Physics
press releases.

Physics11 Apr 2025

A new era in materials science: antiferromagnetic quasicrystals unveiled

Quasicrystals (QCs) are fascinating solid materials that exhibit an intriguing atomic arrangement. Unlike regular crystals, in which atomic arrangements have an ordered repeating pattern, QCs display long-range atomic order that is not periodic. Due to this ‘quasiperiodic’ nature, QCs have unconventional symmetries that are absent in conventional crystals. Since their Nobel Prize-winning discovery, condensed matter physics researchers have dedicated immense attention towards QCs, attempting to both realize their unique quasiperiodic magnetic order and ...

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Physics10 Apr 2025

Blending the old and the new: Phase-change perovskite enable traditional VCSEL to achieve low-threshold, tunable single-mode lasers

A new publication from Opto-Electronic Advances; DOI 10.29026/oea.2025.240220, discusses how phase-change perovskite enables traditional VCSEL to achieve low-threshold, tunable single-mode lasers. As an important light source, lasers are widely used in many fields such as communications, medical treatment, display technology and scientific research. However, with the continuous advancement of technology, people have put forward higher requirements on the performance of lasers, especially in terms of integration and tunability. Traditional lasers typically rely on fixed gain media and external microcavity structures (such as Fabry-Perot cavities, ...

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Physics10 Apr 2025

Enhanced photoacoustic microscopy with physics-embedded degeneration learning

A new publication from Opto-Electronic Advances; DOI 10.29026/oea.2025.240189, discusses enhanced photoacoustic microscopy with physics-embedded degeneration learning. In recent years, photoacoustic imaging (PAI), as an emerging imaging technology, has gradually attracted widespread attention across various fields, particularly in interdisciplinary areas such as medicine, physics, and chemistry. In brief, PAI combines the unique advantages of both optics and acoustics. The fundamental principle of PAI is as follows: when laser light ...

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Physics10 Apr 2025

Unlocking the vibrant photonic realm: A new horizon for structural colors

A new publication from Opto-Electronic Sciences; DOI 10.29026/oes.2025.240030, discusses unlocking the vibrant photonic realm. Nature not only provides humans with abundant material resources but also offers rich colors, satisfying both material and spiritual needs. The vibrant and diverse colors displayed by peacock feathers, opals, and beetles are all a result of the exquisite structural colors found in nature. The micro- and nanostructures on their surfaces interact with light, producing phenomena such as diffraction, scattering, ...

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Physics10 Apr 2025

Integrated photonic polarizers with 2D reduced graphene oxide

A new publication from Opto-Electronic Sciences; DOI 10.29026/oes.2025.240032 , discusses integrated photonic polarizers with 2D reduced graphene oxide. In modern optical systems, controlling light polarization is of fundamental importance and underpins a variety of advanced optical technologies. Optical polarizers, which selectively transmit light with a specific polarization orientation while blocking light of the orthogonal polarization, are essential components underpinning modern optical systems for a diverse range of applications. The applications are divided into ...

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Physics10 Apr 2025

Rolling particles make suspensions more fluid

Lacquers, paint, concrete—and even ketchup or orange juice: Suspensions are widespread in industry and everyday life. By a suspension, materials scientists mean a liquid in which tiny, insoluble solid particles are evenly distributed. If the concentration of particles in such a mixture is very high, phenomena can be observed that contradict our everyday understanding of a liquid. For example, these so-called non-Newtonian fluids suddenly become more viscous when a strong force acts upon them. For a brief moment, the liquid behaves like a solid. This sudden thickening is caused by the particles present ...

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Physics9 Apr 2025

Scientists uncover spin–catalytic activity correlation in single-atom and -electron tailored gold nanoclusters

Recently, a team of researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has consecutively removed the innermost atom and the outermost electron of a gold nanoparticle—without disturbing its overall structure. This precise manipulation allowed them to probe how the magnetic spin of the material influences its catalytic activity. The work, led by Prof. WU Zhikun in collaboration with Prof. YANG from the Institute of Process Engineering, CAS and Prof. TANG from Chongqing University, ...

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Physics9 Apr 2025

Vehicle-mounted wireless power transfer: ensuring safety through magnetic field management

A comprehensive study has examined the magnetic field emissions (MFE) from vehicle-mounted wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, providing critical insights for ensuring user safety during electric vehicle charging. As wireless charging technology gains popularity for fleet vehicles and accessibility applications, understanding and controlling electromagnetic field exposure becomes increasingly important. Researchers conducted extensive physical measurements around a vehicle equipped with an in-house designed WPT system, examining how various factors affect magnetic field emissions where users might be positioned during charging operations. The study specifically investigated: - ...

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Physics8 Apr 2025

Predictable visual stimuli as an early indicator for autism spectrum disorder in children

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience social communication impairments and engage in restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). Early identification of these symptoms is critical for timely intervention, but detecting RRBs, in particular, remains a challenge. Previous studies using eye-tracking methods have revealed that children with ASD tend to favor non-social stimuli over social ones, a preference that aligns with ASD symptoms. However, the developmental timeline of this preference—especially regarding repetitive versus random movements—remains poorly understood. Research has shown that children with ASD may spend ...

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Physics4 Apr 2025

UNM scientists discover how nanoparticles of toxic metal used in MRI scans infiltrate human tissue

University of New Mexico researchers studying the health risks posed by gadolinium, a toxic rare earth metal used in MRI scans, have found that oxalic acid, a molecule found in many foods, can generate nanoparticles of the metal in human tissues. In a new paper published in the journal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a team led by Brent Wagner, MD, professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in the UNM School of Medicine, sought to explain the formation of the nanoparticles, which have been associated with serious health problems in the kidneys and other organs. “The worst disease caused by MRI contrast agents is nephrogenic systemic ...

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Physics3 Apr 2025

CCNY physicists uncover electronic interactions mediated via spin waves

Groundbreaking research by physicists at The City College of New York is being credited for a novel discovery regarding the interaction of electronic excitations via spin waves. The finding by the Laboratory for Nano and Micro Photonics (LaNMP) team headed by physicist Vinod Menon could open the door to future technologies and advanced applications such as optical modulators, all-optical logic gates, and quantum transducers. The work is reported in the journal Nature Materials. The researchers showed the emergence of interaction between electronic excitations (excitons – electron hole pairs) mediated via spin waves in atomically thin (2D) magnets. They demonstrated ...

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Physics3 Apr 2025

Resident physician intentions regarding unionization

About The Study: In this survey study, most resident physicians reported either being in a union or supporting unionization at their institution, citing pay and financial security as critical factors in their consideration of unionization. Future research should investigate other factors and whether unionization achieves its goals of increased pay and benefits, work hours, and well-being. Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Laura K. Barger, PhD, email lkbarger@hms.harvard.edu. To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media ...

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Physics2 Apr 2025

A router for photons

Applied physicists at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have created a photon router that could plug into quantum networks to create robust optical interfaces for noise-sensitive microwave quantum computers. The breakthrough is a crucial step toward someday realizing modular, distributed quantum computing networks that leverage existing telecommunications infrastructure. Comprising millions of miles of optical fiber, today’s fiber-optic networks send information between computing clusters as pulses ...

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Physics1 Apr 2025

The experts that can outsmart optical illusions

Medical imaging experts are adept at solving common optical illusions, according to research from four UK universities, including the University of East Anglia. The correct analysis of medical images from scans, such as MRI, is critical for diagnosing cancer and many other conditions. A new study published today shows that people who do this professionally are also more accurate at judging the size of objects in common optical illusions. In other words, medical imaging experts also literally see better in everyday life! The research is also the ...

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Physics31 Mar 2025

The hidden superconducting state in NbSe₂: shedding layers, gaining insights

Researchers have discovered an unexpected superconducting transition in extremely thin films of niobium diselenide (NbSe₂). Published in Nature Communications, they found that when these films become thinner than six atomic layers, superconductivity no longer spreads evenly throughout the material, but instead becomes confined to its surface. This discovery challenges previous assumptions and could have important implications for understanding superconductivity and developing advanced quantum technologies. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have made a surprising discovery about how superconductivity ...

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Physics27 Mar 2025

Electronic Screen Use and Sleep Duration and Timing in Adults

About The Study: Daily screen use was associated with later bedtimes and approximately 50 minutes less sleep each week in this study. Associations were greater among those with evening chronotypes, who are at risk for poor sleep due to social jetlag (i.e., misalignment between circadian rhythms and social commitments). These findings confirm disruptions to sleep from electronic screens are not limited to children and adolescents. Further work is needed to understand the best mechanisms for intervention. Corresponding Author: To ...

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Physics27 Mar 2025

Physics meets art: a new twist on interference patterns

Tokyo, Japan – One of the simplest and most beautiful naturally occurring patterns can be observed when light is shined through a pair of slightly misaligned periodic structures. This phenomenon, known as the moiré effect, is not only pretty to look at, but also has important consequences for the properties of materials. In an article published in ACS Nano, a team led by researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, announced the discovery of a previously unseen moiré pattern: a series of periodic one-dimensional bands in tungsten ditelluride bilayers. In nanomaterials, moiré patterns ...

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Physics26 Mar 2025

New study shines a light on the mechanics of bioluminescence in the rare fish Vinciguerria mabahiss

Los Angeles (February –, 2025)—Evolving roughly 27 different times in the long history of fish, bioluminescence—the biological production of light—is one of the flashier survival tools used for luring prey, communication, and recognizing potential mates among various species. In a new study published in Ichthyological Research, an international team of researchers studied the organs that produce light in Vinciguerria mabahiss, a rare species of fish from the Red Sea. This paper marks the first-ever close examination of these organs, providing key information on their structure ...

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Physics25 Mar 2025

BESSY II: Magnetic ‘microflowers’ enhance local magnetic fields

A flower-shaped structure only a few micrometres in size made of a nickel-iron alloy can concentrate and locally enhance magnetic fields. The size of the effect can be controlled by varying the geometry and number of 'petals'. This magnetic metamaterial developed by Dr Anna Palau's group at the Institut de Ciencia de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB) in collaboration with her partners of the CHIST-ERA MetaMagIC project, has now been studied at BESSY II in collaboration with Dr Sergio Valencia. Such a device can be used to increase the sensitivity of magnetic sensors, to reduce the energy required for creating local magnetic fields, but also, at ...

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Physics25 Mar 2025

First joint oscillation analysis of super-kamiokande atmospheric and T2K accelerator neutrino data

The Super-Kamiokande and T2K Collaborations present a joint measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters from their atmospheric and beam neutrino data. It uses a common interaction model for events overlapping in neutrino energy and correlated detector systematic uncertainties between the two datasets, which are found to be compatible. Using 3244.4 days of atmospheric data and a beam exposure of 19.7(16.3) x 1020 protons on target in (anti)neutrino mode, the analysis finds a 1.9???? exclusion ...

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Physics20 Mar 2025

Researchers capture first laser-driven, high-resolution CT scans of dense objects

A research team led by Colorado State University has achieved a new milestone in 3D X-ray imaging technology. The scientists are the first to capture high-resolution CT scans of the interior of a large, dense object – a gas turbine blade – using a compact, laser-driven X-ray source. The findings, published this week in Optica, describe the science and engineering behind this new radiographic imaging capability and its potential benefits to a range of industries, from aerospace to additive manufacturing. The project is a years-long collaboration between researchers at CSU’s Departments ...

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Physics20 Mar 2025

A simple way to control superconductivity

Scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) and collaborators have discovered a groundbreaking way to control superconductivity—an essential phenomenon for developing more energy-efficient technologies and quantum computing—by simply twisting atomically thin layers within a layered device. By adjusting the twist angle, they were able to finely tune the “superconducting gap,” which plays a key role in the behavior of these materials. The research was published in Nature Physics. The superconducting gap is the energy threshold required to break apart Cooper pairs—bound electron pairs that enable superconductivity at low temperatures. ...

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Physics18 Mar 2025

​Rising Stars: PPPL researchers honored in 2024 Physics of Plasmas Early Career Collection

Celebrating fresh thinking in plasma physics is essential to the continued growth of the field, and this year’s Physics of Plasmas Early Career Collection highlights some of the most promising new voices pushing the boundaries of discovery. The prestigious collection highlights top papers from all areas of plasma physics research authored by individuals who defended their dissertations within the past five years.​ This year, three researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) are featured in the Early Career Collection: Staff Research ...

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Physics15 Mar 2025

New strategies to enhance chiral optical signals unveiled

A recent review article published in Engineering delves into the latest research on enhancing chiral optical signals, a topic with significant implications for various scientific fields. Chirality, a property found in many molecules, plays a crucial role in areas such as chemistry, biology, and pharmacology. However, the measurement of chiral optical signals can be challenging because they are often weak. The review, led by researchers from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, covers a range of methods to boost these signals. One approach involves tailoring optical fields. For instance, ...

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Physics14 Mar 2025

uOttawa scientists use light to unlock secret of atoms

A team of researchers from the University of Ottawa has made significant strides in understanding the ionization of atoms and molecules, a fundamental process in physics that has implications for various fields including x-ray generation and plasma physics. Think about atoms - the building blocks of everything around us. Sometimes, they lose their electrons and become charged particles (that's ionization). It happens in lightning, in plasma TVs, and even in the northern lights. Until now, scientists thought they could only control this process in limited ways. Led by Ravi Bhardwaj, Full Professor at uOttawa’s Department of Physics, and PhD student Jean-Luc Begin, in collaboration ...

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