Ultracold atoms dressed by light simulate gauge theories Researchers have used the coldest systems in the universe to realize in the laboratory gauge theories, key models of modern physics that describe the fundamental forces of Nature and the behavior of c …
Flow-driven rotors at the nanoscale Researchers have constructed the smallest flow-driven motors ever. Inspired by iconic Dutch windmills and biological motor proteins, they created a self-configuring flow-driven rotor from DNA that con …
Optimizing SWAP networks for quantum computing Researchers have demonstrated how a smart compiler specifically tailored for superconducting quantum hardware can optimize circuits and networks and execute less error-prone quantum algorithms such as …
Nickelate superconductors are intrinsically magnetic Scientists embedded elementary particles called muons into a many-layered nickel oxide superconductor to learn more about its magnetic properties. They discovered that waves of flip-flopping electron …
Quantum control for advanced technology: Past and present Quantum devices are a promising technological advance for the future, but this will hinge on the application of quantum optimal control top real-world devices. A new review looks at the status of the …
A molecule of light and matter A very special bonding state between atoms has been created in the laboratory: With a laser beam, atoms can be polarized so that they are positively charged on one side and negatively charged on the o …
Putting a positive spin on the Buckyball C60 Researchers have identified highly ionized species of the famous soccer ball-shaped 'Buckminsterfullerene' C60 molecule as plausible carriers of at least some of the most prominent and enigm …
A key role for quantum entanglement A method known as quantum key distribution has long held the promise of communication security unattainable in conventional cryptography. An international team of scientists has now demonstrated exper …
Quantum cryptography: Hacking is futile An international team has successfully implemented an advanced form of quantum cryptography for the first time. Moreover, encryption is independent of the quantum device used and therefore even more s …
Breakthrough quantum algorithm Physicists are claiming significant progress in using quantum computers to study and predict how the state of a large number of interacting quantum particles evolves over time. This was done by develo …
Engineering roboticists discover alternative physics A new AI program observed physical phenomena and uncovered relevant variables — a necessary precursor to any physics theory. But the variables it discovered were unexpected.
A new leap in understanding nickel oxide superconductors Researchers discover that nickel oxide superconductors contain a phase of quantum matter, known as charge density waves, that's common in other unconventional superconductors. In other ways, thou …
The structure of the smallest semiconductor was elucidated Knowledge of the atomic-level structures of materials is extremely important for correlating the properties and functions of material in any scientific discipline, including chemistry, biology, and ph …
Understanding friction, the unavoidable enemy For machines with mechanical elements, friction is an unavoidable enemy. It is a major source of service failure and can reduce the lifespan of any machinery, from bicycles and cars to airplanes and a …
Halos and dark matter: A recipe for discovery About three years ago, a team of astronomers went looking for the universe's missing mass, better known as dark matter, in the heart of an atom. Their expedition didn't lead them to dark mat …
Chemists unlock secrets of molten salts Researchers have come up with a novel way to study the thermodynamic properties of molten salts, which are used in many nuclear and solar energy applications.
The best semiconductor of them all? A material known as cubic boron arsenide has two major advantages over silicon, research shows. It provides high mobility to both electrons and holes, and it has excellent thermal conductivity. It is, …
Buckyballs on gold are less exotic than graphene C60 molecules on a gold substrate appear more complex than their graphene counterparts, but have much more ordinary electronic properties. This is now shown by measurements with ARPES at BESSY II and …
Electric nanomotor made from DNA material A research team has succeeded for the first time in producing a molecular electric motor using the DNA origami method. The tiny machine made of genetic material self-assembles and converts electrical …
Deep learning for new alloys Supercomputer simulations are helping scientists discover new high-entropy alloys. XSEDE allocations on TACC's Stampede2 supercomputer supported density function theory calculations for largest d …
A quantum wave in two crystals One of the most important experiments of quantum physics gets a makeover: When neutrons are fired at a crystal, they can be made to travel along two paths at the same time. Until now, this was only po …
Researchers remeasure gravitational constant Researchers have redetermined the gravitational constant G using a new measurement technique. Although there is still a large degree of uncertainty regarding this value, the new method offers great po …
X-rays help researchers piece together treasured cellular gateway After almost two decades of synchrotron experiments, scientists have captured a clear picture of a cell's nuclear pores, which are the doors and windows through which critical material in your bo …
A four-stroke engine for atoms If you switch a bit in the memory of a computer and then switch it back again, you have restored the original state. There are only two states that can be called '0 and 1'. However, in a cry …
Physicists see electron whirlpools Physicists have now observed electron whirlpools. Theorists have long predicted electrons should exhibit this hallmark of fluid flow; the findings could inform the design of more efficient electronics …
Researchers expand understanding of vortex spread in superfluids Researchers have created a model that describes the spread and speed of tornado-like vortex tubes in superfluids. This work expands on a previous study that reported experimental results obtained in s …
Keeping the energy in the room Researchers are developing precision optical sensors for telescopes and observatories. The team has now improved the spectra resolution of their superconducting sensor, a major step in their ultimate …