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Magnetic whirls in confined spaces

Magnetic whirls, known as skyrmions, exhibit particle-like properties when confined to geometric structures. The researchers discovered that the stability of skyrmions varies greatly depending on their arrangement within these structures, with certain patterns resulting in high stability and mobility.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 4, 2021

Detective work in theoretical physics

Researchers from the University of Münster and Düsseldorf provide an in-depth summary of the dynamical density functional theory, a method used to describe interacting particles. The article covers various branches of physics and applications in chemistry, solid state physics, and biophysics.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAdvances In Physics·DateDec 29, 2020

Lineshape-tailoring of coupled plasmonic systems based on first principle

A newly published paper introduces a formal theoretical framework from first principles, enabling researchers to predict the fascinating properties of coupled photonic systems before numerically simulating them. The theory allows for the design and prediction of line-shapes with desired near-field and far-field properties.

NSF renews Rice biological physics center

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University has received a five-year extension from the National Science Foundation to pursue research on the intersection of biology and physics. Researchers will continue to use computational analysis and experimental efforts to understand cell behavior and interactions.

Laser takes pictures of electrons in crystals

Researchers have developed a new laser-based microscope that can resolve the distribution of electrons in crystal lattices with unprecedented resolution. The technique, known as Light Picoscopy, uses powerful laser pulses to drive electrons into fast motion, allowing them to emit radiation that reveals their position within the crystal.

SourceUniversity of Rostock·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

The cascade to criticality

Quasiperiodic structures exhibit unique beauty and intriguing physics, but a lack of overarching framework hindered understanding. Researchers establish versatile tools for exploring quantum behavior in diverse quasiperiodic settings, demonstrating the strength of their approach to uncover new physical mechanisms.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 1, 2020

Study uncovers gender roles in physics lab courses

A Cornell University study finds that inquiry-based physics labs, designed to encourage student agency, actually contain gender imbalances and biases when compared to traditional, highly structured labs. The researchers analyzed student behavior in two types of labs and found that men and women take on different roles within groups.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysics Education Research Journal·DateMay 27, 2020

How big is the neutron?

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have determined the neutron charge radius from lightest atomic nuclei using a more direct methodology, differing significantly from previous calculations. The new result corrects the previously assumed value for the size of a neutron.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2020

Grabbing atoms

Researchers at the University of Otago have successfully trapped and cooled three individual atoms, allowing them to observe previously unseen complex atomic interactions. This breakthrough has significant implications for future quantum technologies, including the potential to build and control single molecules of particular chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 19, 2020

Deconstructing Schrödinger's cat

Laloë's theory combines adding a random term to the Schrödinger equation with another concept from de Broglie and Bohm, relating quantum collapse to the universal gravitational field. This approach can be applied to both macroscopic objects like cats and atoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 14, 2020

Playing the angles with dramatic effect

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory propose most complete picture to date of metal-insulator transition in transition metal oxides, enabling improved tuning and control for low-power and ultrafast microelectronics. The study reveals that size of vegetable ion within crystal structure affects transition temperature, making materi...

First giant planet around white dwarf found

Researchers using ESO's Very Large Telescope have discovered a giant planet orbiting a hot white dwarf star, stripping away its atmosphere to form a disc. The system's unique properties provide clues to the composition of exoplanet atmospheres and challenge our understanding of planetary systems' final fate.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Physicists shed new light on how liquids behave with other materials

Physicists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how liquids behave with other materials, including finding super-repellant substrates that can repel water. Their findings provide a comprehensive framework for tailoring material properties, which has important implications for various physical and biological systems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

Puzzling on a quantum chessboard

A quantum computer has solved a complex chess puzzle using quantum physics, with the solution determined by atomic microscopy. The experiment was designed to demonstrate quantum supremacy for certain optimization problems, and its feasibility is now within reach of laboratory implementation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalQuantum·DateJul 10, 2019