Lasers have long been an essential part of modern technology, utilized in various fields ranging from telecommunications to medicine. Traditionally, the design and function of lasers hinge upon optical cavities, in which pairs of mirrors reflect light back and forth, amplifying it through a repeated process. However, a novel approach has emerged in recent research
Physics
In the ever-evolving domain of condensed matter physics, Kagome materials have blossomed into focal points of scientific investigation over the past 15 years. Characterized by a star-like lattice structure reminiscent of traditional Japanese basketry, Kagome metals were previously a theoretical concept until their successful laboratory synthesis in 2018. This breakthrough opened the door to numerous
Chirality, a fundamental property observed in various molecules, carries immense significance in fields such as pharmacology, chemistry, and biology. The concept refers to the asymmetry of molecular structures—akin to human hands, which exist as mirror images yet cannot be superimposed onto each other. This “handedness,” or chirality, profoundly influences how molecules interact within biological systems.
Recent advancements in materials science have brought about a surge of interest in topological superconductors, which possess unique capabilities for encoding and processing quantum information. A collaborative effort led by physicist Peng Wei at the University of California, Riverside, presents a significant milestone in this domain. The researchers have synthesized a novel superconductor material that
In the realm of scientific inquiry, measurement forms the very bedrock of understanding. As technology evolves, so too does our ability to measure phenomena that were once deemed elusive. Recent advancements in quantum sensing have opened the door to measuring intricate details, such as atomic vibrations, the characteristics of individual photons, and the subtle fluctuations
Topological materials have garnered significant attention in the field of condensed matter physics due to their unique properties, which emerge from the exotic nature of their wavefunctions. At the heart of these materials lies a profound physical principle: the behavior of electrons is fundamentally altered by the topology of the material’s electronic states. This article
The world of quantum mechanics is often home to paradoxes and intriguing phenomena that challenge classical intuitions about reality. Among these is Hardy’s paradox, introduced by physicist Lucien Hardy in the 1990s. This paradox serves as a test of local realism, the classical notion that physical properties exist independently of observation and that no information
For decades, scientists have grappled with one of physics’ most profound mysteries: the intersection of gravity and quantum mechanics. Despite significant advancements in understanding fundamental forces like electromagnetism and nuclear interactions through quantum theory, gravity has remained an enigma, cloaked in classical interpretations. With gravity operating on a macro level as an observable force—planets orbiting
Plasma, often dubbed the fourth state of matter, is a fascinating and complex medium found both in the cosmos and in controlled laboratory environments such as fusion devices. Its behavior under various conditions can yield critical insights not only about our own planet’s phenomena but also about far more enigmatic entities such as black holes
Recent advancements in experimental physics have sparked renewed interest in the manipulation of atomic spins, particularly in the context of measuring extremely weak magnetic fields. A team of researchers, under the leadership of Professor Peng Xinhua and Associate Professor Jiang Min from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), has authored a groundbreaking
In the realm of condensed matter physics, excitons have garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in the technology of the future. These quasi-particles form when an electron is excited from its normal state, creating a “hole” in the process, leading to a bound state due to their opposite charges. Observed predominantly in insulators
Graphene, often touted for its remarkable electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, has been at the forefront of materials science research. Its utility spans a wide range of applications, from flexible electronics to high-performance transistors. However, one of the most exciting areas of research lies in the manipulation of its electronic band structure, which directly influences