Physics

  1. Quantum Physics

    Quantum experts discuss the measurement problem: A transcript from 1994

    A fairly complete transcript of a discussion about quantum physics on May 19, 1994, the last day of a workshop in Santa Fe, N.M., evolves into a more general discussion of the interpretation of quantum mechanics and the quantum measurement problem.

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  2. Particle Physics

    Exotic particle packs a foursome of quarks

    Tetraquarks could help physicists understand the universe’s first generations of matter.

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  3. Cosmology

    Galaxy’s gamma-ray glow may expose dark matter

    An excess of gamma rays at the center of the Milky Way could be a signature of dark matter.

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  4. Quantum Physics

    Robert Redford film foretold Shor’s quantum computing bombshell

    Twenty years ago, Peter Shor showed how quantum computers could break secret codes, turning the movie Sneakers from fiction to fact.

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  5. Quantum Physics

    Small step taken for quantum communication

    A single atom can change the state of a photon, which may help build quantum networks.

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  6. Physics

    Meet Big Bird, highest-energy neutrino ever detected

    Big Bird, the neutrino, struck the Antarctic ice with a record 2 million billion electron volts of energy.

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  7. Genetics

    Feedback

    Readers ask about Neandertal genes and electricity-generating spores and react to a fusion milestone.

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  8. Quantum Physics

    U.S. marches to tick of new clock

    The atomic clock NIST-F2 has launched as the country’s official civilian time and frequency standard.

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  9. Materials Science

    Oyster shells could inspire improved armor

    Making tiny indentations in windowpane oyster shells has revealed some processes that could inspire better armor.

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  10. Materials Science

    Light filter lets rays through from only one direction

    Angle-sensitive light filter could improve photography, telescopes and solar energy harvesting.

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  11. Materials Science

    Pearl coating inspires tougher ceramics

    A material called mother of pearl, or nacre, has inspired the design of more durable, less brittle ceramics.

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  12. Physics

    A tractor beam reels in objects with sound

    A tractor beam of focused sound waves has pulled on an object as large as a Toblerone chocolate bar.

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