Lifeboat Foundation

Lenses are used to bend and focus light. Normal lenses rely on their curved shape to achieve this effect, but physicists from the University of Amsterdam and Stanford University have made a flat lens of only three atoms thick which relies on quantum effects. This type of lens could be used in future augmented reality glasses.

The findings have been published in Nano Letters (“Temperature-Dependent Excitonic Light Manipulation with Atomically Thin Optical Elements”).

The thinnest lens on Earth, made of concentric rings of tungsten disulphide (WS2), uses excitons to efficiently focus light. The lens is as thick as a single layer of WS2, just three atoms thick. The bottom left shows an exciton: an excited electron bound to the positively charged ‘hole’ in the atomic lattice. (Image: Ludovica Guarneri and Thomas Bauer)

A new method developed by Amsterdam researchers uses non-Gaussian states to efficiently describe and configure quantum spin-boson systems, promising advancements in quantum computing and sensing.

Many modern quantum devices operate using groups of qubits, or spins, which have just two energy states: ‘0’ and ‘1’. However, in actual devices, these spins also interact with photons and phonons, collectively known as bosons, making the calculations much more complex. In a recent study published in Physical Review Letters, researchers from Amsterdam have developed a method to effectively describe these spin-boson systems. This breakthrough could help in efficiently setting up quantum devices to achieve specific desired states.

Quantum devices use the quirky behavior of quantum particles to perform tasks that go beyond what ‘classical’ machines can do, including quantum computing, simulation, sensing, communication, and metrology. These devices can take many forms, such as a collection of superconducting circuits, or a lattice of atoms or ions held in place by lasers or electric fields.

It is likely that a theory of everything will ultimately require massive collaboration to be solved. Ironically, this may be a job for the older physicists, despite the warnings of Eddington and others. Francis Crick dedicated his attention to trying to solve the problem of consciousness in his later years, albeit without success.

We need collaboration. But we may be looking at the prospect of a theory of everything only coming from those who have accomplished so much they can afford the potential embarrassment and will be given the benefit of the doubt. This hardly stirs the enthusiasm of the vibrant, young minds that may otherwise tackle the problem.

In trying to solve the ultimate problem, we may have inadvertently created a monster. Our academic framework for research progression is not conducive to it, and history has presented an unkind picture of what happens to those who try.

Time loops have long been the stuff of science fiction. Now, using the rules of quantum mechanics, we have a way to effectively transport a particle back in time – here’s how.

By Miriam Frankel

Dr. Deepan Balakrishnan, the first author, said, “Our work shows the theoretical framework for single-shot 3D imaging with TEMs. We are developing a generalized method using physics-based machine learning models that learn material priors and provide 3D relief for any 2D projection.”

The team also envisions further generalizing the formulation of pop-out metrology beyond TEMs to any coherent imaging system for optically thick samples (i.e., X-rays, electrons, visible light photons, etc.).

Prof Loh added, “Like human vision, inferring 3D information from a 2D image requires context. Pop-out is similar, but the context comes from the material we focus on and our understanding of how photons and electrons interact with them.”

Gram negative bacteria have been laughing at us but now we might finally have our revenge, with lolamicin.

Compound called lolamicin targets a group of harmful microbes but does not disturb those that live peacefully in the gut.

Big Tech’s demand for top AI talent could bring a wave of “acquihires” later this year, investors told Business Insider.

With the rise of AI, we’re abstracting complexity by embracing technologies that resonate with human intuition. Take ChatGPT, for instance. We can simply articulate our goals in plain English, and it generates code for provisioning the infrastructure accordingly.

Another approach is using visualization. For example, with Brainboard, you can draw your cloud infrastructure, and the necessary deployment and management code is automatically generated.

These examples illustrate the next-generation software and mindset. The shift is happening now, and the next set of tools will be adapted and optimized for humans.

Unlike most organizations, OpenAI says it is run as a “capped-profit” company where its for-profit arm is governed by a nonprofit.