Volume 10 - July-September 2010
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Story 1 - 19/7/2010
Brownian Speedcam
Brownian particles, mind the speedcam! It is now possible to measure the instantaneous speed of a Brownian particle. Not only are these measurements of fundamental importance for statistical physics, they also open up new perspectives for the study of quantum systems.
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Story 2 - 27/7/2010
When Shape Really Matters
Particles in the nanoworld have mostly been modeled on unrealistically ideal shapes. A recent research takes advantage of a more complex and realistic model of the complex 3D shape of a nanoparticle.
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Story 3 - 16/8/2010
Abraham vs. Minkowski 1-1
Does a photon gain or does it lose momentum when it enters a glass slab? Both may be the simple, yet ingenious answer to this centenary dilemma.
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Story 4 - 26/8/2010
Updating the Size of the Proton: Small Difference, Big Consequence
The proton is one of the building blocks of matter and now latest studies suggest it is considerably smaller than previously measured. This is a result that may well challenge our current understanding of nature.
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Story 5 - 8/9/2010
Cerenkov Photons: A Cancer Searchlight
Millions of people fall victim to cancer every year. A great number of these lives could be saved if a simple, inexpensive tool for the early detection of cancer were available. Now, a new technique called Cerenkov luminescence tomography, looks likely to offer a ray of hope in that direction.
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Story 6 - 20/9/2010
Plasmons: Transform!
Latest experiments demonstrate an easy way to freely transform electromagnetic waves moving on metals. This yields promise of powerful applications, ranging from computers and biomedical devices, to solar cells and cell phones.
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Story 7 - 30/9/2010
Snapshots of Electrons in Motion
Recent, groundbreaking experiments using ultrashort laser pulses have permitted the study of the motion of electrons in atoms right after ionization. This leads the way to a better understanding and control of the motion of electrons in atoms and molecules.
