Sometimes, even the simplest things can set off a quantum phenomenon.

A quiet revolution is taking shape in the world of physics, and it doesn’t rely on exotic particles or massive particle colliders. Instead, it begins with something much more familiar—sound.

A strange form of matter called a time crystal has fascinated physicists for about a decade. These systems move in repeating ...

Physicists at NYU have discovered a new type of time crystal—an exotic state of matter whose particles rhythmically “tick” while levitating on sound waves.

The terahertz quantum cascade laser on its mounting. Credit: University of Leeds Lasers that switch on and off billions of times per second are the backbone of optical communications networks, but ...

Researchers at AMOLF, in collaboration with partners from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, have realized a new type of metamaterial through which sound waves flow in an unprecedented fashion. It ...

Negative pressure is a rare and challenging-to-detect phenomenon in physics. Using liquid-filled optical fibers and sound waves, researchers have now discovered a new method to measure it. In ...

The acoustic properties of an ultracold fermion gas have been measured either side of the superfluid transition temperature in an experiment that has been described as “near perfect” and “beautiful”.

Scientists at MIT have directly captured signs of “second sound” in a superfluid for the first time. This bizarre phenomenon occurs when heat moves like sound waves through an unusual state of matter.

Some asteroids can barely hold it together. Rather than solid lumps of rock, ‘rubble pile’ asteroids are loose collections of material, which can split apart as they rotate (SN: 3/16/20). To ...

This array of piezoelectric sensors is designed to install in theaters and concert halls to harness sound wave energy to create electricity. This miniature proof of concept included 1,042 sensors, and ...