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Tuning a magnetic fluid with an electric field creates controllable dissipative patterns

“An electric field transforms an iron oxide nanoparticle suspension into a model for the emergence of complex dissipative structures Researchers at Aalto University have shown that a nanoparticle suspension can serve as a simple model for studying the formation of …

Using magnets to toggle nanolasers leads to better photonics

“Controlling nanolasers with magnets lays the groundwork for more robust optical signalling. A magnetic field can be used to switch nanolasers on and off, shows new research from Aalto University. The physics underlying this discovery paves the way for the …

Creating solar cells and glass from wood – or a billion tons of biowaste

“Researchers map out how biomass from plants could replace unrenewable resources in optical applications A digital, urbanised world consumes huge amounts of raw materials that could hardly be called environmentally friendly. One promising solution may be found in renewable raw …

Non-toxic technology extracts more gold from ore

“Study shows new chloride-based process recovers 84% of gold compared to the 64% recovered with traditional methods Gold is one of the world’s most popular metals. Malleable, conductive and non-corrosive, it’s used in jewelry, electronics, and even space …

Physicists make square droplets and liquid lattices

“Driving systems out of equilibrium with electric fields proves useful for creating liquid shapes that are nearly impossible to find in nature When two substances are brought together, they will eventually settle into a steady state called the thermodynamic equilibrium …

Unlocking radiation-free quantum technology with graphene

““Heavy fermions” are an appealing theoretical way to produce quantum entangled phenomena, but until recently have been observed mostly in dangerously radioactive compounds. A new paper has shown it is possible to make heavy fermions in subtly modified graphene, which …

A new form of carbon

“Not graphene: researchers in Germany and Finland discover new type of atomically thin carbon material Carbon exists in various forms. In addition to diamond and graphite, there are recently discovered forms with astonishing properties. For example graphene, with a thickness …

Evading the uncertainty principle in quantum physics

“In quantum mechanics, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle dictates that the position and speed of an object cannot both fully be known precisely at the same time. In a study published this week in Science, researchers show that two vibrating drumheads …

Battery parts can be recycled without crushing or melting

“New recycling method replenishes lithium in electrodes while keeping existing structure intact – and performance is nearly as good as new ones The proliferation of electric cars, smartphones, and portable devices is leading to an estimated 25 percent increase globally in …

New physics rules tested on quantum computer

“Simulation of non-Hermitian quantum mechanics using a quantum computer goes beyond centuries old conventions Aalto researchers have used an IBM quantum computer to explore an overlooked area of physics, and have challenged 100 year old cherished notions about information at …