NUS Physics Channel

Research by Associate Professor Adam Shaffique from NUS Physics in collaboration with scientists from Singapore and Spain on graphene's topological bands in super-moiré structures provides a platform to exploit unique electronic band configurations. The findings may pave the way for the development of novel graphene-based electronics and also further the understanding of condensed matter physics and exotic physics. Read here for more: https://phys.org/news/2024-04-exotic-physics-exploring-graphene-topological.html#google_vignette

Quantum computers, they’re peculiar creatures, let me tell you. Picture this: You’ve got this nifty quantum algorithm ready to roll on your shiny new quantum computer. You load up the algorithm, hit enter, and voila! You’ve got your solution staring back at you. But hold on, what if I tell you there’s a way to get that answer without even firing up your machine? Wrap your head around this: You obtain your solution without flipping the switch on your computer. It’s a wild concept known as counterfactual computation, tapping into quantum interference between two states: one where the quantum computer runs and the other where it doesn’t. Through a clever series of frequent measurements within this strange superposition, you decode the answer embedded in the inactive part of your quantum setup. Now, whether this little trick proves practical in real-world quantum computing setup is up for debate, but it sure underscores just how bizarre quantum theory can get.

A research team led by Assistant Professor Anjan Soumyanarayanan from NUS Physics, also Principal Scientist at A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, has developed an innovative microelectronic device which harnesses tiny, stable and speedy magnetic whirls known as skyrmions. This paves the way for more sustainable and efficient computing technologies including AI computing. Read here for more: https://news.nus.edu.sg/singapore-scientists-develop-revolutionary-microelectronic-device/

Singapore aims to build pool of about 100 nuclear energy experts: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/nuclear-energy-fusion-fission-experts-deployment-timeline-tan-see-leng-parliament-4239546

Dr Yeo Li Hsia (Credit: NASA Goddard Photography Society) NUS Physics alumnus Dr Yeo Li Hsia never knew that her fascination with science fiction in her childhood days would one day propel her towards the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a planetary scientist. Driven by a sense of curiosity and passion in space science, Dr Yeo is undeterred by the challenges facing women working in the science, technology, engineering and mathematic fields. Read more about Dr Yeo’s amazing story here: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2024/03/13/nus-alumna-shoots-for-the-moon-and-lands-in-nasa/

A look at how Singapore is taking nuclear safety research to the next level: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-takes-nuclear-safety-research-to-the-next-level

Prof Sow Chorng Haur (left) and Dr Sharon Lim from NUS Physics were part of the research team that discovered how heat-treated fish scales can be upcycled for pollution control and encryption (Credit: NUS Press) What started as a curiosity-driven high-school project led to an intriguing discovery—a novel method that turned fish scale waste into functional materials. In the research led by Professor Sow Chorng Haur from NUS Physics, heat-treated fish scales are transformed to a bio-adsorbent that could effectively remove a dye pollutant known as Rhodamine B from contaminated water. In addition, the unique fluorescent characteristics of these scales under various types of light can be harnessed for steganographic purposes. Read here for more: https://news.nus.edu.sg/upcycling-fish-scales-pollution-control-encryption/ or watch video https://youtu.be/-45zASydFyM

Over 50 staff and students were warmly greeted by tables of savory steamboat in a dinner event held recently in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season. The organiser, NUS Physics Society, delivered a delightful evening of delectable cuisine, engaging company and cherry vibes as promised. Indeed it was an enjoyable occasion for all present as they bonded over yummy wholesome food shared in the midst of festive joy!

(From left) Dr Li Xinwei (research focus: quantum-inspired protocols for light engineering of correlated materials) and Dr Alexey Berdyugin (research focus: vertical van der Waals superlattices and quantum materials & technologies of tomorrow) NUS Physics congratulates Dr Alexey Berdyugin and Dr Li Xinwei for being awarded the prestigious Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF) grant of around S$3m each under the NRF Fellowship Scheme for the year 2024. The scheme is a competitive programme that seeks to attract, recruit and root outstanding young scientists from around the world to conduct independent research in various fields of science and technology in Singapore.

(From left) Gong Jiangbin, Mu Sen and Gabriel Lemarié (Credit: CQT) What has a coffee droplet spreading on a piece of paper to do with the transport of wave packets of a quantum particle in the presence of disorder? Research carried out by Dr Mu Sen, Research Fellow at NUS Physics, CQT Principal Investigator Professor Gong Jiangbin and CQT Visiting Research Associate Professor Gabriel Lemarié found surprising connections between two different branches in physics—Kardar-Parisi-Zhang physics, which describes the growth of a rough interface, and the transport of wave packets in a disordered medium, specifically Anderson localisation. Read here for more: https://www.quantumlah.org/about/highlight/2024-02-connections-coffee-wave-packets

The European Space Agency (ESA) has officially approved the implementation of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission, marking the first scientific endeavour to develop and launch a space-based observatory to detect gravitational waves, which are tiny ripples in spacetime caused by some of the most energetic astrophysical phenomena in the Universe. Contributing to this venture is a group of scientists led by Assistant Professor Alvin Chua from NUS Physics. Read here for more: https://news.nus.edu.sg/nus-physicists-contribute-to-first-space-mission-to-study-gravitational-waves

Schematic of proton-beam-induced luminescence in a transmission thin scintillator (A) and the proposed mechanism of proton scintillation (B) (Credit: MI Zhaohong) A research team led by Professor Liu Xiaogang from NUS Chemistry and Professor Andrew Bettiol from NUS Physics have developed a transmissive thin scintillator using perovskite nanocrystals designed for real-time tracking and counting of single protons. The breakthrough holds great promise for advancing detection technology in proton therapy and proton radiography. Read here for more: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2024/02/01/single-proton-lightens-perovskite-nanocrystals-based-transmissive-thin-scintillators/

There are too many confusing and misleading statements about quantum entanglement these days. The award of the Nobel Prize in Physics 2022 for work done in this field did not improve the narratives concerning quantum entanglement. Even physics students are not clear about this concept before taking a serious quantum information related course. So what could have gone wrong? Hear Prof Werner's explanation in this video: https://qutalent.org/en/videos/how-to-give-confusing-explanations-of-quantum-mechanics/

Read more here: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/research-sharing-by-physics-student-lim-see-min/

Going down: ALPHA-g’s barrel scintillator being assembled at CERN. (Courtesy: CERN) Physics has always been a fascinating science, encapsulating the essence of the universe and our natural world and increasingly touching every aspect of our lives. From antimatter that responds to gravity, building blocks for a large-scale quantum network to digital bridge that enables natural walking after a spinal cord injury, learn about the physics breakthroughs in 2023 in this selection by Physics World as we usher in the new year: https://physicsworld.com/a/physics-world-reveals-its-top-10-breakthroughs-of-the-year-for-2023/

The James Webb Space Telescope celebrated its first full year of operation this year. Take a look at some stunning stellar images it captured as we bid farewell to 2023 (click on image for description): https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasawebbtelescope/albums/72177720305127361/