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 adv...
New roadmap states the UK must prioritize its capabilities in semiconductor standards
Devices could help miniaturize laser-based technologies
Laser stabilization system boosts quality of electron bunches
Read article: Laser-driven free electron laser runs for more than eight hours
Transmission electron microscopy probes solid–liquid interfaces
Read article: ‘Nano-aquariums’ deliver atomic-resolution imaging
New coiled device could rival expensive magnet facilities, say scientists
Read article: Miniature magnets break field strength record
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
System could shed light on emergent periodic phenomena in biological systems
Read article: Time crystal emerges in acoustic tweezers
Hidden coated materials could be detected using new technique
Read article: Transfer learning could help muon tomography identify illicit nuclear materials
Science is done in just about every corner of the globe but many researchers lack access to the cutting-edge instrumentation available at large facilities such as synchrotron light sources and neutron-science centres. Widening this accessibility is an important theme running through this free-to-read briefing.
Florence Concepcion of Aquark Technologies is our podcast guest
Read article: Quantum sensors benefit from miniaturized ultrahigh vacuum
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’
Medical physicist, inventor and entrepreneur Brian Pogue is our podcast guest
Read article: Biomedical optics play crucial roles across medicine
Impulsonics’ “surround sound” technology frees-up living cells
Read article: Ultrasound system solves the ‘unsticking problem’ in biomedical research
Passive system could give quantum sensors a boost
Read article: Pockets and pillars capture ricocheting molecules in vacuum pump
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
Electron undulator amplifies X-ray beam
Read article: Cavity-based X-ray laser delivers high-quality pulses
Deformed nucleus makes multi-ion design easier
Read article: Ion-clock transition could benefit quantum computing and nuclear physics
Device works by monitoring frequency of sound waves propagating through a kagome material
Read article: New sensor uses topological material to detect helium leaks
Precision timekeeper is just 5% the size of a conventional clock
Read article: NPL unveils miniature atomic fountain clock
New device could be used to observe structures as small as individual proteins, as well as the environment in which they move
Read article: Bidirectional scattering microscope detects micro- and nanoscale structures simultaneously
Finding could have applications in acoustic-levitation-assisted 3D printing, mid-air chemical synthesis and micro-robotics
Read article: Physicists overcome ‘acoustic collapse’ to levitate multiple objects with sound
Devices could eliminate the strong magnetic fields currently required to define the standard unit of resistance
Read article: Memristors could measure a single quantum of resistance
High-precision laser spectroscopy measurements on the thorium-229 nucleus could reveal new physics, say TU Wien physicists
Read article: Looking for inconsistencies in the fine structure constant
New technique could shed light on electrification of aerosols
Read article: Electrical charge on objects in optical tweezers can be controlled precisely
"Beamforming feedback information" in latest version of the technology can identify individuals passing through radio networks with almost 100% accuracy, say researchers
Read article: Is your WiFi spying on you?
Having more antimatter could help solve profound mysteries of physics
Read article: Sympathetic cooling gives antihydrogen experiment a boost
Europe’s largest event for electronics manufacturing comes to Munich on 18−21 November, 2025
Read article: SEMICON Europa 2025 presents cutting-edge technology for semiconductor R&D and production