Browse Physics

Atom interferometry in free fall demonstrates fundamental quantum physics and a new level of technology readiness for future experiments in space.

A new experiment reveals the different dynamics of particles and holes in ultracold fermionic gases in an optical lattice, opening the way to investigate condensed matter transport phenomena such as photoconductivity via quantum optical systems.

Laboratory-scale experiments reveal a profound statistical similarity between the fracture of heterogeneous materials and earthquakes.

Plasmons on a patterned surface can enhance the production of bright electron beams.

Breaking time-reversal symmetry in a thermoelectric device affects its efficiency in unexpected ways.

Nanoscale engineering of multiferroic thin films enables electric control of a device’s interface magnetism, thus offering a promising prospective for ultralow power spintronics.

Much can be learned about hypothetical particles called axions by studying the evolution of massive stars.

A new way to characterize the encoding of signals from the retina defines a distance between different stimuli according to the similarity of their neural responses.

Spin-orbit-coupled cold atomic gases are proposed as a model system for observing the signatures of quantum chaos.

A generalized form of the Pauli exclusion principle gives insight into the quantum wave function describing multiple electrons.

Compared to classical solids, the quantum solid helium-4 can undergo a giant plastic deformation that is also reversible.

Coherent amplification of phonons may become possible with monolithic semiconductor laser cavities that support both optical and acoustic modes.

Measurement of a rare-meson decay is an experimental achievement worth celebrating, but so far, no new physics beyond the standard model is indicated.

A zero refractive index at optical frequencies, as demonstrated in a new nanoscale waveguide, enables opportunities for better control and enhancement of light propagation in waveguides, as well as development of photonic nanocircuits.

Confirmation that interacting magnetic plasma waves can generate “daughter” waves of a higher frequency supports the current picture of how turbulence leads to heat in astrophysical plasma.

A new cosmological theory tackles the description of the earliest era of the Universe, a period inaccessible by current models.

Light pulses with few optical cycles and defined carrier-envelope phase can induce selective photofragmentation of molecules on the attosecond timescale.

A study reveals the optimal balance of forces needed to make the cleanest cuts in soft solids.

Measurements of the heat capacity in two-dimensional helium-$3$ adsorbed on graphite provide further evidence of an unexpected liquid state at temperatures near absolute zero.

The demonstration of a single-particle interferometer opens the door to a number of applications, from investigations of gravity to surface impact physics.