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Trickling electrons

At temperatures near absolute zero, electrons exhibit their quantum nature and form a granular medium, consisting of individual particles that trickle through a conductor. This phenomenon can be explained by quantum electrodynamics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2016

Controlling quantum states atom by atom

A team of researchers has developed a method to precisely alter the quantum mechanical states of electrons in an array of quantum boxes. This allows for the investigation of interactions between various types of atoms and electrons, crucial for advancing quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSmall·DateJun 9, 2016

Soundproofing with quantum physics

Researchers have successfully applied topological insulator principles to mechanical systems, creating edge states that exhibit robust, 'topologically protected' properties. These properties make them suitable for applications in sound and vibration insulation, as well as focusing sound like a lens.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

Researchers observe new charge transport phenomenon

Researchers at Aalto University and German University of Marburg have discovered a new type of charge transport phenomenon that enables logical operations in microelectronics. The phenomenon involves the transfer of information between an electron hole pair without tunneling, opening up new possibilities for electronics and biology.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 2, 2015

Long-range tunneling of quantum particles

A team of scientists at the University of Innsbruck has directly observed long-range tunneling of quantum particles through up to five potential barriers. The researchers used a gas of Cesium atoms in an engineered optical lattice, where they applied a directed force to initiate tunneling motion.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2014

The quantum secret to alcohol reactions in space

Chemists discovered that quantum tunnelling enables alcohol reactions in space to occur vigorously at minus 210 degrees Celsius, 50 times faster than at room temperature. The phenomenon allows for the creation of methoxy radicals under extreme cold conditions, shedding light on complex molecule formation in interstellar space.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2013

Coupled particles cross energy wall

Researchers have demonstrated a new type of quantum phenomenon called Klein tunnelling for two interacting particles. By crossing an energy barrier together, the particles can tunnel through what would otherwise be impassable to individual particles.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 29, 2013

Space race under way to create quantum satellite

Researchers are pursuing a quantum satellite concept to establish a secure global quantum communication network by harnessing the signal's travel time in empty space. The team has emphasized precise alignment between the satellite and ground stations to ensure accurate measurement of photons.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateFeb 28, 2013

Nanoparticles digging the world's smallest tunnels

Scientists at KIT and Rice University successfully dug the world's smallest tunnels into graphite samples, opening doors to structuring of materials on a nanometer scale. The creation of porous graphite with tailored pore sizes could enhance lithium-ion battery performance and enable long-term drug delivery in medicine.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2013

Science: Quantum oscillator responds to pressure

Researchers at KIT have developed a method to control atomic tunneling frequencies in solids, using Josephson junctions. The technique allows for the direct measurement and manipulation of individual quantum systems, opening new possibilities for nanoelectronic components and materials science research.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2012

First images of Landau levels revealed

Scientists at the University of Warwick and Tohoku University have directly imaged Landau Levels, showing concentric rings that increase according to energy level. The discovery uses scanning tunnelling spectroscopy to overcome material disorder, shedding light on the quantum Hall effect.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 1, 2012

A new kind of quantum junction

Researchers at RIKEN Advanced Science Institute successfully demonstrate coherent quantum phase slip (CQPS) in a narrow superconducting wire, shedding light on an elusive phenomenon. This breakthrough enables the development of novel quantum devices that exploit CQPS functionality.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2012

A hidden order unraveled

Scientists directly observe quantum-correlated particle-hole pairs in a one-dimensional optical lattice, allowing them to unravel a hidden order in the crystal. The work reveals fluctuations at absolute zero temperature and opens new ways to characterize novel quantum phases of matter.

Q is for quantum and 'Q-life'

Researchers discuss how physics is changing our understanding of cells, brain function, and the potential role of quantum mechanics in biology. Paul Davies suggests that fundamental quantum processes could be key to understanding life's origins.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJul 7, 2009

Evidence of macroscopic quantum tunneling detected in nanowires

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has demonstrated macroscopic quantum tunneling in ultrathin superconducting nanowires. They observed a process called quantum phase slip, where packs of electrons tunnel together from higher to lower current states. This finding provides evidence that quantum mechanics governs large s...

Electrons caught in the act of tunneling

Researchers have successfully observed electrons tunnelling through the binding potential of an atom nucleus under the influence of laser light. This breakthrough allows scientists to study electron movement in real-time and has implications for microelectronics and radiation therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2007

Delicate relation between single spins

Researchers access interaction between single magnetic adatoms on a metal surface by comparing experimental results with detailed theoretical analysis. They observe novel magnetic state for chain of three cobalt adatoms and improve understanding of fundamental interactions between single spins.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 2, 2007