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A model for stopping heavy ions

Researchers used a nonequilibrium-statistical model to predict the stopping process of heavy ions at high LHC energies, gaining insights into original states of matter and quark-gluon plasma. Future experiments may confirm predicted stopping behavior and reveal properties of gluons.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateJun 14, 2023

Fractons as information storage: Not yet quite tangible, but close

Researchers have modeled fractons, stationary quasiparticles, and found they are not visible even at absolute zero temperature due to quantum fluctuations. The team plans to develop a model to regulate these fluctuations, paving the way for experimental materials that could exhibit fractons.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2023

Effective as a collective: Researchers investigate the swarming behavior of microrobots

A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz studied the collective behavior of small robots and found that they can solve tasks that a single machine cannot. The study uses statistical physics to analyze how the robots interact and move, revealing potential applications in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 26, 2023

Helium nuclei research advances our understanding of cosmic ray origin and propagation

The CALET team, including researchers from Waseda University, found that cosmic ray helium particles follow a Double Broken Power Law, indicating spectral hardening and softening in high-energy ranges. This deviation from expected power-law distribution suggests unique sources or mechanisms accelerating and propagating helium nuclei.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

Merons and antimerons

Bilayer hBN exhibits moiré polar domains that form networks of topological polar merons and antimerons. This symmetry breaking enables control over the topological properties in two-dimensional layered materials. The polarization field's winding is topologically non-trivial, resulting from a previously overlooked in-plane component.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2023

Galaxy clusters yield new evidence for standard model of cosmology

Researchers found consistent results between observations and theory, showing that clusters have become more centrally concentrated over time. The study provides strong support for the Lambda-CDM paradigm by demonstrating agreement between the observed and simulated concentration-mass relation of galaxy clusters.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 3, 2023

“Y-ball” compound yields quantum secrets

Researchers at Rutgers University have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the electrical properties of Y-ball, a mysterious 'strange metal'. The study reveals unusual fluctuations in the material's charge and provides new insights into its behavior, which could pave the way for next-generation quantum technologies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Sculpting quantum materials for the electronics of the future

Researchers at UNIGE have designed a quantum material that can be controlled by curving space, allowing for ultra-fast electromagnetic signal processing and potential applications in high-speed communication systems. The material's unique properties enable the creation of new sensors and potentially unlock new avenues in exploration.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·TypeNews article·DateMar 20, 2023

Scientists demonstrate time reflection of electromagnetic waves in a groundbreaking experiment

Researchers at CUNY ASRC detail a breakthrough experiment in which they observed time reflections of electromagnetic signals in a tailored metamaterial. The effect causes a significant portion of the broadband signals to be instantaneously time reversed and frequency converted, forming a strange echo.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

Two-dimensional quantum freeze

Researchers from ETH Zurich have achieved groundbreaking cooling of a glass nanoparticle along two directions of motion, overcoming the 'Dark Mode Effect'. This breakthrough enables the creation of fragile quantum states and paves the way for ultrasensitive gyroscopes and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

A motion freezer for many particles

A team from TU Wien has developed a method to cool several particles simultaneously by adapting the spatial structure of a laser beam to particle motion. The technique uses far-field wavefront shaping to optimize cooling and can be achieved without knowing the exact location or movement of the particles.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2023

Theory can sort order from chaos in complex quantum systems

A new mathematical theory developed by scientists at Rice University and Oxford University can predict the nature of motions in complex quantum systems. The theory applies to any sufficiently complex quantum system and may give insights into building better quantum computers, designing solar cells, or improving battery performance.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2023

How to reverse unknown quantum processes

Physicists from the University of Vienna successfully demonstrated a universal rewinding protocol that can reverse certain quantum processes, including the time evolution of a single photon. The protocol uses an intricate optical setup and demonstrates reversibility without knowing the interactions with the quantum system.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalOptica·DateFeb 7, 2023

Waseda University researchers measure boron flux in high-energy cosmic rays with the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET)

Researchers from Waseda University measured the energy spectrum of boron and the B/C flux ratio in high-energy cosmic rays using the CALorimetric Electron Telescope. The results indicate a different spectral index for boron compared to carbon, with implications for our understanding of cosmic ray propagation mechanisms.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2023

Exotic water ice contributes to understanding of magnetic anomalies on Neptune and Uranus

Researchers used density functional theory to investigate the mechanical properties of superionic ice XVIII, which is thought to make up a large part of Neptune and Uranus. The study found that dislocations in the crystal lattice produce shear, leading to macroscopic deformations and potentially influencing the planets' magnetic fields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2023

Confining quarks

Physicists propose new method to confine quarks, which could reveal why matter has mass. The strong force, a fundamental force of nature, is believed to be responsible for this property. By exploring quark confinement, researchers hope to gain insights into the structure of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Making sense of the muon’s misdemeanours

Researchers studying exotic atom muonium aim to detect deviations from the Standard Model, which could reveal new physics. By measuring energy levels with unprecedented precision, they may uncover evidence for additional particles or forces that explain the muon's misbehavior.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2022

A quantum of an angle

Researchers at TU Wien have directly measured the fine structure constant using a thin film that rotates light polarisation, revealing an astonishing quantum jump related to this fundamental constant. This measurement provides new insights into the strength of electromagnetic interactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

HKU-Harvard physicists predict the novel entangled states on programmable quantum simulators

Researchers from HKU and Harvard University have developed a new triangular lattice model and sweeping cluster algorithm to simulate Rydberg arrays. Their simulations reveal highly entangled Z2 quantum spin liquids with large parameter regimes, providing valuable insights for future experiments.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2022