The world of quantum physics has always posed immense challenges when it comes to controlling molecules at an individual level. However, a recent breakthrough by a team of physicists at Harvard University has demonstrated the successful trapping of polyatomic molecules in optical tweezers for the first time. Unlike atoms, molecules come with added complexities such
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The way in which we perceive the world around us is heavily reliant on the information that objects provide based on how they interact with wavelengths of light, otherwise known as color. Color can alert us to the safety of food or the temperature of metal. In the field of medicine, color plays a critical
Gravity is a fundamental force that governs our universe, yet its true nature remains a mystery. The question of whether gravity is fundamentally quantum or classical has puzzled scientists for years. Experimental proposals to tackle this question have faced challenges due to the difficulty of creating quantum entanglement between heavy, macroscopic masses. However, a recent
Creating heat from fusion reactions is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of plasma, the electrically charged fourth state of matter. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have recently developed a groundbreaking new plasma measurement instrument called ALPACA. This diagnostic tool has the potential to significantly
Art lovers who frequent museums might have noticed a concerning trend in some Impressionist paintings. Over the course of 50 years, vibrant yellow hues in pieces by renowned artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh are fading away. The culprit behind this color deterioration is cadmium sulfide, a chemical compound that was a
The recent discovery of the thorium transition was a pivotal moment in the field of physics, marking the culmination of years of research and scientific exploration. Physicists across the globe have been diligently searching for this elusive state of thorium atomic nuclei, which promises groundbreaking technological advancements. One of the most exciting prospects is the
Whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators, known for their ability to confine and concentrate light in a tiny circular path, have long been utilized in various high-resolution sensing applications. Traditionally used to detect chemical signatures, DNA strands, and single molecules, these resonators have shown great promise in fields such as biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. However, the narrow
Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the way we process information, offering faster and more efficient solutions to complex problems. Photonic quantum computers, in particular, have garnered attention for their ability to leverage quantum physics and utilize particles of light as units of information processing. Despite their promise, researchers have faced challenges in realizing
The development of transparent solar cells has the potential to revolutionize the way we harness solar energy. By allowing various surfaces to be turned into solar panels, these cells have the ability to transform the look of our infrastructure and create new opportunities for renewable energy generation. One of the key components in this advancement
Single-photon emitters (SPEs) play a crucial role in the realm of quantum technology. These microscopic light sources emit only one photon at a time, making them invaluable for applications such as secure communications and high-resolution imaging. However, the materials containing SPEs have often been impractical for mass manufacturing due to their high cost and the