• Metrology
• Research update

Nuclear clocks finally see the light

New timekeeping tools could revolutionize studies of fundamental physics

• Semiconductors and electronics
• Research update

Exciton wavefunctions come into view

New work could lead to improvements in organic photovoltaics

• Biomedical devices
• Research update

Fast 3D imaging reveals how seizures move through the brain

A high-speed, 3D light-sheet microscope allows researchers to record seizure dynamics in larval zebrafish

• Microscopy
• Research update

X-ray camera catches spin waves in the act

Magnon microscope focuses on useful non-linear interactions

• Environment and energy
• Research update

Earthquake sensors reveal vital information about how hurricanes move and grow

Seismic stations in Louisiana have been found to provide insights into Hurricane Isaac

• Astronomy and space
• Research update

GPS particle detectors track space radiation over two decades

Cross calibration combines data from 25 satellites

• Instrumentation and measurement
• Analysis
• SPONSORED

Scintillating technology: how advanced lanthanum bromide crystals are transforming radiation detection

Innovative scintillation detectors are pushing the boundaries of radiation detection, unlocking unprecedented speed, accuracy and clarity in a range of fields

• Instrumentation and measurement
• Webinar
• SPONSORED

One sample, many dimensions: prospects for multimodal nanoscale characterization

Join the audience for a live webinar at 2 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. CET on 12 November 2026

How precise sample manipulation enables complementary nanoscale techniques to work together on one sample

• Vacuum and cryogenics
• Analysis
• SPONSORED

Engineering the unknown: building vacuum and cryogenic systems for the quantum frontier

Qubit decoherence remains the primary barrier to many practical quantum devices. This is why vacuum and cryogenic equipment scaling are key enablers to delivering useful quantum products and systems

• Instrumentation and measurement
• Analysis
• SPONSORED

Faster cryogenics speeds up quantum testing

A cryostat that can reach temperatures of 4 K and warm back up again within just two hours offers an efficient solution for testing the electronic components needed to build quantum computers

• Astronomy and space
• Feature

How the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will turn the sky into a dataset

Richard de Grijs looks at how the Roman Space Telescope will change astronomy forever

• Instrumentation and measurement
• Blog

The 2026 Physics World Instrumentation & Vacuum Briefing is out now

SI units, quantum sensors, compact particle acceleration and improved radiotherapy all feature in a new free-to-read briefing