Browse Physics

Julien Laurat, Physics 2, 62 (2009) – Published July 20, 2009

Quantum Information Optics

This design of atomic quantum memory tells us when a pulse of light has been successfully stored and then proceeds to retrieve it without significantly affecting its polarization. The exquisite operation provides a new capability for quantum information networks.

Published July 20, 2009

Statistical Mechanics

Statistical physicists have long known that brief reductions in entropy are possible. Now, entropy changes in two nonequilibrium systems have been calculated exactly.

Alexander V. Balatsky, David Parker, Physics 2, 59 (2009) – Published July 13, 2009

Superconductivity

An angle-resolved photoemission study suggests that different physics may underlie two major classes of iron-based superconductors.

Zlatko Tesanovic, Physics 2, 60 (2009) – Published July 13, 2009

Superconductivity

Are electronic correlations in the new iron-pnictide high-temperature superconductors as strong as in their older cuprate brethren? Yes, say some physicists; no, say others. X-ray experiments deliver the verdict.

Published July 13, 2009

Atomic & Molecular Physics Particles & Fields

Monopoles with a single magnetic charge could be simulated in Bose-Einstein condensates

Published July 13, 2009

Nonlinear Dynamics Optics

The fastest known random number generator based on a physical process comes from intensity fluctuations in the light from a chaotic laser.

Igor F. Herbut, Physics 2, 57 (2009) – Published July 6, 2009

Graphene

Along with the quark gluon plasma and cold atom gasses, graphene is establishing its place as a perfect liquid.

Quentin G. Bailey, Physics 2, 58 (2009) – Published July 6, 2009

Atomic & Molecular Physics Particles & Fields

Measuring quantum interference of atomic matter waves may help detect experimental signatures of a fundamental theory of physics.

Published July 6, 2009

Atomic & Molecular Physics

Ultrafast laser measurements map out the electronic structure of a neutral molecule as it photoionizes and breaks apart, leading to new conclusions about the time it takes for dissociation to occur.

Published July 6, 2009

Graphene Mesoscopics

Can a patterned semiconducting heterostructure yield a better “graphene”?

Published July 6, 2009

Materials Science Statistical Mechanics

A semi-automated method that incorporates physically realistic assumptions from the start, dramatically improves the efficiency of first principles calculations for describing complex materials.

Mona Berciu, Physics 2, 55 (2009) – Published June 29, 2009

Strongly Correlated Materials

A theoretical framework to explain how a hole moves through an antiferromagnetically and orbitally ordered lattice could also provide insight into the interplay between these two ordered phases.

Matthew Grayson, Physics 2, 56 (2009) – Published June 29, 2009

Semiconductor Physics Mesoscopics

By exploiting the concept of particle-hole duality, one can realize a point junction between integer and fractional quantum Hall phases, which constitutes a crucial building block towards possible applications of the quantum Hall effect.

Published June 29, 2009

Statistical Mechanics

In the theory of statistical information processing, what is the minimum amount of energy needed to make a measurement and then erase its memory?

Published June 29, 2009

Soft Matter

The rapid evaporation of solvent during spin casting—a technique widely used in the manufacture of plastic parts—may prevent polymer films from reaching equilibrium.

Published June 29, 2009

Interdisciplinary Physics

A comparison between two social groups—urban gangs and the virtual “guilds” found in online role-playing games—suggests that they tend to follow similar patterns in how they form.

Published June 26, 2009

A Viewpoint commentary discussing recent results from the Fermi Gamma-Ray Telescope on cosmic rays from dark matter may have dismissed an unusual spectral feature too soon; the authors respond.

Published June 25, 2009

Interdisciplinary Physics

Misconceptions about “force” and “motion” are often rooted in everyday experiences. Understanding this link may help teachers better communicate with physics students.

Thomas Weinacht, Physics 2, 51 (2009) – Published June 22, 2009

Optics Chemical Physics

Different molecules with nearly identical absorption spectra can be distinguished with the help of shaped laser pulses and adaptive algorithms.

Petr M. Anisimov, Jonathan P. Dowling, Physics 2, 52 (2009) – Published June 22, 2009

Quantum Information Optics

A proposal for obtaining optical resolution better than the classical limit by means of spatially entangled quantum states of light opens a new frontier in the fields of quantum optical imaging, metrology, and sensing.

Published June 22, 2009

Metamaterials Optics

Bent light can do more than render objects invisible—it can make them appear as something else.

Published June 22, 2009

Magnetism Quantum Information

The demonstration of all-optical spin-echo measurements may provide a route toward decoupling spins from noise sources.

Fiona J. Burnell, Shivaji L. Sondhi, Physics 2, 49 (2009) – Published June 15, 2009

Magnetism Semiconductor Physics Mesoscopics

The fractional quantum Hall effect, thought to be special to two dimensions, may also flourish in three, providing a possible explanation for anomalies observed in certain 3D materials in high magnetic fields.

David Awschalom, Nitin Samarth, Physics 2, 50 (2009) – Published June 15, 2009

Spintronics

The spin-orbit effect is at the heart of efforts to merge spintronics—where information is carried and stored by spin, rather than by charge—with semiconductor technology.

Published June 15, 2009

Superconductivity

Calculations suggest that the height of the pnictogen atom in iron-based pnictide superconductors determines the symmetry of the superconducting gap.