Abstract: Researchers have long sought to detect quantum effects in macroscopic objects, analogous to the superposition of states in Schrodinger’s cat that is both dead and alive. The development of ultrasensitive measurement techniques used in quantum computing and gravity wave detection may offer a way to experimentally test these ideas. Vinante et al. have used amplifier feedback to cool oscillation modes in a one-metric-ton aluminum bar that forms the active element in the AURIGA gravity wave detector. The effective temperature was 0.2 mK . Although other experiments have achieved lower temperatures, the AURIGA resonator is orders of magnitude more massive. Such feedback techniques may enable researchers to approach a regime where quantum effects become apparent.

Abstract: Large-scale quantum computers are hard to construct because quantum systems easily lose their coherence through interaction with the environment. Researchers have tried to avoid this problem by using geometric phase shifts in the design of quantum gates to perform information processing. Experiments and simulations have shown that these gates may be tolerant to certain types of faults, and may therefore be useful for robust quantum computation.

Abstract: A new phase of matter called a superglass may be possible, as shown by an investigation of the quantum mechanical analog of a classical hard sphere glass.

Abstract: It is 20 years since supernova 1987A,the brightest supernova in more than 400 years,was discoveredSeveral international symposiums were held in 2007,NASA released a special and beautiful SN1987A color photograph taken by the Hubble space telescope,and commemorative stamps were issued by the USA,all for celebrating SN1987AWe present an overview of its discovery,the spectra and character of its progenitor,the rich data accumulated over long term observations by the Hubble telescope,especially the three-ring structure,and the results of the Chandra X-ray observatoryAlthough SN1987A has been observed continuously,its central compact object has still not been discovered and certain mysteries remain unexplainedFinally,we look into the future

Abstract: A decade ago, experimentalists showed that persistent currents can flow in nonsuperconducting mesoscopic metal rings, but there was no theory that correctly explained the magnitude or direction of the unexpectedly large currents. Theorists are now proposing a simple idea that may at last explain these results.

Abstract: The discovery of superconductivity in iron-based compounds with a similar, but simpler, structure to the iron-pnictides could provide an important testing ground for unconventional superconductivity.

Abstract: From the nucleus to black holes, the model of a spinning liquid drop can describe the physics of a large number of systems. With diamagnetic levitation, it is possible to accurately study the many shapes a rapidly rotating liquid drop can take and compare the results against theoretical predictions.

Abstract: Discovering superconductivity above room temperature is a dream for modern science and technology. Now, theorists propose that for certain types of superconductors, contact with a metal layer could greatly increase the transition temperatures of these materials—in some cases by as much as an order of magnitude.

Abstract: Complete and timely replication of the genome is a prerequisite to fulfilling the “dream” of every cell to become two cells [1]. So far, biologists have been successful in identifying the processes involved in DNA replication, but they have not been able to explain a fundamental control problem that cells face, the so-called “random-completion” or “random-gap” problem: how do cells ensure that every last piece of the genome is replicated on time [2]? In a paper in Physical Review E, Scott Yang and John Bechhoefer of Simon Fraser University use insights from condensed-matter physics to answer this question [3]. Using a physical model originally developed to describe the kinetics of first-order phase transitions, they show that, despite the intrinsic stochasticity of the initiation of DNA replication, cells can still control the amount of time it takes to replicate the genome. The authors thus provide a rigorous solution to a long-standing problem in cell biology. The elegance of their formal approach bridging physics and biology, and the depth of their analysis, should inspire scientists from both disciplines.

Abstract: Atoms colliding in a magnetic field can form weakly bound states called Feshbach molecules. These states have now been used in combination with advanced laser techniques to create tightly bound ground-state molecules close to quantum degeneracy.

Abstract: Electrons in graphene can be described by the relativistic Dirac equation for massless fermions and exhibit a host of unusual properties. The surfaces of certain band insulators—called topological insulators—can be described in a similar way, leading to an exotic metallic surface on an otherwise ‘ordinary’ insulator.

Abstract: If a magnet is small enough, an electric current carrying polarized spins can flip it around. Scientists are finding clever ways to control this spin-torque effect precisely, both for when it is wanted and when it is not.

Abstract: A flash of laser light briefly excites electrons in graphite into a bonding state similar to diamond. Making the conversion complete could lead to new types of nanoscale circuits.

Abstract: Quantum measurements are conventionally thought of as irretrievably “collapsing” a wave function to the observed state. However, experiments with superconducting qubits show that the partial collapse resulting from a weak continuous measurement can be restored.

Abstract: Experiments indicate that, as in a superfluid, mass can flow through solid helium-4 without viscous resistance. Recent calculations shed light on how this may happen thanks to defects in the crystal lattice.

Abstract: Quantum measurements are conventionally thought of as irretrievably “collapsing” a wave function to the observed state. However, experiments with superconducting qubits show that the partial collapse resulting from a weak continuous measurement can be restored.

Abstract: Although Fourier transformation is one of the basic tools and methods in signal analysis it also has intrinsic drawbacks, such as its inability to provide the temporal or spatial characteristics of a signal. Short-time Fourier transformation has certain improvements, but users can only obtain the time- and frequency-based aspects of a signal with limited precision. Wavelet transformation is a fast-developing and popular signal analysis method. Wavelet analysis allows the use of long time intervals for more precise low-frequency information, and short regions for high-frequency information. In this paper the development of wavelet transforms is reviewed, and the fundamental principles, concepts, calculation formulas and flowcharts are introduced. Four examples are included to illustrate the application of this method in modern engineering and its unique advantages in comparison to other techniques.

Abstract: Forty years ago, it was predicted that there would be a sharp cutoff in the intensity of the very-high-energy cosmic rays that strike the earth’s surface. Two collaborations—the HiRes and Auger telescopes—are providing compelling evidence for this so-called “GZK effect.”

Abstract: New arguments based on astrophysical phenomena constrain the possibility that dangerous black holes will be produced at the CERN Large Hadron Collider.

Abstract: The discovery of superconductivity in iron-based compounds with a similar, but simpler, structure to the iron-pnictides could provide an important testing ground for unconventional superconductivity.

Abstract: Using the universe as a unique laboratory for probing the laws of physics in regimes not accessible on Earth,such as the very early universe or strong gravity fields near the event horizon of a black hole,is a new common frontier between physics and astronomy.The hard X-ray modulation telescope(HXMT) mission is the first dedicated astronomy satellite in the 2006—2010 five-year plan for space science unveiled by the National Space Administration of China.The HXMT mission will perform a wide band(1—250 keV) all-sky survey with the best sensitivity and angular resolution in the hard X-ray range as a black hole finder and cosmic hard X-ray background observer,and make sensitive pointed timing and spectral observations for studying the underlying physics processes of black holes and other compact objects.Fifteen years have passed since the submission of the HXMT proposal based on a new imaging technique.It is still a challenge for China to see if the scientific opportunity created by such a technological innovation can be finally grasped.

Abstract: Preparing a harmonic oscillator in a state with a well-defined energy is a tricky business. With the new tools provided by cavity and circuit quantum electrodynamics it is now possible to make these pure quantum states and watch how they evolve in time.

Abstract: Heavy nuclei formed by fusion reactions often decay rapidly by fissioning into two fragments. Understanding how these decays occur and over what time scale provides a means to locate the superheavy “island of stability.”

Abstract: Neutron scattering has been widely used in condensed matter research and applications in many industrial areas,as it is an ideal tool for investigating the microscopic structure and dynamics of materials.Spallation neutron sources are a new generation of pulsed neutron sources based on the proton accelerator,and can provide high-flux pulsed neutron beams for neutron scattering.This paper will focus on the basic structure and design of the target station and neutron instruments of the Chinese spallation neutron source project(CSNS).

Abstract: If a magnet is small enough, an electric current carrying polarized spins can flip it around. Scientists are finding clever ways to control this spin-torque effect precisely, both for when it is wanted and when it is not.

Abstract: A Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) can dramatically collapse and explode when the interactions between the atoms are sufficiently strong and attractive. Now, scientists have imaged the anisotropic, clover-leaf shape of such a collapsing gas when the attractive atomic interactions are strongly dipolar.

Abstract: Recently,in the State Key Laboratory of Magnetism amorphous Al-O barrier based magnetic-tunnel-junctions(MTJs) with ring-shaped structures and a tunneling magnetic resonance ratio of 80% at room temperature were micro-fabricated.High ordered FePt and antiferromagnetic(Cr25Mn25)Pt50 thin films with good thermal stability and high coercivity were also synthesized.Large current-induced resistance effects in colossal magnetic resonance thin films was observed.A new method was designed to observe spin flip scattering in the nanometer sized spacer layer near the ballistic limit based on MTJs.An important first-principles study of quantum well(QW) states and QW-resonance tunneling in the symmetric epitaxial Fe(001)/MgO/Fe/MgO/Fe double barrier MTJ was performed.Electron spin resonance spectra was successfully used to investigate the interlayer exchange coupling and anisotropic spin structures in layered transition metal oxides.An ultrahigh sensitivity Hall effect was observed in CoFe/Pt multilayers via manipulation of the perpendicular interface anisotropy due to the strong spin-orbit interaction of Pt.Nano-ring MTJs and 4×4 bit nano-ring magnetic random access memory(MRAM) demo devices were fabricated with spin-polarized current(spin transfer torque) switching,which may open a new way for developing MRAM devices.