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Public Release: 17-Nov-2009
New study confirms exotic electric properties of graphene First, it was the soccer-ball-shaped molecules dubbed buckyballs. Then it was the cylindrically shaped nanotubes. Now, the hottest new material in physics and nanotechnology is graphene: a remarkably flat molecule made of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal rings much like molecular chicken wire. Contact: David F. Salisbury Public Release: 17-Nov-2009
NJIT engineer discovers why particles disperse on liquids Even if you are not a cook, you might have wondered why a pinch of flour (or any small particles) thrown into a bowl of water will disperse in a dramatic fashion, radiating outward as if it was exploding. Pushpendra Singh, Ph.D., a mechanical engineering professor at NJIT who has studied and written about the phenomenon, has not only thought about it, but can explain why. Contact: Sheryl Weinstein Public Release: 15-Nov-2009
NIST demonstrates 'universal' programmable quantum processor Physicists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have demonstrated the first "universal" programmable quantum information processor able to run any program allowed by quantum mechanics—the rules governing the submicroscopic world -- using two quantum bits (qubits) of information. The processor could be a module in a future quantum computer, which theoretically could solve some important problems that are intractable today. Contact: Laura Ost Public Release: 12-Nov-2009
In touch with molecules The performance of modern electronics increases steadily on a fast pace thanks to the ongoing miniaturization of the utilized components. However, severe problems arise due to quantum-mechanical phenomena when conventional structures are simply made smaller and reach the nanometer scale. Therefore current research focuses on the so-called bottom-up approach: the engineering of functional structures with the smallest possible building blocks -- single atoms and molecules. Contact: Dr. Richard Berndt Public Release: 9-Nov-2009
First Bose-Einstein condensation of strontium In an international first, scientists from the Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information produced a Bose-Einstein condensate of the alkaline-earth element strontium, thus narrowly winning an international competition between many first-rate scientific groups. Choosing the isotope 84Sr, which has received little attention so far, proved to be the right choice for the breakthrough. It can now be regarded as an ideal candidate for future experiments with atomic two-electron systems. Contact: Rudolf Grimm Public Release: 7-Nov-2009
Strontium 84 -- just right for forming a Bose-Einstein condensate Two independent teams have, for the first time, created Bose-Einstein condensates of strontium atoms. Contact: James Riordon Public Release: 6-Nov-2009
Computer predicts reactions between molecules and surfaces, with 'chemical precision' An international team of scientists from the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Argentina and the United States has shown in a paper to be published in Science shortly how the chemistry of surface reactions underpinning catalysis can be modeled accurately with computers. Contact: Professor Geert-Jan Kroes Public Release: 5-Nov-2009
How size matters for catalysts University of Utah chemists demonstrated the first conclusive link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface, their electronic properties and their ability to speed chemical reactions. The study is a step toward the goal of designing cheaper, more efficient catalysts to increase energy production, reduce Earth-warming gases and manufacture a wide variety of goods from medicines to gasoline. Contact: Lee Siegel Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
Carbon atmosphere discovered on neutron star Evidence for a thin veil of carbon has been found on the neutron star in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant. This discovery, made with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, resolves a ten-year mystery surrounding this object. Contact: Megan Watzke Public Release: 3-Nov-2009
Capturing those in-between moments: NIST solves timing problem in molecular modeling A theoretical physicist at NIST has developed a method for calculating the motions and forces of thousands of atoms simultaneously over a wider range of time scales than previously possible. The method overcomes a longstanding timing gap in modeling nanometer-scale materials and many other physical, chemical and biological systems at atomic and molecular levels. Contact: Laura Ost Public Release: 2-Nov-2009
Science begins at the world's most powerful X-ray laser The first experiments are now underway using the world's most powerful X-ray laser, the Linac Coherent Light Source, located at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Illuminating objects and processes at unprecedented speed and scale, the LCLS has embarked on groundbreaking research in physics, structural biology, energy science, chemistry and a host of other fields. Contact: Melinda Lee Public Release: 2-Nov-2009
Upping the power triggers an ordered helical plasma If you keep twisting a straight elastic string, at some moment it starts kinking in a wild way. Contact: Saralyn Stewart Public Release: 2-Nov-2009
Researchers use trident laser to accelerate protons to record energies An international team of physicists at Los Alamos National Laboratory has succeeded in using intense laser light to accelerate protons to energies never before achieved. Using this technique, scientists can now accelerate particles to extremely high velocities that would otherwise only be possible using large accelerator facilities. Physicists around the world are examining laser particle acceleration and laser produced radiation for potential future uses in cancer treatment. Contact: Saralyn Stewart Public Release: 1-Nov-2009
Rare space experiment gives clues about the fundamental structure of the universe A physics experiment using a super-fast explosion in a galaxy 7.3 billion light-years away has given scientists rare experimental evidence about the fundamental structure of space and time. he experiment confirmed aspects of Einstein's theories of gravity, which unite space and time in the concept of space-time. Contact: Barbara K. Kennedy Public Release: 1-Nov-2009
An exquisite container A tiny cage of gold covered with a smart polymer responds to light, opening to empty its contents and resealing when the light is turned off. The smart nanocages could be used to deliver drugs directly to target sites, thus avoiding systemic side effects. Contact: Diana Lutz Public Release: 29-Oct-2009
LANL Roadrunner simulates nanoscale material failure How nanowires evolve under stress is simulated atom-by-atom over a period of time that is closer than ever to experimental reality. Contact: Kevin Roark Public Release: 26-Oct-2009
Slipper-shaped blood cells Physicists investigate the forces that deform red blood cells into asymmetric slipper shapes, and strive to learn how the deformation is important in blood flow and various blood flow-related diseases. Contact: James Riordon Public Release: 19-Oct-2009
Making monster waves Research into monstrous rogue waves points the way to improved long distance optical communication, and could help us understand how giant, destructive waves form at sea. Contact: James Riordon Public Release: 14-Oct-2009
Rutgers physicists discover novel electronic properties in two-dimensional carbon structure Rutgers researchers have discovered novel electronic properties in two-dimensional sheets of carbon atoms called graphene that could one day be the heart of speedy and powerful electronic devices. The new findings, previously considered possible by physicists but only now being seen in the laboratory, show that electrons in graphene can interact strongly with each other. The physicists discovered that the fractional quantum Hall effect in graphene is even more robust than in standard semiconductors. Contact: Carl Blesch Public Release: 8-Oct-2009
Clemson bioengineer uses nanoparticles to target drugs Clemson bioengineer Frank Alexis is designing new ways to target drugs and reduce the chances for side effects. Contact: Peter Kent Public Release: 7-Oct-2009
UA scientists discover quantum fingerprints of chaos Poul Jessen and his team in the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences are the first to produce experimental evidence that classical chaos occurs in the quantum world. Contact: Lori Stiles Public Release: 6-Oct-2009
Large-scale cousin of elusive 'magnetic monopoles' found at NIST Researchers working at the NIST Center for Neutron Research have created a molecular magnetic "monopole," an analog to the elusive magnetic monopole particles theorized in 1931 by Paul Dirac -- but never actually found. Contact: Chad Boutin Public Release: 5-Oct-2009
Building a better qubit The qubits that carry quantum information are typically fragile, but a new method of combing six photons leads to robust qubits that are immune to many of the affects that threaten to scramble quantum data. Contact: James Riordon Public Release: 5-Oct-2009
Physicists seek to keep next-gen colliders in 1 piece Controlling huge electromagnetic forces that have the potential to destroy the next generation of particle accelerators is the subject of a new paper by a University of Manchester physicist. Contact: Alex Waddington Public Release: 2-Oct-2009
Femtoseconds lasers help formation flying in space The National Physical Laboratory has helped to establish that femtosecond comb lasers can provide accurate measurement of absolute distance in formation flying space missions. Contact: David Lewis |