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Topological quantum computers a step closer with new method to ‘split’ electrons

The topological quantum computer still exists only in theory but, if possible, would be the most stable and powerful computing machine in the world. However, it requires a special type of qubit (quantum bit) that has yet to be realized and manipulated.

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Mysteries of the bizarre ‘pseudogap’ in quantum physics finally untangled

By cleverly applying a computational technique, scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the “pseudogap,” a long-standing puzzle in quantum physics with close ties to superconductivity. The discovery, presented in Science, will help scientists in their quest for room-temperature superconductivity, a holy grail of condensed matter physics that would enable lossless power transmission, faster MRI […]

Researchers improve tunability in optical differentiation

A new technique may make it easier for researchers to create real-time images of microscopic samples by considering the waves that propagate through sample surfaces as light interacts with them.

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Were Bohr and von Neumann really in conflict over quantum measurements?

Analysis suggests that the two pioneers of quantum mechanics, Niels Bohr and John von Neumann, may have had more similar views than previously thought regarding the nature of quantum systems, and the classical apparatus used to measure them.

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Findings hint at a superfluid phase in ²⁹F and ²⁸O

Data collected by the SAMURAI spectrometer at RIKEN’s RI Beam Factory (RIBF) in Japan recently led to the detection of a rare fluorine (F) isotope, known as 30F. This has opened interesting possibilities for the study of rare nuclear structures and corresponding phases, which could in turn help to test various physics theories.

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Neutron scientists wake a sleeping giant after nine-month nap and makeover

What’s the best way to wake a giant after a long nap? “Very carefully, and with a lot of planning,” said a grinning John Galambos. He was the project director for the Proton Power Upgrade project, or PPU, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory until his retirement in July after more than 40 years at the […]

Tracking plasma progression in a picosecond: Physicists develop ultra-fast laser method to study high-density plasmas

In a few picoseconds (trillionths of a second), a small, thin piece of copper momentarily becomes dense plasma, specifically a state called warm dense matter, warm being a relative term—the metal is nearly 200,000 degrees Fahrenheit. With the short duration of a high-powered laser pulse, copper shifts from a solid state to a plasma state […]

Ocean waves grow way beyond known limits, new research finds

Scientists have discovered that ocean waves may become far more extreme and complex than previously imagined.

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Researchers simplify design of optical atomic clocks without compromising performance

Researchers have demonstrated a new optical atomic clock that uses a single laser and doesn’t require cryogenic temperatures. By greatly reducing the size and complexity of atomic clocks without sacrificing accuracy and stability, this advance could lead to high-performance atomic clocks that are compact and portable.

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LHC experiments observe quantum entanglement at the highest energy yet

Quantum entanglement is a fascinating feature of quantum physics—the theory of the very small. If two particles are quantum-entangled, the state of one particle is tied to that of the other, no matter how far apart the particles are. This mind-bending phenomenon, which has no analog in classical physics, has been observed in a wide […]

Zirconium metals under extreme conditions found to deform in surprisingly complex ways

Materials are crucial to modern technology, especially those used in extreme environments like nuclear energy systems and military applications. These materials need to withstand intense pressure, temperature and corrosion. Understanding their lattice-level behavior under such conditions is essential for developing next-generation materials that are more resilient, cheaper, lighter and sustainable.

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Nuclear theorists turn to supercomputers to map out matter’s building blocks in 3D

Deep inside what we perceive as solid matter, the landscape is anything but stationary. The interior of the building blocks of the atom’s nucleus—particles called hadrons that a high school student would recognize as protons and neutrons—are made up of a seething mixture of interacting quarks and gluons, known collectively as partons.

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New method improves understanding of light-wave propagation in anisotropic materials

Understanding how light travels through various materials is essential for many fields, from medical imaging to manufacturing. However, due to their structure, materials often show directional differences in how they scatter light, known as anisotropy. This complexity has traditionally made it difficult to accurately measure and model their optical properties. Recently, researchers have developed a […]

Lord Kelvin: How the 19th century scientist combined research and innovation to change the world

“What got you into astrophysics?” It’s a question I’m often asked at outreach events, and I answer by pointing to my early passion for exploring the biggest questions about our universe. Well, along with seeing Star Wars at an impressionable age.

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Newly developed OLED could enable compact, lightweight night vision

A new type of OLED (organic light emitting diode) could replace bulky night vision goggles with lightweight glasses, making them cheaper and more practical for prolonged use, according to University of Michigan researchers.

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