In the quest for ultra-secure, long-range quantum communication, two major challenges stand in the way: the unpredictable nature of atmospheric turbulence and the limitations of current optical wavefront correction techniques. Researchers at the University of Ottawa, under the supervision of Professor Ebrahim Karimi, the director of Nexus for Quantum Technologies, in collaboration with the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (Germany), have made significant advances in overcoming both obstacles. Their two latest breakthroughs—an AI-powered turbulence forecasting tool called TAROQQO and a high-speed Adaptive Optics (AO) system for correcting turbulence in quantum channels—represent a turning point in developing free-space quantum networks.

Toroidal vortices, common in fluid dynamics, are newly explored in electromagnetism as two distinct forms: vector toroidal pulses and scalar phase vortices. This work proposes hybrid electromagnetic toroidal vortices unifying scalar and vector natures of light. Using a coaxial horn emitter with a radial metasurface, researchers experimentally generate these toroidal pulses exhibiting vortex streets, skyrmions, and transverse orbital angular momentum. It will offer robust propagation and potential applications in free-space communication and topologically rich light-matter interactions.

The SXSW Conference will take place from March 7-15 in Austin, Texas, bringing together a vibrant mix of ideas and innovations. Once again, UC San Diego will take center stage, showcasing cutting-edge research, transformative discussions on critical global challenges and a film premiere.

Astronomers conducted molecular gas observations of two enigmatic interstellar objects, which harbor abundant ices of water and organic molecules. The observations with the ALMA telescope have revealed the physical and chemical properties of these objects, but their characteristics do not match those of any previously known interstellar objects where ices have been detected. They may represent a new class of interstellar icy objects that provide an environment conducive to the formation of ices and organic molecules.

Trees compete for space as they grow. A tree with branches close to a wall will develop differently from one growing on open ground.

Now everyone from urban planners and environmental scientists to homeowners may access a new algorithm for tree reconstruction developed at Purdue University to see how the trees will shade an area or learn what a tree will look like in 20 years. Purdue computer scientists and digital foresters used artificial intelligence to generate this first-ever database, which contains three-dimensional models of more than 600,000 real trees.