Month: November 2023

n This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast looks at two very different and very difficult challenges — how to build a quantum computer that can overcome the debilitating noise that plagues current processors; and how to ensure that the UK meets its target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. nn Our first… Continue reading Why Alice & Bob are making cat qubits, IOP calls for action on net-zero target

One of the many factors that have contributed to the success of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) has been its emphasis on the power of collaboration. At its inception in 2014 the NQTP established four research hubs that enabled academic groups from across the UK to share knowledge and resources, accelerating the development… Continue reading Partnerships push for quantum advantage

<p>The way Morgane König sees it, questioning how we came to be in the universe is one of the most fundamental parts of being human.</p>nn<p>When she was 12 years old, König decided the place to find answers was in physics. A family friend was a physicist, and she attributed her interest in the field to… Continue reading Everything, everywhere all at once

The Irish government has published a national strategy for quantum research in the country. Many of the top technology companies have operations in Ireland and the report – Quantum 2030 – A National Quantum Technologies Strategy for Ireland – describes Ireland as being ideally situated to capitalize on quantum for industry, noting the potential for… Continue reading Ireland publishes national strategy for quantum research

The Irish government has finally applied to join the CERN particle-physics laboratory near Geneva as an associate member. The application will be considered at CERN’s next council session in mid-December. n CERN has 23 full member states with Cyprus, Estonia and Slovenia applying for that status too. Member countries pay costs towards CERN’s programmes and… Continue reading Ireland set to join the CERN particle-physics lab

Soft, implantable optical fibres that move and stretch with the body have been developed by researchers from the US for use in optogenetics studies. The tool will help scientists identify the mechanisms underlying nerve pain and other peripheral nerve disorders in animal models and help to develop new treatments. n Peripheral nerve pain is a… Continue reading Flexible optical fibres deliver light to nerves for optogenetic pain inhibition

n n n n n n Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) have enabled paralysed people to operate computers by thought alone. They have also been used to restore speech after it has been lost due to a stroke, and have shown promise for restoring sight to the blind. As applications expand, BCIs are even starting to be… Continue reading Bridging minds and computers through physics

In the summer of 1960 I set off for the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, having just finished my bachelor’s degree in physics from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, now part of New York University. I had gained a high Q-level security clearance and was qualified to enter Los Alamos on a summer… Continue reading Robert Oppenheimer: how cinema has depicted this icon of the nuclear age

Last month I highlighted some of the medical-physics companies that won business innovation awards from the Institute of Physics in 2023. But firms in the photonics and instrumentation sectors have done well too, which is perhaps not surprising given that photonics is one of the UK’s largest physics-based industries. As the Photonics Leadership Group (PLG)… Continue reading Optics and instrumentation firms share in the 2023 Institute of Physics business awards

What is the Fusion Industry Association (FIA)? n The FIA is the independent business association for privately financed fusion-energy companies. We have 38 members, all of whom have different approaches to reaching commercial fusion energy. n How do you become a member? n You need to have raised private capital and demonstrate a plan for… Continue reading Fusion industry outlines ambitious plans to deliver electricity to the grid by 2035