Quantum optics Research update How to put neutrons into a twist Particle beam with orbital angular momentum could test the foundations of quantum mechanics Read article: How to put neutrons into a twist
Earth sciences Research update Earthquakes could be triggered by sound waves that ‘fluidize’ faults New experiments could also explain why some aftershocks occur Read article: Earthquakes could be triggered by sound waves that ‘fluidize’ faults
Soft matter and liquids Research update Could ‘Schrödinger’s bacterium’ be placed in a quantum superposition? Physicists explain how to bring a famous thought experiment to life Read article: Could ‘Schrödinger’s bacterium’ be placed in a quantum superposition?
Optical physics Research update ‘Ring of exceptional points’ appears on a Dirac cone Exotic optical phenomenon could lead to better lasers and chemical sensors Read article: ‘Ring of exceptional points’ appears on a Dirac cone
Quantum optics Research update Physicists defend against Trojan-horse quantum hackers Simple devices can protect quantum cryptography from eavesdroppers Read article: Physicists defend against Trojan-horse quantum hackers
Mathematical physics Research update Are Faraday cages less effective than previously thought? Calculations suggest that electric field does not drop off exponentially Read article: Are Faraday cages less effective than previously thought?
Telescopes and space missions Research update Solar wind casts a reddish hue over rocky objects Ion-accelerator experiment could explain why many asteroids are dark red Read article: Solar wind casts a reddish hue over rocky objects
Surfaces and interfaces Research update Kirigami solar cells follow the Sun Simple new design cheaply increases solar-cell efficiency Read article: Kirigami solar cells follow the Sun
Optical physics Research update New laser sweeps out its own frequency Technology could reduce the cost of LIDAR and retinal imaging systems Read article: New laser sweeps out its own frequency
Transport properties Research update Levitating diamonds could improve motion sensors Hybrid quantum system combines light, motion and spin Read article: Levitating diamonds could improve motion sensors