All articles tagged with #quantum fluctuations
A new theory proposes that gravitational waves, rather than hypothetical particles called inflatons, drove the early expansion of the universe, offering a simpler and more verifiable explanation for cosmic evolution based on gravity and quantum mechanics.
A team led by Raúl Jiménez proposes a new model for the Universe's origins that does not rely on the traditional inflationary paradigm or speculative fields, instead suggesting that gravitational waves and quantum fluctuations in space-time alone could have seeded the formation of cosmic structures, offering a simpler and verifiable alternative to existing theories.
Recent research from Johns Hopkins University explores the role of quantum fluctuations during cosmic inflation, suggesting they could lead to the formation of black holes containing entire parallel universes. This aligns with theories that our universe might be a black hole, challenging traditional Big Bang models and supporting multiverse theories. The study also examines eternal inflation, where the universe could be in a perpetual expansion, potentially inhibiting life-supporting structures. Advancements in gravitational wave astronomy are providing new insights into these early cosmic phenomena.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech have identified the quantum critical point in superconductors, solving a three-decade-old mystery and enhancing the understanding of superconductivity fluctuations. By measuring the thermoelectric effect in superconductors over a wide range of magnetic fields and temperatures, they revealed the full picture of fluctuations in superconductivity and demonstrated that the anomalous metallic state in two-dimensional superconductors is due to the existence of a quantum critical point. This breakthrough sheds light on the properties of superconductors at cryogenic temperatures and has implications for the development of materials with large thermoelectric effects at low temperatures.
Physicists have discovered unexpected quantum fluctuations in atomically thin layers of insulating material, challenging current understanding of superconductivity. The study, published in Nature Physics, reveals the spontaneous emergence of quantum chaos at a point of transition from electron congestion to superconductivity in 2D materials. This "sudden death" of fluctuations defies existing models and could lead to new avenues of research with potential technological implications for room-temperature superconductivity.
Researchers observed a superconductor behavior that defies current physics understanding, as quantum fluctuations unexpectedly ceased at a certain electron density in a superconducting experiment using tungsten ditelluride. This phenomenon challenges existing theories and requires new understanding of superconducting quantum phase transitions, presenting an intriguing puzzle for physicists to solve.
Physicists have observed the "sudden death" of quantum fluctuations in a superconducting material, tungsten ditelluride, which challenges existing theories and requires a new explanation. This discovery could provide insight into superconductors and potentially lead to the development of room-temperature superconductors. The researchers observed unexpected behavior in quantum vortices at high temperatures and strong magnetic fields, leading to the need for a new theory to explain these phenomena.
Princeton physicists have discovered a new quantum phase transition in superconductivity, challenging established theories. By experimenting with a three-atom-thin insulator that can be switched into a superconductor, they found evidence of a sudden cessation of quantum fluctuations, defying standard theoretical descriptions. This groundbreaking research promises to enhance our understanding of quantum physics in solids and propel the study of superconductivity in new directions, highlighting the need for a new theory to explain the observed phenomena.
Princeton physicists have observed an unexpected quantum behavior in a three-atom-thin insulator that can be switched into a superconductor, challenging current theories of superconductivity. The abrupt cessation of quantum fluctuations near the transition point exhibits unique properties that defy established theories. This discovery promises to advance our understanding of quantum physics in solids and open new directions for the study of quantum condensed matter physics and superconductivity.
Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) have proposed improvements for an upcoming experiment at the European XFEL in Hamburg aimed at detecting quantum fluctuations in vacuum. By manipulating the vacuum fluctuations using an ultra-powerful laser, the researchers hope to observe changes in the polarization of an X-ray flash. The original plan involved shooting one laser flash, but due to the weak signal, the team now plans to shoot two laser pulses simultaneously to increase the chances of detecting the effect. If successful, the experiment could confirm the theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) or reveal deviations that suggest the existence of new particles and laws of nature.
Researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are preparing an experiment to detect quantum fluctuations in the vacuum, which could provide insights into new laws of physics. The experiment involves using an ultra-powerful laser to manipulate the vacuum fluctuations and change the polarization of an X-ray flash. By shooting two optical laser pulses simultaneously into an evacuated chamber, the researchers hope to increase the chances of measuring the effect. If successful, the experiment could confirm quantum electrodynamics (QED) or reveal deviations that suggest the existence of new particles and undiscovered laws of nature. The first trials are scheduled for 2024 at the European XFEL in Hamburg.
Theoretical physicists have discovered a laser-free method to control the magnetism of α-RuCl3, a thin material, by utilizing the electromagnetic fluctuations within an optical cavity. This breakthrough approach allows for the alteration of a material's magnetic properties solely through quantum fluctuations, providing a promising avenue for advancements in material science without the heat-related issues associated with intense laser methods. The researchers hope that this technique will enable the exploration of new material phases and enhance our understanding of the interplay between light and matter.
Researchers at MIT have demonstrated a technique for controlling and biasing the random energy fluctuations present in empty space, known as quantum fluctuations. By applying an external signal to interfere with these fluctuations, the researchers were able to bias the probability of the system settling into a specific state. This technique has potential applications in sensing, random number generation, and probabilistic optical computing. The researchers are also exploring the possibility of using the system's responsiveness to small electric fields for sensor applications.
Astrophysicists have explored the possibility that quantum fluctuations in the early universe could affect the creation of massive cosmological structures, such as heavy galaxy clusters like "El Gordo." The researchers suggest that quantum fluctuations might not only underly the formation of average-sized galaxies and primordial black holes, but also that of massive galaxy clusters. This potential theoretical explanation for the formation of large galaxy clusters appears to be aligned with recent cosmological observations and could also potentially solve other shortcomings of the standard model.
The theory of cosmic inflation, which proposes that the Universe underwent rapid expansion in its early stages, has provided a solution to the horizon problem and explains the origin of the seeds of structure in the Universe. However, the origin and identity of the inflation field remain unknown, and the theory faces contradictions called instabilities. Physicists are exploring the possibility that the Higgs boson, which gives mass to matter, could be behind inflation, but both theories rely on quantum fluctuations that generate infinities in finite quantities, making a solution elusive.