Computer Science: Quantum Computers Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General
Published

1,000 atomic qubits and rising      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Making quantum systems more scalable is one of the key requirements for the further development of quantum computers because the advantages they offer become increasingly evident as the systems are scaled up. Researchers have recently taken a decisive step towards achieving this goal.

Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Energy: Batteries Energy: Technology Environmental: General Geoscience: Earth Science Geoscience: Geochemistry
Published

Discovery of new Li ion conductor unlocks new direction for sustainable batteries      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have discovered a solid material that rapidly conducts lithium ions. Consisting of non-toxic earth-abundant elements, the new material has high enough Li ion conductivity to replace the liquid electrolytes in current Li ion battery technology, improving safety and energy capacity. The research team have synthesized the material in the laboratory, determined its structure and demonstrated it in a battery cell.

Computer Science: General Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Fundamental equation for superconducting quantum bits revised      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Physicists have uncovered that Josephson tunnel junctions -- the fundamental building blocks of superconducting quantum computers -- are more complex than previously thought. Just like overtones in a musical instrument, harmonics are superimposed on the fundamental mode. As a consequence, corrections may lead to quantum bits that are 2 to 7 times more stable. The researchers support their findings with experimental evidence from multiple laboratories across the globe.

Computer Science: General Computer Science: Quantum Computers Mathematics: Statistics Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General
Published

Researchers show classical computers can keep up with, and surpass, their quantum counterparts      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A team of scientists has devised means for classical computing to mimic a quantum computing with far fewer resources than previously thought. The scientists' results show that classical computing can be reconfigured to perform faster and more accurate calculations than state-of-the-art quantum computers.

Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: General Physics: Optics Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Technique could improve the sensitivity of quantum sensing devices      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new technique can control a larger number of microscopic defects in a diamond. These defects can be used as qubits for quantum sensing applications, and being able to control a greater number of qubits would improve the sensitivity of such devices.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Computer Science: General Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
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Combining materials may support unique superconductivity for quantum computing      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new fusion of materials, each with special electrical properties, has all the components required for a unique type of superconductivity that could provide the basis for more robust quantum computing.

Energy: Batteries Energy: Technology Offbeat: General
Published

Smart earrings can monitor a person's temperature      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers introduced the Thermal Earring, a wireless wearable that continuously monitors a user's earlobe temperature. Potential applications include tracking signs of ovulation, stress, eating and exercise. The smart earring prototype is about the size and weight of a small paperclip and has a 28-day battery life.

Energy: Batteries Engineering: Nanotechnology Environmental: General
Published

EVs that go 1,000 km on a single charge: Gel makes it possible      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Engineers apply electron beam technology to develop an integrated silicon-gel electrolyte system.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Energy: Batteries
Published

Chemists decipher reaction process that could improve lithium-sulfur batteries      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Lithium-sulfur batteries have exceptional theoretical capacity and performance in combination with an element in abundant supply. But the intricate reaction mechanism, particularly during discharge, has been challenging to solve. Researchers have identified the key pathways to a complex sulfur reduction reaction that leads to energy loss and reduced battery life span. The study's findings establish the whole reaction network for the first time and offer insight into electrocatalyst design for improved batteries.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Energy: Alternative Fuels Energy: Batteries Energy: Fossil Fuels Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Improving fuel cell durability with fatigue-resistant membranes      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

In hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyte membranes frequently undergo deformation and develop cracks during operation. A research team has recently introduced a fatigue-resistant polymer electrolyte membrane for hydrogen fuel cells, employing an interpenetrating network of Nafion (a plastic electrolyte) and perfluoropolyether (a rubbery polymer). This innovation will not only improve fuel cell vehicles but also promises advancements in diverse technologies beyond transportation, spanning applications from drones to desalination filters and backup power sources.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Computer Science: Quantum Computers Engineering: Nanotechnology Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
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Direct view of tantalum oxidation that impedes qubit coherence      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists have used a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and computational modeling to get a closer look and deeper understanding of tantalum oxide. When this amorphous oxide layer forms on the surface of tantalum -- a superconductor that shows great promise for making the 'qubit' building blocks of a quantum computer -- it can impede the material's ability to retain quantum information. Learning how the oxide forms may offer clues as to why this happens -- and potentially point to ways to prevent quantum coherence loss.

Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Magnesium protects tantalum, a promising material for making qubits      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists have discovered that adding a layer of magnesium improves the properties of tantalum, a superconducting material that shows great promise for building qubits, the basis of quantum computers. The scientists show that a thin layer of magnesium keeps tantalum from oxidizing, improves its purity, and raises the temperature at which it operates as a superconductor. All three may increase tantalum's ability to hold onto quantum information in qubits.

Computer Science: General Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: General Physics: Optics Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

A physical qubit with built-in error correction      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have succeeded in generating a logical qubit from a single light pulse that has the inherent capacity to correct errors.

Computer Science: General Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Scientists make breakthrough in quantum materials research      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers describe the discovery of a new method that transforms everyday materials like glass into materials scientists can use to make quantum computers.

Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Scientists pull off quantum coup      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists have discovered a first-of-its-kind material, a 3D crystalline metal in which quantum correlations and the geometry of the crystal structure combine to frustrate the movement of electrons and lock them in place.

Energy: Batteries Energy: Technology Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Sound-powered sensors stand to save millions of batteries      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers are developing a new type of sensor that reacts to certain sound waves, causing it to vibrate. The sensor is a metamaterial that acquires its special properties through the structuring of the material. Passive sound-sensitive sensors could be used to monitor buildings, earthquakes or certain medical devices and save millions of batteries.

Computer Science: Quantum Computers
Published

Quantum infrared spectroscopy: Lights, detector, action!      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have incorporated an innovative ultra-broadband, quantum-entangled light source that generates a relatively wide range of infrared photons with wavelengths between 2 m and 5 m for dramatically downsizing the infrared spectroscopy system and upgrading its sensitivity. It can obtain spectra for various target samples, including hard solids, plastics, and organic solutions. This new technique uses the unique properties of quantum mechanics -- such as superposition and entanglement -- to overcome the limitations of conventional techniques.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Thermodynamics Energy: Batteries Energy: Technology
Published

Polymer power: Researchers enhance the safety of lithium batteries      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns as a result of internal separator issues which often lead to short circuits. Scientists have now developed a method to improve the stability and properties of separators with a layer of silicon dioxide and other functional molecules. Batteries employing these separators demonstrated improved performance and reduced growth of disruptive root-like structures, paving the way for high-safety batteries that can aid the adoption of electric vehicles and advanced energy storage systems.