Fusion, the process of combining atomic nuclei to release a tremendous amount of energy, holds great promise as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. One of the key challenges in fusion energy research is finding ways to efficiently harness this energy. Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) are exploring the
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In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory have made significant progress in the field of quantum devices by investigating topological phases of matter. By utilizing a unique strain engineering approach, the research team successfully converted hafnium pentatelluride (HfTe5) into a strong topological insulator phase. This breakthrough has the
Particle diffusion, a fundamental physical phenomenon, has long been studied and understood through the lens of Brownian motion. However, recent experiments have revealed unexpected patterns in particle diffusion, pointing towards a deeper complexity in this process. In a groundbreaking study published in The European Physical Journal B, researchers Adrian Pacheco-Pozo and Igor Sokolov from Humboldt
Quasicrystals have become a focal point for researchers in the field of condensed matter physics as they offer unique properties not found in normal crystals. These intermetallic materials have non-repeating ordered patterns of atoms, unlike the regular and repeating patterns seen in conventional crystals. Among the various quasicrystal variants, the Tsai-type icosahedral quasicrystal (iQC) and
As the world continues to advance in technology, the need for secure and efficient communication networks becomes paramount. Researchers at the University of Basel have made significant progress in the development of quantum memory elements, a key component in quantum networks. This groundbreaking research opens doors to mass production of these memory elements, paving the
The importance of maintaining confinement of fusion-produced energetic ions in a burning plasma cannot be overstated. However, there is a significant challenge in maintaining this confinement due to the presence of electromagnetic waves in fusion plasmas, which can push energetic ions out of the plasma. This interference reduces the heating of the plasma from fusion
In the realm of condensed matter physics, a groundbreaking achievement has emerged from the collaborative efforts of researchers at renowned institutions. The Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-1), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland, and the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) have come together to explore uncharted territory. Topology, a fundamental concept