neutrons tagged posts

Scientists recreate properties of light in neutral fundamental particles called neutrons. For the first time in experimental history, researchers at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) have created a device that generates twisted neutrons with well-defined orbital angular momentum. Previously considered an impossibility, this groundbreaking scientific accomplishment provides a brand new avenue for researchers to study the development of next-generation quantum materials with applications ranging from quantum computing to identifying and solving new problems in fundamental physics.

“Neutrons are a powerful probe for the characterization of emerging quantum materials because they have several unique features,” said Dr...

A Kyoto University-based team has unraveled the mystery of gamma-ray emission cascades caused by lightning strikes. Credit: Kyoto University/Teruaki Enoto

Researchers find that lightning strikes causes photonuclear reactions in the atmosphere, creating antimatter. Researchers from Japan describe how gamma rays from lightning react with the air to produce radioisotopes and even positrons – the antimatter equivalent of electrons. “We already knew that thunderclouds and lightning emit gamma rays, and hypothesized that they would react in some way with the nuclei of environmental elements in the atmosphere,” explains Teruaki Enoto from Kyoto University.

“In winter, Japan’s western coastal area is ideal for observing powerful lightning and thunderstorms...