phones

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a scheme to enable quantum cryptography on mobile phones, using photons as information carriers. This breakthrough technology has the potential to make secure communication available to the general public.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 3, 2014

Should physicists work to the sound of silence?

Senior lecturer Felicity Mellor highlights the role of silence in physics history, citing Newton's isolated work and Heisenberg's retreat to Heligoland. She questions whether modern-day scientists have control over communication levels, arguing that a balance between silence and collaboration is key.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateMar 31, 2014