A Bloch point is a singular point in a magnetic or electric field where the vectors are oriented in nearly all directions. This unique feature serves as a critical link between classical and quantum magnetism. In magnetics, Bloch points have remained elusive and have not been directly observed. Similarly, in the realm of ferroelectrics, the … Read more
Quantum information science is truly fascinating—pairs of tiny particles can be entangled such that an operation on either one will affect them both even if they are physically separated. A seemingly magical process called teleportation can share information between different far-flung quantum systems. These different systems can be coupled using quantum processes to form quantum … Read more
Physicists at MIT and their collaborators have made a fascinating breakthrough in the realm of quantum materials, leading to the discovery of a new method to create a state of matter known as a strange metal. This achievement holds significant promise due to the unique properties of strange metals, which deviate from those of conventional … Read more
Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field that harnesses biological processes and systems to develop innovative solutions for various applications in medicine and industry. It encompasses a diverse range of techniques, including genetic engineering, fermentation, and cell culture, to manipulate biological systems for practical purposes. Biotechnology has revolutionized healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and industrial manufacturing, offering … Read more
The fragile qubits that make up quantum computers offer a powerful computational tool, yet also present a conundrum: How can engineers create practical, workable quantum systems out of bits that are so easily disturbed—and wiped of data—by tiny changes in their environment? Engineers have long struggled with how to make quantum computers less error-prone, often … Read more
Quantum physics requires high-precision sensing techniques to delve deeper into the microscopic properties of materials. From the analog quantum processors that have emerged recently, quantum-gas microscopes have proven to be powerful tools for understanding quantum systems at the atomic level. These devices produce images of quantum gases with very high resolution: They allow individual atoms … Read more
Plants, like us, have sophisticated immune systems to fight off invaders. A recent study published in Nature sheds light on a surprising method plants employ to activate a crucial class of immune proteins. Researchers led by Jijie Chai and a collaborative team have discovered that these proteins condense into tiny liquid droplets within the cell, … Read more
Luminiferous aether, once proposed as the medium through which light waves propagate, represents a fascinating chapter in the history of physics. Despite being a prominent concept in the 19th century, subsequent scientific advancements have revealed its conceptual limitations and ultimately led to its dismissal. Exploring the origins, development, and eventual demise of the luminiferous aether … Read more
The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It provides a systematic way to categorize and understand the behavior of elements based on their shared characteristics. Dmitri Mendeleev is credited with developing the first periodic table in 1869, arranging elements by their … Read more
In a recent publication in Nature Physics, the LSU Quantum Photonics Group has unveiled groundbreaking insights into the fundamental characteristics of surface plasmons, challenging established paradigms and pushing the boundaries of quantum plasmonics research. Led by Associate Professor Omar Magaña-Loaiza, the experimental and theoretical investigations conducted within the group represent a significant leap forward in … Read more
A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting levels of strength for weight not normally seen in nature or manufacturing could change how we make everything from medical implants to aircraft or rocket parts. RMIT University researchers created the new metamaterial—a term used to describe an artificial material with unique properties not observed in nature—from common titanium alloy. … Read more