Category Physics

New Measurements Quantifying Qudits provide Glimpse of Quantum Future

The micro-ring resonator, shown here as a closed loop, generated high-dimensional photon pairs. Researchers examined these photons by manipulating the phases of different frequencies, or colors, of light and mixing frequencies, as shown by the crisscrossed multicolor lines. Credit: Yun-Yi Pai/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The micro-ring resonator, shown here as a closed loop, generated high-dimensional photon pairs. Researchers examined these photons by manipulating the phases of different frequencies, or colors, of light and mixing frequencies, as shown by the crisscrossed multicolor lines. Credit: Yun-Yi Pai/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Using existing experimental and computational resources, a multi-institutional team has developed an effective method for measuring high-dimensional qudits encoded in quantum frequency combs, which are a type of photon source, on a single optical chip.

Although the word “qudit” might look like a typo, this lesser-known cousin of the qubit, or quantum bit, can carry more information and is more resistant to noise — both of which are key qualities needed to improve the ...

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Heat-Proof Chaotic Carbides could Revolutionize Aerospace Technology

Glowing orange tubes moving through light and air
The carbides could achieve improved communications and thermal regulation in technologies including satellites and hypersonic aircraft.

A group of scientists led by Duke University have engineered a new class of materials capable of producing tunable plasmonic properties while withstanding incredibly high temperatures.

Plasmonics is a technology that essentially traps the energy of light within groups of electrons oscillating together on a metallic surface. This creates a powerful electromagnetic field that interacts with incoming light, allowing devices to absorb, emit or otherwise control specific frequencies across much of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The new materials are hard enough to stir molten steel and can withstand temperatures above 7000F– about the same temperatures...

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Disposable Electronics on a Simple Sheet of Paper

Electronic circuit on paper burns fire on one end
An electronic circuit printed on paper could be a more flexible and disposable option for single-use electronics.
Credit: Adapted from ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2022, DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c13503

Discarded electronic devices, such as cellphones, are a fast-growing source of waste. One way to mitigate the problem could be to use components that are made with renewable resources and that are easy to dispose of responsibly. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces have created a prototype circuit board that is made of a sheet paper with fully integrated electrical components, and that can be burned or left to degrade.

Most small electronic devices contain circuit boards that are made from glass fibers, resins and metal wiring...

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AI-driven ‘Thermal Attack’ System Reveals Computer and Smartphone Passwords in Seconds

AI-driven 'thermal attack' system reveals computer and smartphone passwords in seconds
Dr Mohamed Khamis of the School of Computing Science demonstrates using a thermal camera on a computer keyboard. Credit: University of Glasgow

Computer security experts have developed a system capable of guessing computer and smartphone users’ passwords in seconds by analyzing the traces of heat their fingertips leave on keyboards and screens.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow developed the system, called ThermoSecure, to demonstrate how falling prices of thermal imaging cameras and rising access to machine learning are creating new risks for “thermal attacks.”

Thermal attacks can occur after users type their passcode on a computer keyboard, smartphone screen or ATM keypad before leaving the device unguarded...

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