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What is "time" for quantum particles?

Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Groundbreaking study shows defects spreading through diamond faster than the speed of sound

A groundbreaking study reveals that linear defects in diamond can spread at speeds exceeding the speed of sound, which could impact our understanding of material strength, failure, and manufacturing. This discovery may lead to new insights into earthquake ruptures, structural failures, and precision manufacturing.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Palaeontology: No supersonic boom for dinosaur tails

A modelling study published in Scientific Reports found that diplodocid tails were unlikely to create a supersonic boom due to their slow movement speed. The authors simulated tail movements using a model and found that adding hypothetical structures to the end of the tail did not allow it to reach the speed of sound without breaking.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 2022

Perseverance records the first ever sounds from Mars

Perseverance mission has recorded the first ever sounds from Mars, showing that the planet is quiet due to low natural sound sources. The rover's microphone captured sounds within the human audible spectrum, including shock waves and helicopter flights.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2022

Quantum mechanics affects light emission

Researchers found that quantum mechanics' influence on particles affects light emission, demonstrating wavefunction collapse and altering interference patterns. The study sheds new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon, revealing a direct connection between light emission and quantum entanglement.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2021

At 3,836 mph, which way does the air flow?

University at Buffalo aerospace engineer James Chen is working on a new study that aims to solve problems associated with exceeding the sound barrier. The research focuses on Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann's classical kinetic theory, which uses gas molecules to explain everyday phenomena.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Engineering Mathematics·DateMar 12, 2019

Phonons, arise!

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have found a way to alter the thermal conductivity of widely used material PZT using a small electric voltage. This breakthrough could lead to new technologies where controlling phonons is necessary, and has potential applications in computing, global communications, and other fields.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 22, 2015

Journal receives its first paper from space

EPL has published its first paper submitted from space, detailing experiments conducted on the International Space Station by German and Russian researchers. The study reports on the measurement of the speed of sound within complex plasmas under microgravity conditions, providing new insights into material properties.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateNov 11, 2011

Scientists probe Earth's core

Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Earth's core by analyzing seismic wave speed. The study reveals that the outer core is well mixed and lacks stratification, providing new insights into the planet's magnetic field and formation.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPhysics of The Earth and Planetary Interiors·DateApr 28, 2010

Scuppering pirates improves Internet audio

A new digital watermarking system protects music and media files from online pirates while ensuring high-quality playback for legitimate users. The system, developed by researchers at the University of Ottawa, embeds an image within the audio file to prevent piracy without compromising sound quality.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Advanced Media and Communication·DateAug 9, 2007

Physics tip sheet #39 - Nov. 17, 2003

Researchers have developed ultra-smooth diamond-like carbon that meets the requirements for ultra-high density magnetic storage devices. Additionally, scientists have used live pond snail nerve cells to implement neural memory on a semiconductor chip, while also studying how air bubbles slow sound waves in water.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 17, 2003

Abrupt wing stall

Researchers at the Office of Naval Research created a national study to understand and predict abrupt wing stall (AWS) in aircraft. They developed new tools and procedures to assess an aircraft's susceptibility to AWS, which can be used to screen new wing designs earlier in their development phase.

Roger scramjet

A new kind of cruise missile engine, called a scramjet, has been tested to achieve Mach 6.5 speeds in simulated hypersonic conditions, outperforming traditional ramjets. The engine is being developed for use in the HyFly joint DARPA/ONR Flight Demo program, aiming to launch missiles at speeds up to Mach 6 and ranges of 600 nautical miles.

Whip cracking mystery explained

Professor Alain Goriely explains that whip cracking is caused by a sonic boom generated by the loop in the whip, which travels at one speed but parts of it travel twice as fast. The tip's motion is also analyzed to reveal why it wasn't heard when hitting the speed of sound

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 23, 2002