Conceptual artwork of a pair of entangled quantum particles. Credit: Science Photo Library/Alamy Stock Photo Topics: Modern Physics, Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Theoretical Physics Quantum entanglement is a complex phenomenon in physics that is usually poorly described as an invisible link between distant quantum objects that allows one to instantly affect the other. Albert Einstein famously dismissedContinue reading “Removing the Spookiness…”
Category Archives: Modern Physics
Slits in Time…
The classic double-slit experiment leads to characteristic interference patterns. Credit: Russell Knightly/SPL Topics: Modern Physics, Optics, Quantum Mechanics A celebrated experiment in 1801 showed that light passing through two thin slits interferes with itself, forming a characteristic striped pattern on the wall behind. Now, physicists have shown that a similar effect can arise with twoContinue reading “Slits in Time…”
Flashing Droplets, Optical Tweezers…
Atomic analog: when a beam of light is shone into a water droplet, the light is trapped inside. (Courtesy: Javier Tello Marmolejo) Topics: Modern Physics, Optics, Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Optics, Research Light waves confined in an evaporating water droplet provide a useful model of the quantum behavior of atoms, researchers in Sweden and Mexico haveContinue reading “Flashing Droplets, Optical Tweezers…”
Fusion Shot in the Arm…
A laser fusion power plant proposed by Longview Fusion Energy Systems would generate 1000 MWh or more of electricity. The plant would compress fusion fuel by using an indirect drive, the same approach used at the National Ignition Facility, which in December announced that it had produced ignition and gain, the first time that fusion researchersContinue reading “Fusion Shot in the Arm…”
Graphullerene…
Credit: Nicoletta Barolini Topics: Chemistry, Graphene, Materials Science, Modern Physics, Nanotechnology Graphullerene, an atom-thin material made of linked fullerene subunits, gives scientists a new form of modular carbon to play with. Carbon, in its myriad forms, has long captivated the scientific community. Besides being the primary component of all organic life on earth, material formsContinue reading “Graphullerene…”
Quipu…
Topics: Lasers, Modern Physics, Quantum Computer, Quantum Mechanics Physicists have devised a mind-bending error-correction technique that could dramatically boost the performance of quantum computers. When the ancient Incas wanted to archive tax and census records, they used a device made up of a number of strings called a quipu, which encoded the data in knots. Fast-forwardContinue reading “Quipu…”
DUNE Detector…
Topics: Applied Physics, Modern Physics, Particle Physics, Theoretical Physics The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be the world’s largest cryogenic particle detector. Its aim is to study the most elusive of particles: neutrinos. Teams from around the world are developing and constructing detector components that they will ship to the Sanford Underground Research Facility,Continue reading “DUNE Detector…”
Weighty W…
Topics: Fermilab, High Energy Physics, Modern Physics, Particle Physics, Steven Weinberg The most precise measurement to date of the mass of the W boson has yielded a result seven standard deviations away from that predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics. The stunning result was obtained by a painstaking analysis of data taken atContinue reading “Weighty W…”
Aharonov-Bohm Effect…
Topics: General Relativity, Gravity, Modern Physics, Quantum Mechanics The idea that particles can feel the influence of potentials even without being exposed to a force field may seem counterintuitive, but it has long been accepted in physics thanks to experimental demonstrations involving electromagnetic interactions. Now physicists in the US have shown that this so-called Aharonov-BohmContinue reading “Aharonov-Bohm Effect…”
DUNE…
Topics: Fermilab, High Energy Physics, Modern Physics, Neutrinos, Particle Physics Solving big mysteries The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is an international flagship experiment to unlock the mysteries of neutrinos. DUNE will be installed in the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, under construction in the United States. DUNE scientists will paint a clearer picture of the universe and how itContinue reading “DUNE…”
Physics and Nano 