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Physics

A ‘quantum leap’ for quantum information science
a group of 40 people posing on a staircase

Experts from external institutions and members of the Penn community joined together for two days of lively discussions about the future of room temperature quantum logic using atomically-thin materials for NSF’s Enabling Quantum Leap symposium, which was held at the Singh center (Image: Felice Macera).

A ‘quantum leap’ for quantum information science

By bringing together experts across campus and across disciplines, Penn is poised to lead ongoing efforts towards developing quantum applications using atomically-thin materials.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Can neutrinos help explain what’s the matter with antimatter?
a particle accelerator, a long copper tube that follows down a basement corridor below lines of tubes and wires, a group of scientists in lab coats talk with each other on the side of the room

Can neutrinos help explain what’s the matter with antimatter?

Results of a new study will help physicists establish a cutting-edge neutrino research facility to study some of the most abundant yet least understood particles in the universe.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Researchers discover new topological phases in a class of optical materials
a pink light shining onto a flat sheet with holes on the top, a blue laser light shines from one end of the flat sheet to the other

Researchers discover new topological phases in a class of optical materials

These unique topological phases, which imbue materials with new properties, provide a pathway for future optical-electronic applications such as telecommunications devices and quantum computers.

Erica K. Brockmeier

In search of signals from the early universe
a person in a hard had working inside a large telescope detector

In search of signals from the early universe

Penn astronomers are part of an international collaboration to construct the Simons Observatory, a new telescope that will search the skies in a quest to learn more about the formation of the universe.

Erica K. Brockmeier

‘Smart aviary’ poised to break new ground in behavioral research
outside the smart aviary

‘Smart aviary’ poised to break new ground in behavioral research

A collaboration that has brought together biologists, engineers, and physicists to study the reproductive behavior of birds using machine learning in a custom-built aviary at Pennovation Works.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Remembering the past while looking forward
lunar landing boot print

Buzz Aldrin’s boot print from the Apollo 11 mission, one of the first steps taken on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the Moon on July 20, 1969. (Photo: NASA)

Remembering the past while looking forward

As the nation celebrates the Apollo 11 mission, a look at Penn’s connection to the historic event and how the Moon impacts science, politics, and culture.

Erica K. Brockmeier

A squid’s eye view
ScienceFriday.com

A squid’s eye view

Alison Sweeney of the School of Arts and Sciences discussed the complex structure of squids’ eyes, which have special lenses that allow for crisp vision in dark water. “The resolution of their eyes is approaching that of humans, their retinas are much more sensitive than ours are to light, and if you dig into the nitty-gritty of how nature figured it out, I’m forever blown away at the level of nuance to get it to work.”

A conversation with Vijay Balasubramanian

In the latest episode of Penn Today’s ‘Office Hours’ podcast series, a casual chat with Professor of Physics Vijay Balasubramanian.
Vijay Balasubramanian sitting next to BioPond
Vijay Balasubramanian, professor of physics, at the BioPond on Penn’s campus.
Five events to watch for in June
Woman hanging from purple tapestry A performer from Tangle Movement Arts during the 2018 Firefly Night at The Woodlands. (Photo by: Michael Ermilio)

Five events to watch for in June

The summer months around campus kick off with West Philadelphia Porchfest, arts performances at The Woodlands, and Penn Museum’s latest CultureFEST.