Cosmology Research update Hawking scoops book prize The Universe in a Nutshell wins the 2002 Aventis Prize for Science Books Read article: Hawking scoops book prize
Particles and interactions Research update KEK names new leader Cosmic ray expert is made boss of Japan’s high-energy physics lab Read article: KEK names new leader
Optical physics Research update Silver foils the diffraction limit Fine patterns on metal films could lead to smaller photonic and electronic devices Read article: Silver foils the diffraction limit
Quantum optics Research update Magnetic spins to store quantum information Long-lived spin clusters in magnetic compounds could be ‘entangled’
Surfaces and interfaces Research update Laser lithography makes cheaper chips A new manufacturing process could revolutionize the semiconductor industry Read article: Laser lithography makes cheaper chips
Stars and solar physics Research update Jets unravel nebula puzzle Gas jets could explain the elongated structure of many planetary nebulas
Quantum optics Research update Single photons to soak up data New technique could lead to super-efficient quantum communication
Transport properties Research update Magnets open the gate to nanoscale logic Physicists create the first metallic NOT gate to work at room temperature Read article: Magnets open the gate to nanoscale logic
Semiconductors and electronics Research update Tiny transistors nudge the nanoscale The first transistor made from a single atom could lead to practical nanoelectronics Read article: Tiny transistors nudge the nanoscale
Lasers Research update Lasers propel paper aeroplanes ‘Ablation’ technique could be scaled up to make lightweight aircraft