As the digital age progresses, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve. However, with this development comes a significant challenge: the soaring energy consumption of traditional electronic systems. Researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) are addressing this pressing issue through innovative optical neural networks. By
Physics
In the quest for more efficient solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a primary challenge is the management of the dynamics of excited states within these systems. Excited states, which are essential for converting light into electrical energy or producing light in LEDs, face a formidable adversary: annihilation. Within this waterfall of energy interactions, the
As our reliance on digital data storage intensifies, a pressing concern emerges: the staggering energy consumption of data centers, projected to consume nearly 10% of the world’s total energy generation soon. Such figures underscore an inevitable dilemma; the very materials that have propelled the age of information—predominantly ferromagnets—are hitting intrinsic limitations. This reliance on conventional
Shock experiments serve as a crucial tool in material science, especially for deciphering the complex mechanical and electronic behaviors of various substances under extreme conditions similar to those encountered during planetary impacts. However, until recently, a considerable gap remained in our understanding of the thermal aftermath following such shocks. Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
In the realm of cellular biology, understanding the intricate structures and functions within cells is fundamental to numerous scientific advancements. Historically, conventional microscopes have been restricted in their ability to provide detailed images of cellular components due to resolution limits. With resolutions typically starting from around 200 nanometers, many cellular structures, particularly those within human
In the rapidly evolving field of quantum sensing, researchers constantly seek materials that can enhance measurement precision and efficiency. Among these materials, diamond stands out as a venerable champion, as emphasized by Gregory Fuchs, a professor at Cornell University. Recently, Fuchs and his team have harnessed the unique properties of diamond to achieve groundbreaking results
Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) represents one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors aimed at harnessing nuclear fusion as a viable energy source. Researchers are laser-focused on replicating the processes that power the sun, striving to achieve controlled fusion reactions on Earth. A significant milestone in this area was achieved at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
In recent years, an intriguing intersection has emerged between the realms of physics and biology, specifically within the study of collective movement. A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Statistical Mechanics: Theory and Experiment has unveiled a fascinating similarity in the behavior of biological entities, such as birds and humans, and the behavior of
Johann Sebastian Bach, a luminary of the Baroque period, continues to enthrall millions of listeners around the globe, standing as one of the most celebrated composers in musical history. His works boast an impressive streaming frequency on platforms like Spotify, where approximately seven million users tune in each month, surpassing even the legendary Mozart and
Soft matter encompasses a wide variety of materials that exhibit unique properties under various external stimuli. Among these materials, Play-Doh stands out as a quintessential example, captivating children’s creativity for nearly 70 years. Recently, groundbreaking research by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago sheds
Advancements in quantum technology are of great significance for the future of communication, computation, and data processing. Traditional electronic signals have been the backbone of these technologies for decades; however, light is becoming an increasingly dominant carrier of information, particularly in the evolving field of quantum applications. This transformation is not without its challenges, specifically
In recent years, the quest for more efficient data storage solutions has propelled researchers into innovative realms of material science. A fascinating breakthrough has emerged from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME), where a team is exploring the untapped potential of MnBi2Te4, a unique material composed of manganese, bismuth, and tellurium.
The exploration of self-organization within biological systems often invites curious inquiries about the origins and behaviors of life. At the focal point of such research lies bacterial cell division, a process that resonates with the fundamental principles of active matter. The recent investigations led by Professor Anđela Šarić and her colleagues unveil a unique self-organizing
In an era where digital communication is ubiquitous, the significance of data security has never been more pressing. Traditional encryption methods, while still widely used, rely heavily on mathematical algorithms that could become obsolete with the advent of quantum computing. Unlike classical systems, which are fundamentally constrained by their mathematical structures, quantum encryption utilizes the
Laser spectroscopy has undergone significant transformations since its inception in the 1960s, serving as a pivotal tool in the exploration of atomic and molecular structures. As laser technology continues to evolve, so too has the sophistication of laser spectroscopy methods. Understanding the nuances of these methodologies—particularly frequency comb-based and tunable continuous-wave (CW) laser spectroscopy—illuminates the
Light technology underpins a multitude of essential innovations that form the backbone of our technological landscape. From powering seamless high-speed internet connectivity to enabling sophisticated medical imaging techniques, the role of light is undeniable. Nevertheless, the journey to perfecting the transmission of light through complex and often challenging environments—such as atmospheric disturbances or irregular optical