Physics

A New Variant of Magnetism Promises More Powerful Memory Devices

Credit: Unsplash.New research has unveiled two or three types of magnetism, introducing the possibility of a highly sought-after magnetic property. While early compass users may have perceived magnets as mystical, the scientific understanding of magnetism has evolved. In addition to ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism, a third type, altermagnetism, has been identified, challenging previous descriptions of...

Shattering the Temperature Barrier: The Quantum Leap of Quantum Ground State Acoustics in Modern Physics

Laboratory Experimental Configuration. Credit: SAOT Max GmelchThe quantum ground state of an acoustic wave, achieved through complete system cooling, presents a significant advancement in bridging classical and quantum mechanics. By minimizing the number of acoustic phonons, disturbances to quantum measurements are reduced, paving the way for transformative applications.Breakthrough in Cooling Sound WavesRecent research by...

Scientists Examine the Wave-Particle Duality of Two Photons

Fig. 1. Schematic of our experimental setup using the MZI for observations of WPS of photons. Credit: Zhong-Xiao ManResearchers detected the wave-particle duality in two photons. Unraveling the quantum world hinges on comprehending the behaviors of quantum objects, manifesting as a dual nature—both wave and particle—depending on the potential for interference. This phenomenon, known...

Extracting Uranium from Seawater for Nuclear Fuel

Oceans, covering a substantial portion of Earth's surface and hosting a diverse range of life, also contain a dispersed population of uranium ions. Extracting these ions from seawater could provide a sustainable fuel source for nuclear power generation.Scientists, as reported in ACS Central Science, have developed a material for electrochemical extraction that efficiently attracts...

Researchers Link Quantum Entanglement and Topology

Credit: Tech ExploristFor the first time, researchers from the Structured Light Laboratory (School of Physics) at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, led by Professor Andrew Forbes, collaborated with string theorist Robert de Mello Koch from Huzhou University in China (formerly from Wits University). They demonstrated the remarkable feat of perturbing pairs...

KSTAR’s Latest Upgrade: Potential Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion

A Stellar Achievement: Unveiling the Magnificence of the KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research) Device. Credit: Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE)The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), situated in Daejeon, South Korea, continues to push the boundaries of nuclear fusion research. Recently, significant upgrades have been introduced to enhance its capabilities, enabling the...

Capturing Light’s Velocity: YouTubers Film at 10 Trillion Frames Per Second

They aimed to capture footage of the swiftest phenomenon known to humanity. Credit: Shutterstock.If you're an avid Internet user, chances are you're familiar with the Slow Mo Guys, the YouTube sensation dedicated to capturing a wide array of intriguing moments in slow motion. From bullets colliding mid-air to Will Smith wielding a formidable flamethrower,...

Japan Unveils the World’s Largest Operational Nuclear Fusion Reactor

Japan marked a significant milestone on December 1 with the inauguration of JT-60SA, currently the world's largest operational superconducting tokamak. Shaped like a donut, a tokamak is a nuclear fusion reactor, and this new facility, developed in collaboration with the European Union (EU), serves as a precursor to the under-construction International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor...

Fluid-Like Electricity Flow: Low Quantum Noise in Strange Metal

The electrical current in this substance exhibits characteristics akin to the fluid dynamics of a liquid.Credit: Maxim Studio/ShutterstockResearchers have successfully constructed nanowires featuring a precise 1:2:2 ratio of ytterbium, rhodium, and silicon (YbRh2Si2), revealing an intriguing phase of matter known as the "strange metal." This quantum material defies conventional expectations, particularly regarding the unique behavior exhibited...