Scientists have used a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and computational modeling to get a closer look and deeper understanding of tantalum oxide. When this amorphous oxide layer forms on the surface of tantalum — a superconductor that shows great promise for making the ‘qubit’ building blocks of a quantum computer — it …
Direct view of tantalum oxidation that impedes qubit coherence Read More »
Scientists completed several successful attempts to fire 28 kilojoules of laser energy at small capsules filled with deuterium and tritium fuel, causing the capsules to implode and produce a plasma hot enough to initiate fusion reactions between the fuel nuclei. These results demonstrate an effective ‘spark plug’ for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion. Scientists …
Scientists have discovered that adding a layer of magnesium improves the properties of tantalum, a superconducting material that shows great promise for building qubits, the basis of quantum computers. The scientists show that a thin layer of magnesium keeps tantalum from oxidizing, improves its purity, and raises the temperature at which it operates as a …
Magnesium protects tantalum, a promising material for making qubits Read More »
Many people are familiar with facial recognition systems that unlock smartphones and game systems or allow access to our bank accounts online. But the current technology can require boxy projectors and lenses. Now, researchers report on a sleeker 3D surface imaging system with flatter, simplified optics. In proof-of-concept demonstrations, the new system recognized the face …
A sleeker facial recognition technology tested on Michelangelo’s David Read More »
Oxidation can degrade the properties and functionality of metals. However, a research team recently found that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain, outperforming most conventional super-elastic metals. They also discovered the physical mechanisms underpinning this super-elasticity. Their discovery implies that oxidation in low-dimension metallic glass can result in unique …
Unveiling Oxidation-induced Super-elasticity in Metallic Glass Nanotubes Read More »
By applying heat or cold in certain locations on the upper arm, an adapted prosthetic with sensors can give people with an amputation the sensation of temperature in their phantom limb By applying heat or cold in certain locations on the upper arm, an adapted prosthetic with sensors can give people with an amputation the …
Sensitive prosthetic lets man feel hot and cold in his missing hand Read More »
Researchers have a new way to assess an AI model’s intelligence: drop it into a game of Minecraft, with no information about its surroundings, and see how well it plays Researchers have a new way to assess an AI model’s intelligence: drop it into a game of Minecraft, with no information about its surroundings, and …
Minecraft could be the key to creating adaptable AI Read More »
A research team develops edge-to-edge assembly technique for 2D nanosheets. A research team develops edge-to-edge assembly technique for 2D nanosheets. A research team develops edge-to-edge assembly technique for 2D nanosheets.
Researchers have been skeptical that recent AI advances can tell us much about human learning and development. To address this, a team training an AI model, not on massive data, but on the input that a single child receives. Their findings showed that the model could learn a substantial number of words and concepts using …
A collaborative group of researchers has potentially developed a means of controlling spin waves by creating a hexagonal pattern of copper disks on a magnetic insulator. The breakthrough is expected to lead to greater efficiency and miniaturization of communication devices in fields such as artificial intelligence and automation technology. A collaborative group of researchers has …
Hexagonal copper disk lattice unleashes spin wave control Read More »