Instrumentation and measurement
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Earthquake sensors reveal vital information about how hurricanes move and grow
Seismic stations in Louisiana have been found to provide insights into Hurricane Isaac
GPS particle detectors track space radiation over two decades
Cross calibration combines data from 25 satellites
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
Research headlines
Frost spreads across surfaces via suspended ‘ice bridges’
Previously unknown pathway involving superhydrophobic surfaces could influence the development of new anti-icing techniques
Read article: Frost spreads across surfaces via suspended ‘ice bridges’
Laser-based rotation of floating samples enables high-resolution 3D microscopy
Laser-driven thermoviscous flows provide contact-free rotation, transport or stabilization of delicate samples such as biological cells
Read article: Laser-based rotation of floating samples enables high-resolution 3D microscopy
New bolometer achieves sub-zeptojoule resolution
Superconducting device could be used in quantum computers
Read article: New bolometer achieves sub-zeptojoule resolution
Tantala 3D integrated circuits deliver a rainbow of laser light
Devices could help miniaturize laser-based technologies
Read article: Tantala 3D integrated circuits deliver a rainbow of laser light
Laser-driven free electron laser runs for more than eight hours
Laser stabilization system boosts quality of electron bunches
Read article: Laser-driven free electron laser runs for more than eight hours
‘Nano-aquariums’ deliver atomic-resolution imaging
Transmission electron microscopy probes solid–liquid interfaces
Read article: ‘Nano-aquariums’ deliver atomic-resolution imaging
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The International System of Units: constantly evolving, but forever quirky
Ben Stein explores the quirks of the International System of Units
Read article: The International System of Units: constantly evolving, but forever quirky
How AI is transforming human robots
Honor Powrie considers whether AI can make robots more human
Read article: How AI is transforming human robots
Thyracont’s vacuum measurement instruments enable innovation across industries
From semiconductor fabrication to pharmaceuticals, quantum technologies, and materials research, Thyracont’s vacuum instruments are at the heart of some of the world’s most advanced vacuum systems
Read article: Thyracont’s vacuum measurement instruments enable innovation across industries
Semiconductor metrology and standards will ensure the UK plays to its strengths
New roadmap states the UK must prioritize its capabilities in semiconductor standards
Read article: Semiconductor metrology and standards will ensure the UK plays to its strengths
Quantum sensors benefit from miniaturized ultrahigh vacuum
Florence Concepcion of Aquark Technologies is our podcast guest
Read article: Quantum sensors benefit from miniaturized ultrahigh vacuum
Ask me anything: Ian Griffiths – ‘While changing jobs is a daunting task, it has always been worthwhile’
Career tips from Ian Griffiths – a sales executive at microscope and spectrometer provider JEOL UK
Read article: Ask me anything: Ian Griffiths – ‘While changing jobs is a daunting task, it has always been worthwhile’
Biomedical optics play crucial roles across medicine
Medical physicist, inventor and entrepreneur Brian Pogue is our podcast guest
Read article: Biomedical optics play crucial roles across medicine
Miniature magnets break field strength record
New coiled device could rival expensive magnet facilities, say scientists
Read article: Miniature magnets break field strength record
Surface contamination holds the key to a static electricity mystery
Carbon-rich “schmutz” determines how charge moves between objects made from identical insulating oxides
Read article: Surface contamination holds the key to a static electricity mystery
Ultrasound system solves the ‘unsticking problem’ in biomedical research
Impulsonics’ “surround sound” technology frees-up living cells
Read article: Ultrasound system solves the ‘unsticking problem’ in biomedical research
Time crystal emerges in acoustic tweezers
System could shed light on emergent periodic phenomena in biological systems
Read article: Time crystal emerges in acoustic tweezers
Transfer learning could help muon tomography identify illicit nuclear materials
Hidden coated materials could be detected using new technique
Read article: Transfer learning could help muon tomography identify illicit nuclear materials
Pockets and pillars capture ricocheting molecules in vacuum pump
Passive system could give quantum sensors a boost
Read article: Pockets and pillars capture ricocheting molecules in vacuum pump
Joined-up thinking in quantum metrology: why collaboration is the secret of success
NPL has joined forces with other leading National Metrology Institutes to shape the international standards effort in quantum technologies
Read article: Joined-up thinking in quantum metrology: why collaboration is the secret of success
Cavity-based X-ray laser delivers high-quality pulses
Electron undulator amplifies X-ray beam
Read article: Cavity-based X-ray laser delivers high-quality pulses
Ion-clock transition could benefit quantum computing and nuclear physics
Deformed nucleus makes multi-ion design easier
Read article: Ion-clock transition could benefit quantum computing and nuclear physics
New sensor uses topological material to detect helium leaks
Device works by monitoring frequency of sound waves propagating through a kagome material
Read article: New sensor uses topological material to detect helium leaks
NPL unveils miniature atomic fountain clock
Precision timekeeper is just 5% the size of a conventional clock
Read article: NPL unveils miniature atomic fountain clock
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Related events
- Instrumentation and measurement | Course Time-Resolved Photoluminescence Course 1—3 September 2026 | Berlin, Germany
- Atomic and molecular | Conference Trapped Charged Particles Conference 2026 14—18 September 2026 | Vale of Glamorgan, UK
- Instrumentation and measurement | Workshop Single Molecule Workshop 6—10 October 2026 | Berlin, Germany
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