Atomic quantum processors make their debut

27 Apr 2022

Neutral result: Entangled atoms form the basis of two new quantum processors. (Courtesy: iStock/Pobytov)

The first quantum processors that use neutral atoms as qubits have been produced independently by two US-based groups. The result is a milestone because atomic quantum computers may be easier to scale up than devices based on superconducting circuits or trapped ions – the two technologies that have dominated so far.

 

Negative capacitance could make transistors more energy efficient

29 Apr 2022

Energy saving: artist’s impression of the gate material with negative capacitance. (Courtesy: Ella Maru Studio)

By exploiting a curious effect called negative capacitance, researchers have designed a transistor that requires a gate voltage about 30% lower than conventional designs. Led by Sayeef Salahuddin at the University of California, Berkeley, the team based their design around an ultrathin superlattice heterostructure, containing alternating layers of ferroelectric and antiferroelectric materials. The team says that its superlattice could be easily integrated into existing transistor designs, reducing their energy requirements.

 

Quantum memristor paves the way for neuromorphic quantum computing

30 Apr 2022 Isabelle Dumé

Abstract representation of a neural network which is made of photons and has memory capability potentially related to artificial intelligence. (Courtesy: © Equinox Graphics, University of Vienna)

Researchers in Italy and Austria have constructed a new device that can transmit coherent quantum information as a superposition of single photons. Known as a quantum memristor, the device could be used to fabricate quantum versions of so-called neuromorphic architectures that mimic the structure of the human brain.

 

Research infrastructures found to have an astronomical impact on astronomy’s carbon footprint

23 Mar 2022

Climate cost: a study has found that research infrastructures such as ground-based telescopes emit at least 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent every year (Courtesy: GMTO Organisation)

The construction and operation of space missions, telescopes and other facilities produces more greenhouse-gas emissions than any other aspect of doing astronomy and cosmology research. That is according to a new study, which shows that if the field is to become more sustainable in future then the pace of building new observatories and space missions will need to be slower than it has been during the past few decades.

 

Oscillating temperature gradient boosts heat flow in fluids

26 Apr 2022

Driving force An experiment has confirmed that an oscillating temperature gradient boosts heat flow in fluids. (Courtesy: iStock/Mervana)

Physicists in the Czech Republic have shown that heat flows more efficiently through a fluid when the fluid’s temperature gradient oscillates over time. The discovery by Ladislav Skrbek at Charles University and colleagues could help climate scientists to better understand the flow of heat through Earth’s atmosphere, and may also lead to better designs of heat exchangers.

 

New stunning images show the James Webb Space Telescope’s fully aligned optics

 

New stunning images show the James Webb Space Telescope’s fully aligned optics

29 Apr 2022 Michael Banks

First aligned light: the science instruments aboard the James Webb Space Telescope are now capable of creating crisp images (courtesy: NASA/STScI)

NASA and its partners have announced that the optics alignment on the $10bn James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is now complete – marking another significant step towards a fully functioning infrared observatory.