Browse Physics

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

An electric field applied to a soap film induces fluid flow through the film and causes its thickness to increase—a phenomenon that could be useful in microfluidic systems.

Convective mixing of fluids goes faster when the container is tilted—a finding that may impact the choosing of geological sites for carbon dioxide storage.

A new theory attempts to explain the exceptionally long life of air nanobubbles on wet surfaces.

Defining a “temperature” for granular materials would allow them to be described with an equation of state.

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.

In a crystal with an undulating lattice deformation, geometric phase-shift effects allow better control of x-ray propagation.

Metamaterials offer a way to enhance light-induced forces in waveguide-based optomechanical devices.

A tiny cavity made from two optical fibers—previously used only with neutral atoms—strengthens the interaction between an ion and a photon, an important step toward quantum computers and networks.

A new scheme exploiting the orbital rather than the spin degree of freedom allows for studying the Kondo effect without disturbing it.

Lasers produce a beam of neutrons intense enough for practical experiments, extending the reach of neutron sources to small-scale laboratories.

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.

The H.E.S.S. Collaboration has put bounds on the flux of very-high-energy gamma rays that could be produced by annihilations of dark matter particles.

A precise mass measurement of an exotic zinc isotope gives new insight into the composition of the crust of neutron stars, the possible birthplace of heavy elements.

An equation that describes a wide array of phenomena can be directly tested by watching the equivalent of a drying coffee drip.

Experiments show how the ripples in corrugated dirt roads can form and grow.

Theoretical calculations describe the behavior of a large quantum circuit by taking advantage of certain symmetrical relationships between superconducting elements.

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.