Physics

  1. Physics

    Prize honors physicist with conscience

    Physicist-author Freeman J. Dyson received the Templeton prize for originality in advancing religious understanding.

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  2. Physics

    Four ions mingle in quantum chorus

    A new way to produce mysterious quantum correlations among particles ups the record to four particles linked, or entangled, and opens the door to correlating many more particles on cue, a prerequisite for making quantum computers.

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  3. Materials Science

    Carbon nanotubes do some bonding

    Researchers have welded together carbon nanotubes to make junctions that could be useful in the construction of tiny electronic devices.

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  4. Physics

    Interacting with Physics

    Drag an electric charge to see how it affects a nearby water molecule. Fool around with a laser to cool an atom. The University of Colorado’s Physics 2000 Web site relies heavily on interactive animations to demonstrate important concepts and discoveries in modern physics. Topics range from X rays and CAT scans to the quantum […]

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  5. Physics

    Nanotubes get into gear for new roll

    Atoms on the surface of carbon nanotubes appear to mesh when tubes roll across a graphite surface, making the tubes possible atomic-scale gears, which have been long-sought in nanotechnology.

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  6. Physics

    Devilish polygons speak of past stress

    A new theory and a simple test with cornstarch and water may help explain the polygonal geometry of rock columns in the Devil's Postpile in California and elsewhere.

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  7. Materials Science

    Bigger, Cheaper, Safer Batteries: New material charges up lithium-ion battery work

    A new material could make rechargeable lithium-ion batteries smaller, cheaper, and safer.

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  8. Materials Science

    The Buck Starts Here

    The U.S. Mint performed some neat tricks to make a golden dollar.

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  9. Materials Science

    Materials with Memory

    Metal alloys and polymers that can remember a preprogrammed shape may literally reshape technologies ranging from warfare to medicine and car repair.

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  10. Physics

    Neon gives healthy glow to reactor

    Preferring neon to nicotine, magnetic-fusion reactors called tokamaks get a performance boost from puffs of the noble gas.

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  11. Physics

    Photon-in-a-box slings atom into orbit

    A single photon confined to a tiny, mirror-lined cavity becomes electrically strong enough to swing an atom in loops.

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  12. Physics

    Soft crystal shows off its many new facets

    Experiments with a liquid crystal may confirm the 50-year-old prediction that a nearly unlimited number of facets of different orientations can simultaneously decorate a crystal surface.

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