Category Physics

Electron and hole wavefunctions: TEM image of a self-assembled quantum dot with a pictorial schematic of the experiment: a quantum dot loaded with a single hole is subject to an in-plane magnetic field (along the x-direction) and optical excitation

A research team from Germany, France and Switzerland has realized qubits in a new form. One day, they might become the information units of quantum computers. To date, researchers have realized qubits in the form of individual electrons. However, this led to interferences and rendered the information carriers difficult to programme and read. The group has solved this problem by utilising electron holes as qubits, rather than electrons.

In order to realize qubits in the form of electrons, an electron is locked in a tiny semiconductor volume, ie q...

The stress-strain curve of the Mg-Sc alloy sheet obtained at -150ºC. The sheet specimen was loaded in tension up to a strain of 3 percent and then unloaded. The alloy sheet shows a superelastic effect. Credit: Yuji Sutou

Mg-Sc alloy shows shape memory properties. This finding raises the potential for development and application of lightweight SMAs across a number of industries, including aerospace. Shape memory alloys (SMAs) show distinctive behaviours such as shape recovery upon heating and have a superelastic effect. They have been used in consumer electronics, housing facilities, personal ornaments, anti-seismic engineering and medical equipment.

Shape memory characteristics were first discovered in an Au-Cd alloy...

This image shows high-energy x-ray diffraction patterns of the reciprocal lattice plane (H?K?0). The CDW superstructure peaks are marked by blue arrows (logarithmic color scale). Credit: U.S. Department of Energy, Ames Laboratory

Researchers at DOE Ames Lab have discovered an unusual property of purple bronze that may point to new ways to achieve high temperature superconductivity. While studying purple bronze, a molybdenum oxide, researchers discovered an unconventional charge density wave on its surface. A charge density wave (CDW) is a state of matter where electrons bunch together in a repeating pattern, like a standing wave of surface of water. Superconductivity and charge density waves share a common origin, often co-exist, and can compete for dominance in certain materials.

Conventi...

BLOODHOUND SSC during construction at the Bloodhound Technical Centre, Avonmouth, summer 2015. Credit: Author provided

It’s a staggering feat, a car faster than the speed of sound. On Oct 15 1997, Andy Green travelled across the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, in the Thrust SSC at 763.035 mph, or Mach 1.02. Two decades on, that record remains unchallenged. Until now. Back in 2007, a small team of British engineers headed up by Richard Noble and Andy Green decided to have a pop at the world land speed record once more. This time, their sights were set on 1,000mph...