Theoretical Physics

Using atomic clocks to reveal the quantum properties of time

HKU Nobel Laureate Professor Ferenc Krausz elected as International Member of U.S. National Academy of Sciences

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.

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.

Mayuko Yamashita awarded new Hideki Yukawa Chair in Theoretical Physics

Mayuko Yamashita has been awarded a six-year, $1.5 million Hideki Yukawa Chair in Theoretical Physics at Perimeter Institute, supporting her research on stable homotopy theory and its applications in quantum field theory.

Experimental indication of a new type of mesic nuclei

Researchers have observed evidence of a new type of mesic nucleus, which could provide insight into the vacuum structure and mass generation mechanism. The discovery was made using a high-precision experiment at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Germany.

New theory reshapes quantum view of Big Bang

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new theory that suggests the universe's rapid early expansion could emerge naturally from a deeper, more complete theory of quantum gravity. This approach offers a unified picture that connects the earliest moments of the universe to modern cosmology.

Math can tell you how to manage your eczema

Researchers used nonlinear dynamics to explore why eczema flare-ups happen and how to improve treatment outcomes. They found that small physiological changes can significantly increase the maintenance burden in long-term efforts to keep eczema in remission.

A clear roadmap for engineering combs of light

Engineers at Harvard create microcombs on photonic chips, enabling compact, programmable frequency combs for precision measurement and telecommunications applications. The breakthrough makes electro-optic microcombs more practical, energy efficient, and diverse.

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.

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.

Theoretical principles of band structure manipulation in strongly correlated insulators with spin and charge perturbations

A new study by MANA demonstrates that strongly correlated insulators can behave differently, allowing spin and charge excitations to exist independently. This enables the creation of new electronic modes that actively modify band structures under external stimuli.

Seeing how atoms vibrate at the Angstrom Scale

Researchers have created a new computational method to simulate Tip-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) signals with high accuracy. This enables the study of atomic motion down to individual molecules or defects in metallic surfaces. The method provides a detailed understanding of the signatures of local atomic motion and its sensitivit...

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.

A new class of strange one-dimensional particles

Researchers have identified a new class of one-dimensional particles, dubbed anyons, which exhibit properties between bosons and fermions. The discovery opens up new possibilities for investigating fundamental physics in realistic experimental settings.

Artificial intelligence makes quantum field theories computable

Quantum field theories are the foundation of modern physics, but their complex nature makes them difficult to simulate on a computer. A team of researchers has developed an AI solution that can parameterize the action in these theories on a lattice, enabling more efficient simulations.

Metal clumps in quantum state: Vienna research team breaks records

A research team at the University of Vienna demonstrates that massive metallic nanoparticles follow quantum mechanics rules, creating a 'Schrödinger's cat state' and breaking existing records for macroscopic scale tests. The experiment shows that even large objects can exhibit wave-like behavior.

Heidelberg physicists bridge worlds of quantum matter

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed a new theoretical framework that connects two fundamental domains of modern quantum physics, describing the emergence of quasiparticles in systems with both mobile and static impurities. The new theory explains how quasiparticles form even in systems with extremely heavy impurities.

A twitch in time? Quantum collapse models hint at tiny time fluctuations

Researchers have shown that quantum collapse models, which challenge standard quantum theory, imply a fundamental limit on clock precision due to tiny intrinsic uncertainty in time. This means modern timekeeping technologies are entirely unaffected by such uncertainty.

New theory suggests we could increase useful energy obtained from sunlight

Physicists at Trinity College Dublin propose a new means of capturing useful energy from light sources like sunlight, lamps, and LEDs. Theoretical analysis may lead to the development of optical devices that can channel light energy into a concentrated beam.

We have no idea what most of the universe is made of, but scientists are closer than ever to finding out

Researchers at Texas A&M University are building highly sensitive detectors to explore dark matter and energy. The team's work builds on previous breakthroughs in detecting low-mass particles, and they aim to find ways to amplify signals that were previously buried in noise.

HALIMA: Anovel Hybrid Array for nuclear structure research

HALIMA, a hybrid array for lifetime measurement of neutron-rich nuclei at IMP, enables precise sub-nanosecond measurements using the four-fold FF/β-Ge-LaBr ₃(Ce)-LaBr ₃(Ce) coincidence technique. The system reduces Compton continuums and enhances selectivity via fission fragments implantation.

Bazinga! Physicists crack ‘Big Bang Theory’ problem

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have solved a long-standing problem in particle physics, using fusion reactors to produce subatomic particles called axions. This breakthrough has implications for understanding dark matter, which is thought to make up most of the universe's mass.

Laser light and the quantum nature of gravity

Physicist Ralf Schützhold proposes an experiment to transfer energy from a light wave to a gravitational wave, and vice versa. This could lead to new insights into the quantum properties of the gravitational field.

LHC data confirm validity of a new model of hadron production – and test the foundations of quantum mechanics

The LHC accelerator confirms an improved model of proton collisions, with implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics. The generalized dipole model describes existing data more accurately and works well in a wider range of energies.

Observing quantum footballs blown up by laser kicks

Researchers from two Max Planck Institutes directly observe the strong reshaping of C60 molecules by laser fields using x-ray camera. At low intensities, the molecule expands before fragmentation sets in, while at high intensities, fast expansion and removal of outer valence electrons occur.

Extreme-matter research secures renewal

The German Research Foundation has awarded a €10 million grant to the Collaborative Research Centre 211 'Strong-Interaction Matter under Extreme Conditions' for its third phase, extending funding for another 3.5 years.

Quantum calculations expose hidden chemistry of ice

Researchers used quantum mechanical simulations to study the interaction of light with ice, revealing new insights into its chemical properties. The findings have implications for understanding the release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost and improving predictions of climate change.

The hidden rule behind ignition — An analytic law governing multi-shock implosions for ultrahigh compression

Researchers have developed a new framework that governs the hidden rule behind stacked-shock implosions, allowing for efficient and scalable compression. This work extends classical theory into modern high-energy-density regimes, revealing a natural harmony underlying extreme physics processes.

Nonlocality inherent in the nature of identical particles

Researchers from Polish institutes show that identical particles exhibit observable quantum nonlocality due to their fundamental identity. They use advanced tools to analyze and identify classical optical systems where this phenomenon manifests, shedding light on the primordial form of nonlocality in quantum mechanics.

Dark matter does not defy gravity

A UNIGE-led team found that dark matter behaves similarly to ordinary matter on a cosmological scale, following Euler's equations. However, the possibility of an unknown interaction or fifth force remains open.

The power of geckos: TU Wien solves the puzzle of large molecules

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new computational method that accurately calculates van der Waals forces between large molecules, resolving decades-long discrepancies. The improved method corrects errors in existing approaches and enables reliable predictions for biological systems and renewable energy technologies.

Highly manipulated heterostructure via additive manufacturing

Researchers develop highly tunable spatial heterostructure within pure titanium using mechanical milling and laser powder bed fusion, achieving strength-plasticity synergy and overcoming the strength-plasticity trade-off bottleneck. The resulting harmonic heterostructure endows pure Ti implants with excellent wear resistance.

Unexpectedly high heat transfer in the nanoworld

Researchers found that heat transfer values increase dramatically at distances less than ten nanometres, exceeding theoretical predictions by a factor of one hundred. This phenomenon challenges current understanding of heat transfer in the nanometre range.

A perfect shape for varying circumstances

The study reveals that certain rectangular shapes allow chloroplasts to achieve both efficient light capture at high density and enough space for shifting during strong light avoidance. The natural geometry of Elodea cells matches the predicted optimal shapes well, with a balance between packing and flexibility.

Neutrinos ‘flavor’ may hold clues to the universe’s biggest secrets

Physicists have analyzed how neutrinos change 'flavor' as they travel through the cosmos, gaining insights into their masses and evolution. The study's findings hint at possible Charge-Parity violation in neutrinos and their antimatter counterparts, with researchers seeking more data to answer fundamental questions about the universe.

How black holes produce powerful relativistic jets

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt used complex simulations to study the origin of powerful jets emitted by black holes. They discovered that magnetic reconnection is involved in extracting rotational energy and powering these jets.

Quantum uncertainty tamed at the University of Arizona

The team developed a new method to produce ultrafast squeezed light, which can fluctuate between intensity and phase-squeezing by adjusting the position of fused silica relative to the split beam. This breakthrough could lead to more secure communication and advance fields like quantum sensing, chemistry, and biology.

Scientists solve mystery of loop current switching in kagome metals

Researchers at Nagoya University solved the puzzle of loop current switching in kagome metals, a special group of quantum metals. Weak magnetic fields reverse tiny loop currents, changing the material's macroscopic electrical properties and reversing current flow direction.

Kyushu University launches Quantum and Spacetime Research Institute

The institute aims to advance fundamental and applied science through interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on the unification of gravity and quantum theory. By pursuing the quantum-gravity crossover, researchers hope to develop new technologies and shape humanity's future.

More accurate computer models open up the early universe

Researchers have made significant advances in modeling heavy ion collisions, providing additional information about the matter in the early universe and improving our understanding of quark-gluon plasma (QGP). The new models better correspond to experimental measurements, giving a clearer view of QGP's birth.

Funding for training and research in biological complexity

The European consortium, funded by €4.5M, will recruit and train 15 PhD researchers to develop new models and methods for understanding complex biological systems. The network, coordinated by the University of Edinburgh, aims to create a framework grounded in physics that can be applied systematically.

Clocks created from random events can probe ‘quantumness’ of universe

Scientists at King's College London discover mathematical equations that turn random events into clocks, potentially understanding cell timekeeping and detecting quantum effects. The study also aims to shed light on the nature of time itself, including its directionality and quantization.

Physicists devise an idea for lasers that shoot beams of neutrinos

Researchers at MIT introduce the concept of a neutrino laser that uses cooled radioactive atoms to produce amplified neutrino beams. By cooling rubidium-83 to near absolute zero, the team predicts accelerated radioactive decay and production of neutrinos. This innovation could lead to new applications in medicine and communication.

Microscale mixing without turbulence

Researchers at Max Planck Institute develop protocols for optimal mixing in cellular and microfluidic systems, overcoming energetic and fluid motion limitations. Their findings reveal a fundamental limit on information erasure efficiency, providing a theoretical framework for efficient engineering designs.

How an in-between quantum state could boost future technologies

Researchers discovered a new in-between quantum state with a power law decay, which could make accessing these states easier and more reliable. This breakthrough opens up novel concepts for fundamental physics and potential applications in emerging fields like quantum computing.

Solved: 90-year-old mystery in quantum physics

Researchers at the University of Vermont found an exact solution to a model that behaves as a damped quantum harmonic oscillator. This discovery has significant implications for ultra-precision sensor technologies and the measurement of quantum distances.

Researchers discover universal laws of quantum entanglement across all dimensions

A team of researchers has demonstrated that quantum entanglement follows universal rules across all dimensions, using thermal effective theory. The study reveals the behavior of Rényi entropy in higher-dimensional systems and clarifies the behavior of the entanglement spectrum.

AI reveals unexpected new physics in dusty plasma

Physicists used a machine-learning method to identify surprising new twists on the non-reciprocal forces governing a many-body system. The AI approach provides precise approximations for these forces, correcting common theoretical assumptions with an accuracy of over 99%.

Famous double-slit experiment holds up when stripped to its quantum essentials

MIT physicists performed an idealized version of the double-slit experiment, confirming light behaves as both a particle and wave. The more information obtained about light's path, the lower the visibility of the interference pattern was.

Flash-freezing silicon mimics Big Bang

A team of scientists from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf analyzed the behavior of flash-frozen silicon surfaces, revealing a strong impact of cooling rates on crystal growth. The results show that slow cooling produces large, ordered domains with a uniform honeycomb structure.

How our body keeps time in the heat

Researchers discovered that a subtle shift in gene activity rhythms at higher temperatures, known as waveform distortion, helps maintain the body's 24-hour cycle. This process also influences synchronization with day-night cycles and environmental cues.

Observation of Rabi-like splitting under electrical control in artificial magnets

Scientists at AIMR successfully demonstrated Rabi-like splitting in an artificial magnet using nonlinear coupling, preserving the system's symmetries. This finding opens up new possibilities for advancing our understanding of nonlinear dynamics and coupling phenomena in artificial control.

The dark side of time

Researchers propose a novel method for detecting dark matter using thorium-229 nucleus properties, with potential to detect forces 10 trillion times weaker than gravity. The new approach aims to identify minute deviations in the absorption spectrum of thorium-229 to reveal dark matter's influence.

AI vs supercomputers round 1: galaxy simulation goes to AI

Researchers used machine learning to simulate galaxy evolution and supernova explosions, achieving speeds four times faster than supercomputers. This breakthrough enables the study of galaxy origins, including the creation of the Milky Way's elements essential for life.

Taking the fear out of quantum physics

A national pilot program led by UTA faculty is helping take the mystery out of quantum physics for students and educators. The program, Quantum for All, provides hands-on curriculum and classroom strategies to equip high school science teachers with the tools they need to teach quantum science.

Quantum clocks can be more accurate than expected

Researchers at TU Wien have demonstrated that special tricks can be used to increase accuracy exponentially. By using two different time scales, a clock can measure time more accurately while minimizing the impact of statistical noise.

Out of the string theory swampland

Researchers propose a new subset of string theories that incorporate dynamic tension could help describe the real universe without violating observational constraints. This approach may alleviate the 'swampland problem,' which has hindered conventional string theory's ability to reproduce inflation and dark energy.

Artificial intelligence for the most precise measurements possible

Researchers used AI to approach the fundamental limit of precision in optical methods, calculated using Fisher information. The team's algorithm achieved impressive results, only minimally worse than the theoretically achievable maximum, demonstrating its effectiveness.

Fewer qubits and better error correction: Nord Quantique's multimode encoding breakthrough

Nord Quantique's multimode encoding technology demonstrates better error correction capabilities with fewer qubits, enabling smaller and more powerful quantum systems. The approach also reduces energy consumption and increases confidence information for improved error detection and correction strategies.