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NIST's compact atomic gyroscope displays new twists

The NIST team has upgraded their compact atomic gyroscope to enable simultaneous measurement of rotation, rotation angle and acceleration with a single source of atoms. The instrument's sensitivities for the magnitude and direction of the rotation measurements are approaching those achieved by other research groups using larger atom in...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 11, 2019

First demonstration of antimatter wave interferometry

Researchers at the University of Bern have successfully demonstrated wave behavior in a single positron interference experiment, proving the quantum-mechanical origin of the observed pattern. The experiment used an innovative Talbot-Lau interferometer and nuclear emulsion detector to achieve micrometric resolution.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2019

GRAVITY instrument breaks new ground in exoplanet imaging

The GRAVITY instrument has made the first direct observation of an exoplanet, revealing a complex atmosphere with clouds of iron and silicates swirling in a planet-wide storm. This achievement showcases the unique possibilities for characterising many known exoplanets.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 27, 2019

The big bell test

The BIG Bell Test challenged Einstein's local realism by using human volunteers' unpredictable choices to close a stubborn loophole. Participants contributed over 90 million bits, demonstrating strong disagreement with local realism and introducing new methods in entanglement study.

Movable silicon 'lenses' enable neutrons to see new range of details inside objects

Researchers at NIST and NIH developed a new method that uses movable silicon gratings to focus neutron beams, allowing for the examination of objects at unprecedented scales. This breakthrough could complement existing scanning techniques, enabling scientists to probe the interiors of materials without damaging them.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2018

Hot bodies are attractive

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that blackbody radiation from a warm object can attract cesium atoms, with an effect 20 times stronger than gravity. This discovery has implications for precise measurements of fundamental constants and tests of general relativity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 8, 2017

Best ever image of a star's surface and atmosphere

A team of astronomers has created the first two-dimensional velocity map of a star's atmosphere using ESO's Very Large Telescope Interferometer. The study reveals turbulent, low-density gas much further from the star than predicted, challenging current theories on convection.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017

'Quantum leap' for Liverpool

Physicists from the University of Liverpool have made a significant breakthrough in probing the 'dark content' of the universe using a novel experiment based on quantum interferometry. The experiment relies on ultra-cold atoms and could have far-reaching applications in navigation, gravity scanning, and understanding dark energy.

Super sensitive devices work on recycling atoms

Researchers at University of Queensland and University of Sussex have developed a way to recycle atoms, improving the performance of atom interferometers. This technique enables ultra-precise measurements of accelerations, rotations, and gravitational fields, with applications in mineral exploration, hydrology, and navigation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 11, 2017

'Virtual' interferometers may overcome scale issues for optical quantum computers

A team of researchers has devised a new way to implement large-scale interferometers that can dramatically miniaturize optical processing circuitry. By leveraging recent breakthroughs in quantum information, the 'measurement-based linear optics' technique harnesses existing compact methods for generating large-scale cluster states.

Advance could aid development of nanoscale biosensors

Researchers from Brown University have developed a technique that eliminates the need for highly specialized external light sources, enabling more versatile and compact devices. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of hand-held environmental sensors and biosensors that can perform complete blood workups from single drops.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 16, 2016

Twisting neutrons

Scientists at Joint Quantum Institute successfully control orbital angular momentum of neutron waves, a fundamental property of matter waves. The achievement uses a counterintuitive property of neutrons to twist the phase of their wavefunction, enabling potential applications in neutron imaging and quantum information processing.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2015

Smaller, faster, cheaper

A new type of electro-optic modulator is smaller, faster, and cheaper than traditional models, using plasmon-polaritons to enhance its performance. The device consumes much less energy than current commercial devices, making it a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact of data transmission.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 27, 2015

Progress on detecting glucose levels in saliva

The new sensor uses dye chemistry and plasmonic interferometry to selectively measure glucose concentrations in complex solutions like human saliva. It can detect changes in glucose concentration of 0.1 micromoles per liter, which is 10 times more sensitive than previous methods.

SourceBrown University·JournalNanophotonics·DateJun 3, 2014

Invisible tool enables new quantum experiments

Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed a novel way to manipulate massive particles using nanosecond long flashes of laser light, enabling precise measurements of small forces and fields. This breakthrough allows for the investigation of quantum wave nature in both single molecules and clusters of molecules.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 11, 2013

Splitting the unsplittable

Researchers have successfully split a single atom into its two halves, pulled them apart and reunited them again. This achievement showcases the potential of quantum mechanics in simulating complex systems, such as topological isolators and photo¬synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2012

The 'new' kilogram is approaching

The Avogadro project has achieved a milestone in measuring the Avogadro constant with unprecedented precision, using a highly enriched single crystal of silicon-28. The measurement uncertainty has been reduced to 3 × 10^(-22), enabling a more accurate definition of the kilogram based on fundamental constants.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2011