Physics Magazine
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Reporting advances in physics research.
Researchers made a clock from two single-electron traps known as quantum dots and used it to measure the entropy produced by the act of recording a clock’s ticks. They found that this process generates far more entropy and heat than the clock’s quantum operations.
The Costs of Quantum Timekeeping
Experiments reveal the surprisingly large amount of entropy—and thus heat—generated by a clock that could be part of a quantum processor.
physics.aps.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Researchers made a clock from two single-electron traps known as quantum dots and used it to measure the entropy produced by the act of recording a clock’s ticks. They found that this process generates far more entropy and heat than the clock’s quantum operations.
A quantum system's decoherence can be delayed by contriving to have its dynamics linger in persistent, preexisting patterns called quantum scars. Researchers have now demonstrated a general theoretical method for finding these scars.
Quantum Scars Unmasked
A new approach finds useful patterns called quantum scars in the complex dynamics of quantum many-body systems.
physics.aps.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:41 PM
A quantum system's decoherence can be delayed by contriving to have its dynamics linger in persistent, preexisting patterns called quantum scars. Researchers have now demonstrated a general theoretical method for finding these scars.
Researchers have measured the opacity of one of the Sun’s most important elements for radiation transport—oxygen—at densities and temperatures high enough to potentially resolve a persistent discrepancy between theory and observation.
Measuring the Sun’s Opacity
Experiments with oxygen plasma at extreme densities and temperatures give new transparency to our picture of the Sun’s interior.
physics.aps.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Researchers have measured the opacity of one of the Sun’s most important elements for radiation transport—oxygen—at densities and temperatures high enough to potentially resolve a persistent discrepancy between theory and observation.
Researchers have found that stacks of the 2D semiconductor palladium diselenide keep their original form as the interlayer spaces are packed with additional Pd atoms—until the stack switches abruptly to a new and thicker 3D structure.
Phase Transition Proceeds Slowly, Then All at Once
Adding extra atoms between sheets of PdSe doesn’t affect the material’s layered structure—until it does.
physics.aps.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Researchers have found that stacks of the 2D semiconductor palladium diselenide keep their original form as the interlayer spaces are packed with additional Pd atoms—until the stack switches abruptly to a new and thicker 3D structure.
Copper-67 is a promising radionuclide for treating cancer. Researchers have shown they can make it by piggy-backing on particle physics experiments.
Making Fresh Radionuclides with Leftover Gamma Rays
Photons in high-energy probe beams that pass through their intended target can be “reused” for making promising nuclides in nuclear medicine, new experiments show.
physics.aps.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Copper-67 is a promising radionuclide for treating cancer. Researchers have shown they can make it by piggy-backing on particle physics experiments.
Researchers have combined the quantum sensing of nitrogen vacancy centers with the atomic resolution of scanning probe microscopy. To demonstrate this new capability, the team followed the individual steps of an important chemical process: the dissociation of water molecules on a surface.
A Quantum Microscope Reveals Water Breaking Apart
A scheme combining a scanning probe microscope with a quantum sensor can locally trigger water dissociation and observe the elementary steps of such a reaction.
physics.aps.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Researchers have combined the quantum sensing of nitrogen vacancy centers with the atomic resolution of scanning probe microscopy. To demonstrate this new capability, the team followed the individual steps of an important chemical process: the dissociation of water molecules on a surface.
Researchers have identified a new low-temperature emission effect in nanocrystals. Related to zero-point motion, the effect could prove useful in cooling nanocrystals to lower temperatures than previously possible.
Zeroing In on Zero-Point Motion Inside a Crystal
A nanocrystal cooled to near absolute zero produces an unexpected light emission, which is shown to arise from quantum fluctuations in the crystal’s atomic lattice.
physics.aps.org
November 7, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Researchers have identified a new low-temperature emission effect in nanocrystals. Related to zero-point motion, the effect could prove useful in cooling nanocrystals to lower temperatures than previously possible.
Helimagnets’ spin phase—a parameter describing the spin direction at one end of the helical pattern—could be used to store information. That prospect could be closer now that researchers have reported a new way to measure spin phase.
Spin-Phase Detector
Experiments demonstrate a device-friendly technique that can measure the spin phase in magnets with helical magnetic ordering.
physics.aps.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Helimagnets’ spin phase—a parameter describing the spin direction at one end of the helical pattern—could be used to store information. That prospect could be closer now that researchers have reported a new way to measure spin phase.
The cancelling spins of antiferromagnets bestow resistance to stray magnetic fields but they also make the materials hard to probe or control. Now researchers have shown that light provides a powerful new way to image antiferromagnetic domains and even to manipulate them.
Shining Light on Antiferromagnets
Researchers use a magneto-optical technique to image and manipulate magnetic domains in a chiral antiferromagnet, opening new routes for spin-based electronics.
physics.aps.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The cancelling spins of antiferromagnets bestow resistance to stray magnetic fields but they also make the materials hard to probe or control. Now researchers have shown that light provides a powerful new way to image antiferromagnetic domains and even to manipulate them.
Current quantum processors have profound physical limitations, mostly related to noise. New research shows that the possibility of noisy quantum computers outdoing classical computers may be restricted to a “Goldilocks zone” between too few and too many qubits.
Constraints on Quantum-Advantage Experiments Due to Noise
Current quantum computers are noisy, which places limitations on the type of quantum machine needed to outpace classical computers.
physics.aps.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Current quantum processors have profound physical limitations, mostly related to noise. New research shows that the possibility of noisy quantum computers outdoing classical computers may be restricted to a “Goldilocks zone” between too few and too many qubits.
Coaxing tiny, self-propelled particles into cohesive structures provides one route to making micromachines. Taking a step in that direction, researchers have measured and analyzed the mechanical properties of materials assembled from active particles.
Active Matter Gets Solid
Researchers have determined the mechanical properties of a tiny beam made of active particles, laying the groundwork for future micromachines.
physics.aps.org
November 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Coaxing tiny, self-propelled particles into cohesive structures provides one route to making micromachines. Taking a step in that direction, researchers have measured and analyzed the mechanical properties of materials assembled from active particles.
Spider webs often feature zigzagging layers of tough silk whose purpose has puzzled biologists. Now physicists have a solution. The structures spread prey-induced vibrations out through the web, helping spiders to locate their trapped victims.
Spooky Sensor at a Distance
How do spiders pounce so quickly on hapless prey entangled in their webs? New research suggests that elaborate web “decorations” help transmit the wiggling signal from a trapped bug.
physics.aps.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Spider webs often feature zigzagging layers of tough silk whose purpose has puzzled biologists. Now physicists have a solution. The structures spread prey-induced vibrations out through the web, helping spiders to locate their trapped victims.
Two groups of researchers have independently devised a new recipe for quickly driving a generic quantum system into a desired ground state. Compared with previous recipes, it doesn't require as much detailed knowledge of the system.
A Shortcut to a Ground State
Theorists have proposed a universal recipe for trying to quickly prepare a system in a desired ground state without exciting it.
physics.aps.org
October 31, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Two groups of researchers have independently devised a new recipe for quickly driving a generic quantum system into a desired ground state. Compared with previous recipes, it doesn't require as much detailed knowledge of the system.
Push together a small number of mutually repelling particles and they’ll adopt configurations that depend on the specifics of the interaction and the container. Researchers have now shown that a wide range of particle types can be coaxed into the same set of configurations.
How Confined Objects Arrange Themselves
A collection of mutually repelling objects can be forced into the same arrangement, whether they are magnets, soap bubbles, or hard spheres.
physics.aps.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Push together a small number of mutually repelling particles and they’ll adopt configurations that depend on the specifics of the interaction and the container. Researchers have now shown that a wide range of particle types can be coaxed into the same set of configurations.
In 2012 engineers discovered that nanoparticles, such as extracellular vesicles, can be trapped by acoustic fields provided they are mixed into a liquid suspension of microparticles. Now physicists have explained the puzzling phenomenon.
Trapping Tiny Objects with Sound
Fluid flow and acoustic waves act together to trap nanoparticles.
physics.aps.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:50 PM
In 2012 engineers discovered that nanoparticles, such as extracellular vesicles, can be trapped by acoustic fields provided they are mixed into a liquid suspension of microparticles. Now physicists have explained the puzzling phenomenon.
Researchers have demonstrated that nanofluidic memristors, based on membranes containing conical nanopores, can be organized into functional circuits. What’s more, they showed that their devices can represent brain-like properties.
Iontronic Circuits: Building Intelligence in Brine
Experiments with membranes offer a path toward scalable neuromorphic computing.
physics.aps.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Researchers have demonstrated that nanofluidic memristors, based on membranes containing conical nanopores, can be organized into functional circuits. What’s more, they showed that their devices can represent brain-like properties.
Researchers have unveiled a quantum algorithm that could lead to quantum advantage. Using a time-reversal procedure, the algorithm calculated how quantum information spreads through a many-particle system. A classical supercomputer would take 13,000 times longer.
Time-Reversal Computation Offers Pathway to Practical Quantum Advantage
A quantum algorithm that can simulate a temporal interference effect delivers a performance advantage that has the potential to benefit real-world applications.
physics.aps.org
October 30, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Researchers have unveiled a quantum algorithm that could lead to quantum advantage. Using a time-reversal procedure, the algorithm calculated how quantum information spreads through a many-particle system. A classical supercomputer would take 13,000 times longer.
For quantum key distribution to be practical and affordable on a large scale, it needs to run on optical-fiber networks that already carry classical information. Researchers have now done that over a distance of 120 km using continuous-variable quantum key distribution.
Secure Quantum Communication Breaks Distance Record
Data protected by quantum physics have been sent alongside classical data through 120 km of optical fiber.
physics.aps.org
October 29, 2025 at 6:11 PM
For quantum key distribution to be practical and affordable on a large scale, it needs to run on optical-fiber networks that already carry classical information. Researchers have now done that over a distance of 120 km using continuous-variable quantum key distribution.
Surface tension causes the mucus coating the tubes in our lungs to form thickened regions called collars. Researchers have now identified the conditions under which a collar remains stable as it drains downward. The results could lead to drugs for lung diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Model of Fluid Draining in Lung Airways
A theory for the motion of a fluid “bump” inside a cylinder may lead to improved drugs for lung diseases.
physics.aps.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Surface tension causes the mucus coating the tubes in our lungs to form thickened regions called collars. Researchers have now identified the conditions under which a collar remains stable as it drains downward. The results could lead to drugs for lung diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Researchers have demonstrated an algorithm that characterizes quantum systems of any size with optimal efficiency and precision without needing prior information or assumptions about the system’s structure. The new algorithm could be used to analyze arbitrary devices and phenomena.
Quantum Systems Modeled Without Prior Assumptions
An improved algorithm for learning the static and dynamic properties of a quantum system could have applications in quantum computing, simulation, and sensing.
physics.aps.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Researchers have demonstrated an algorithm that characterizes quantum systems of any size with optimal efficiency and precision without needing prior information or assumptions about the system’s structure. The new algorithm could be used to analyze arbitrary devices and phenomena.
To stay in place, flapping insects and hummingbirds constantly sense their position and adjust their flapping—without taxing their limited CPUs. Researchers have now figured out how the creatures might do it.
How Do Flapping Creatures Achieve Stable Hovering?
A new study suggests that a simple feedback mechanism enables the steady hovering of flapping insects and hummingbirds.
physics.aps.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:47 PM
To stay in place, flapping insects and hummingbirds constantly sense their position and adjust their flapping—without taxing their limited CPUs. Researchers have now figured out how the creatures might do it.
When a growing crystal encounters an obstacle, atoms adjust by creating defects. That’s not the case for quasicrystals. Researchers have found that the quasicrystalline lattice, which is orderly but not periodic, can accommodate obstacles without sacrificing its order.
Quasicrystals Grow Smoothly Around Obstacles
Large-scale obstacles to crystal growth can throw the whole lattice off kilter, but quasicrystals can accommodate them without losing their atomic-scale order.
physics.aps.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:17 PM
When a growing crystal encounters an obstacle, atoms adjust by creating defects. That’s not the case for quasicrystals. Researchers have found that the quasicrystalline lattice, which is orderly but not periodic, can accommodate obstacles without sacrificing its order.
Quantum memory is crucial for quantum communication and computing. Until now, unruly noise forced quantum memories into a trade-off between efficiency and fidelity. The trade-off is resolved, potentially enabling advances in high-speed quantum technologies.
Quantum Memory Breaks Performance Barrier
A new approach stores and retrieves quantum states with record reliability, paving the way for improved quantum information processing.
physics.aps.org
October 28, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Quantum memory is crucial for quantum communication and computing. Until now, unruly noise forced quantum memories into a trade-off between efficiency and fidelity. The trade-off is resolved, potentially enabling advances in high-speed quantum technologies.
Several spectroscopic technologies rely on optical frequency combs, which produce equally spaced lines. The combs’ speed and precision are limited by light’s inherent quantum fluctuations. Now researchers have shown that this noise can be suppressed by another quantum phenomenon: entanglement.
Entanglement Boosts Spectroscopy
A new spectroscopy method outperforms its rivals by pairing an ordinary frequency comb with an entangled one.
physics.aps.org
October 27, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Several spectroscopic technologies rely on optical frequency combs, which produce equally spaced lines. The combs’ speed and precision are limited by light’s inherent quantum fluctuations. Now researchers have shown that this noise can be suppressed by another quantum phenomenon: entanglement.
Researchers have designed a simple topological mechanical metamaterial. According to their analysis, the structure could prevent vibrations from spreading to delicate payloads in civil- and aerospace-engineering applications.
Topological Tube Traps Vibrations
A newly devised cylindrical metamaterial could protect sensitive engineering equipment by isolating vibrations.
physics.aps.org
October 27, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Researchers have designed a simple topological mechanical metamaterial. According to their analysis, the structure could prevent vibrations from spreading to delicate payloads in civil- and aerospace-engineering applications.