Researchers at The City College of New York have shown how a quantum emitter, the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, interacts in unexpected ways with a specially engineered photonic structure when moved around with a scanning tip. The study, led by Carlos A. Meriles, Martin and Michele Cohen Professor of Physics in the Division of Science and entitled “Emission of Nitrogen–Vacancy Centres in Diamond Shaped by Topological Photonic Waveguide Modes,” appears in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

Rice computer scientists have developed algorithms that account for quantum noise that is not just random, but malicious interference from an adversary.

Researchers from the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society have unveiled new insights into the activity of catalysts used in green hydrogen production. Their study, published in Nature Chemistry, explores how the catalyst kinetics are related to an intricate interplay between interfacial solvent and chemical changes on the catalyst surface, potentially paving the way for more efficient energy conversion technologies.

Remote gas sensing in complex environments represents a critical frontier in environmental science. A team of Chinese scientists has developed a novel dual-comb spectroscopy system featuring single-photon detection, exceptional robustness, and broadband spectral analysis. This technology enables precise identification of gas compositions under harsh conditions with attowatt sensitivity, advancing global climate monitoring and pollution detection. It is poised to address urgent societal demands for sustainable and intelligent sensing solutions.

Soft materials hold onto “memories” of their past for longer than previously thought, according to MIT research. The findings could help manufacturers design gels, lotions, or paving materials that last longer and perform more predictably.