NUS Physics Channel

Figure showing the compression of quantum information in a large 3D single particle lattice system into a 1D spin chain with three interacting particles. A research team led by Assistant Professor Lee Ching Hua from NUS Physics has successfully simulated higher-order topological lattices with unprecedented accuracy using digital quantum computers. These complex lattice structures can help us understand advanced quantum materials with robust quantum states that are highly sought after in various technological applications. Read here for more: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2024/08/30/topological-quantum-simulation-unlocks-new-potential-in-quantum-computers/

Figure illustrates the generation of entangled photon pairs through spontaneous parametric down-conversion. A research team led by Associate Professor Quek Su Ying from NUS Physics has shown that excitonic resonances and transitions between excitons can significantly increase the efficiency of generating entangled photon pairs. This could lead to the development of efficient ultrathin quantum light sources. Read here for more: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2024/08/19/towards-ultrathin-sources-of-entangled-photons/

Quantum computing is gaining momentum fast given its potential to solve complex problems beyond conventional approach. Read about the raft of initiatives to embrace more scientists from under-represented groups to join the quantum world: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02541-z

Scientists have discovered a way of using sound waves generated at audible frequencies to manipulate the movement of objects in disordered environments such as liquids. Instead of trapping objects as conventional optical and acoustic tweezers do, the new method deploys pressure waves and holds promises for non-invasive biomedical procedures such as targeted drug delivery. Read here for more: https://physicsworld.com/a/sound-waves-move-objects-in-liquid/

Happy National Day 🇸🇬! This day also marks the 3rd anniversary of the NUS Physics Telegram channel! As the new academic year dawns, NUS Physics would like to extend a warm welcome to all our freshmen! In a recent orientation event, new students had the opportunity to meet their academic mentors to discuss their study plans besides connecting with the Physics Society and learning about the EDIphy vision. NUS Physics is committed to supporting the well-being of all our students and will walk alongside them in their learning journey!

With almost zero presence of world record alongside any of the finishing times on the Olympic scoreboard for swimming, athletes and coaches are scratching their heads for an answer. Has this to do with the shallow pool at the heart of the Paris La Defénce Arena? Read further to find out: https://theconversation.com/is-the-shallow-pool-in-paris-really-slowing-olympic-swimmers-down-heres-what-the-science-says-235884

Convection is known typically to be driven by temperature gradients creating density differences in a system. Investigations by a group of researchers on heat transfer in environments that are super-confined revealed fundamental insights into the rules governing fluid mechanics. This may pave the way for more efficient geothermal energy harvesting, biomedical devices that need precise heat controls to mix compounds or in computer cooling systems. Read here for more: https://phys.org/news/2024-07-differently-tight-spaces-insights-convection.html

Dillion Lim (extreme left) with a research group and Guo Kaize giving a lab demo Pursuing a degree in physics offers profound intellectual fulfilment and the opportunity for groundbreaking discoveries. However, the rigorous demands required to grasp intricate theories and mathematics can be daunting. Two recent graduates Dillon Lim and Guo Kaize share how a well-balanced and vibrant campus life helped them navigate their academic journey. Click on names to read more.

NUS Physics celebrated the commencement of Class of 2024 on 11 July! This marks yet another significant milestone in the academic journey of our graduates and is a testament to their years of hard work, resilience and personal growth. The department wishes all graduates every success as they pursue their aspirations and embrace every challenge ahead! For more report, click here: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/congratulations-class-of-2024/

A group of physicists has successfully used lasers to stimulate the nucleus of a thorium atom embedded within a highly transparent crystal. This achievement not only could lead to the development of a nuclear clock that surpasses the accuracy of current atomic clocks but also enable scientists to precisely measure the constants of nature. Read here for more: https://www.techexplorist.com/raising-energy-state-atoms-nucleus-using-laser/85800/

Phototherapy, the use of light to treat medical conditions, has found widespread application in clinical settings. However, optical scattering can cause distortion of the light path and limit the depth of light penetration. Read how scientists utilise air bubbles within biological tissues via ultrasound to overcome the challenges in such light-based treatments: https://phys.org/news/2024-06-paradigm-photothermal-therapy-ultrasound-technology.html

What does it mean to have a galaxy waking up? For the first time, astronomers witnessed in real time a supermassive black hole in the center of a not-too-distant galaxy going from dim and quiet to bright and active. The finding will provide insights into the processes powering active galactic nuclei. Read here for more: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/supermassive-black-hole-turn-on-agn

Experimental results still do not support the idea of supersymmetry or SUSY for short. What motivates SUSY and why does it fail to predict what it's supposed to, so far? Read here for more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2019/02/12/why-supersymmetry-may-be-the-greatest-failed-prediction-in-particle-physics-history/

Figure (from left to right): An energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy image of a specimen with features on either side, including a nano-pit etched through an amorphous silicon nitride membrane; the top view of the 3D reconstruction; the bottom view. [Credit: Communications Physics] A research team led by Assistant Professor Duane Loh from NUS Physics and Biological Sciences has developed a computational imaging technique to extract three-dimensional information from a single two-dimensional electron micrograph. This research continues the team’s ongoing integration of physics-based machine learning models with electron microscopy to create computational lenses for imaging invisible dynamics that occur at the nano-scale level. Read here for more: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2024/05/29/computational-lens-unmasks-hidden-3d-information-from-a-single-2d-micrograph/

Good news to all quantum enthusiasts: Singapore will invest an additional $300 million to bolster its development in quantum computers and nurture talent in this field. A total of 200 PhD- and master’s-level students will be offered local scholarships to expand the talent pool. This investment underscores the nation’s commitment to stay competitive at the forefront of emerging technologies. Read here for more: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/s-pore-adds-another-300m-in-investment-to-develop-quantum-computers-talent-pool

A schematic illustration (left) of the epitaxial growth of T-phase and H-phase CrSe2; scanning tunneling microscopy image (right) of the MoSe2-CrSe2 lateral heterostructures (Credit: Nature Communications) A research team led by Professor Andrew Wee from NUS Physics, in collaboration with international partners, utilised molecular beam epitaxy for growing two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides. This approach gives the ability to control the phase of 2D lateral heterostructures and opens many new opportunities in device applications. Read here for more: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2024/05/23/phase-selective-lateral-heteroepitaxial-growth/

Can Alice hide her secrets or will Bob uncover them all? Why does qubit not tahan and works no more? Be amused by a selection of poems by staff and students from the Center for Quantum Technologies here: https://www.quantumlah.org/poetry/

From left: Izz Muhammad Bin Ahmad (Year 1), Lim En Teng (Year 2), Chan Jun Jie (Year 3), Wu Yizhou (Honours Year) What does physics mean to undergraduate students @ NUS Physics? Hear from four of them who share their perspective of physics and what the subject has taught them, so far: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/physics1234/

Professors, research fellows and PhD students @ NUS Physics took their research to the next level with ground-breaking works from tailor-designed DNA molecular motor, 2D ferroelectricity to witness of quantum entanglement. Read more about the Physics Breakthroughs of the Year 2023 here: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/physics-breakthroughs/