Hot carrier solar cells represent an innovative approach in the quest for higher solar energy conversion efficiencies. This technology, which emerged decades ago, aims to overcome the Shockley-Queisser theoretical efficiency limit—an established boundary that confines the performance of traditional single-junction solar cells. The fundamental concept behind hot carrier cells is intriguing: they aim to take
Physics
The W boson, one of the fundamental particles in the Standard Model of particle physics, plays a pivotal role in mediating the weak nuclear force, which governs processes such as radioactive decay. Discovered in 1983, this elusive particle has been the subject of numerous experiments aimed at precisely determining its mass. As physicists continue to
Quantum entanglement stands as one of the most bewildering and remarkable phenomena within the realm of physics. At its core, entanglement suggests that two or more objects can be intrinsically linked, regardless of the distance separating them. In the classical purview, physical entities can be categorized as either separate or connected; however, entangled particles subvert
The search for an understanding of dark matter has been one of the most compelling pursuits in modern astrophysics, transcending the boundaries of traditional physics. A recent study published in *Physical Review Letters* (PRL) proposes a groundbreaking method to search for a specific type of dark matter known as scalar field dark matter, utilizing the
Cycling enthusiasts often seek grand challenges, and one of the most audacious is the concept of “Everesting,” which involves repeatedly ascending and descending a single hill or mountain until the cumulative elevation gain equals that of Mt. Everest, standing at an imposing 8,848 meters. While this challenge has gained popularity among cyclists, it also raises
Quantum entanglement represents one of the most puzzling and intriguing aspects of quantum mechanics, the foundational theory governing the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. When two particles become entangled, their states are interconnected in such a way that the measurement of one particle instantaneously influences the state of the other, regardless
Recent advancements in machine learning have opened new avenues in various scientific fields, including nuclear physics. A collaborative research effort led by the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, alongside Huzhou University and the University of Paris-Saclay, has utilized these machine learning techniques to scrutinize the evolution of nuclear shell
The behavior of light as it travels through different materials is a cornerstone of various scientific and engineering disciplines, including medical imaging, materials science, and manufacturing. Understanding how light interacts with materials—specifically those that exhibit anisotropic properties—has historically posed a significant challenge. Anisotropy refers to the directional dependence of a material’s properties, leading to variations
In a significant advancement in semiconductor science, researchers have uncovered notable nonlinear Hall and wireless rectification effects in the elemental semiconductor tellurium (Te) at room temperature. This groundbreaking work, published in *Nature Communications*, showcases the potential of Te as a host for the nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE)—a phenomenon that has remained largely unexploited in practical
In the realm of time measurement, precision remains paramount. Traditional atomic clocks, renowned for their accuracy, rely on the oscillations of electrons within atoms. However, advances in quantum sciences have paved the way for a new class of timekeepers—the nuclear clock. These cutting-edge devices promise unprecedented precision by utilizing the transitions of atomic nuclei rather
Quantum spins are a foundational element of many phenomena that intrigue physicists. They play a critical role in various technologies, notably superconductors and magnetic materials. However, creating systems in the laboratory that accurately replicate these quantum interactions remains a complex challenge. Recent advancements in this field, as reported by researchers from JILA and the National
Spectroscopy serves as a vital tool in multiple fields, enabling the analysis of light spectra emitted or absorbed by various substances. By examining these spectral signatures, scientists can identify chemical compounds and assess astrophysical properties of stars and galaxies. The utility of spectroscopy transcends science, playing a major role in telecommunication where different wavelengths transmit
Exploring the boundaries of quantum dynamics has led scientists to the discovery of non-Hermitian systems, which offer a glimpse into the intricate interplay between dissipation, interactions with the environment, and gain-and-loss mechanisms. These systems present unique properties not found in traditional Hermitian systems, such as boundary localization, which have promising applications in photonics and condensed
In a recent study conducted by Professor Sheng Zhigao and his research team at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a remarkable discovery was made regarding the nonlinear magnetic second harmonic generation (MSHG) induced by the ferromagnetic order in monolayer CrPS4. This groundbreaking observation sheds light on the previously
Rohit Velankar, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, was curious about how the elasticity of a container impacts the way its fluid drains. What started as a science fair project turned into a collaborative effort with his father, Sachin Velankar, a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson
