2022
UChicago researchers set record by preserving quantum states for more than five seconds
February 3, 2022
A team led by Prof. David Awschalom of physics has achieved two major breakthroughs to overcome common “coherence” challenges for quantum systems: They were able to read out their qubit on demand, and then keep the quantum state intact for over five seconds—a new record for this class of devices. Additionally, the researchers’ qubits are made from an easy-to-use material called silicon carbide, which is widely found in lightbulbs, electric vehicles, and high-voltage electronics.
Robot-aided assembly could help scientists speed pace of discovery for new technologies
February 2, 2022
A new technique in the field of 2D materials led by Dept. of Chemistry and PME Prof. Jiwoong Park cuts fragile sheets of nanomaterials and uses a robotic hand to stack them in layers that can demonstrate targeted interactions. The automation can be customized and optimized.
PSD Polsky Fall 2021 I-Corps teams tackle unmet medical needs, data transparency
January 28, 2022
An open data platform journalists check, ordering an accurate 3D printed model of your tumor, or cardiac pacing solutions based on light in semiconductors. Market innovations born in PSD labs get tackled by cross campus expertise.
In the News - January 2022
January 27, 2022
This month PSD researchers have been featured for their efforts to mitigate the noise problem on quantum computers, to use doppler calculations to make a new map of twelve streams of stars orbiting our galactic halo, and to improve control over vacancies in silicon carbide used for quantum devices.
Scientists simulate ‘fingerprint’ of noise on quantum computer
January 26, 2022
Scientists from the UChicago and Purdue University, including Professor of Chemistry David Mazziotti, collaborated on a new technique to construct a unique “fingerprint” of the noise on a quantum computer as it is seen by a program run on the computer. This approach, they say, shows promise for mitigating the noise problem—as well as suggesting ways that users could actually turn noise to their advantage.
PSD research in self-assembling granular matter to be highlighted at APS 2022
January 25, 2022
Soft matter physics research in granular matter clusters that assemble and diassemble will be present by sixth-year physics student, Melody Lim, and research scientist, Baudouin Saintvyes, both of Jaeger lab, at the APS 2022 Meeting taking place in downtown Chicago, March 14-18.
Doomsday Clock remains at 100 seconds to midnight—closest ever to apocalypse
January 20, 2022
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced on Jan. 20 that the hands of the Doomsday Clock—which resides on campus and was started by members of the Manhattan Project—remain at 100 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been to apocalypse. The Bulletin cited disinformation, global security threats including ‘nuclear saber rattling,’ lack of actionable climate policies, disruptive technology and insufficient worldwide COVID-19 response.
Computer scientists eliminate pesky quantum computations
January 20, 2022
The work of computer scientists Bill Fefferman and Zachary Remscrim is discussed, as theories change regarding how hard it is to make intermediate measurements to quantify the complexity of quantum algorithms.
How to transform vacancies into quantum information
January 12, 2022
Aided by sophisticated computational tools, the MICCoM team led by Prof. Giulia Galli reaped a harvest of pivotal discoveries that should pave the way for new quantum devices, like greatly improved control over the formation of vacancies in silicon carbide used for realizing qubits in quantum devices.
Twelve for dinner: How the Milky Way ‘ate’ smaller star clusters and galaxies
January 11, 2022
Astronomers including Asst. Prof. Alex Ji are one step closer to revealing dark matter enveloping our Milky Way galaxy, thanks to a new map of twelve streams of stars orbiting within our galactic halo. Using doppler calculations, the scientists measured the speeds of stars and their chemical compositions, telling us where they were born.
How the Earth and moon formed, explained
January 4, 2022
In this installment of the UChicago News Explainer series, the question of how the Earth and moon formed is answered—as well as the questions of when, what they looked like, and how we know.
In the News - December 2021
January 3, 2022
This month PSD researchers have been featured for their efforts to find extremely energetic particles from outer space with the PUEO Antarctic balloon mission, teach students how to design, build and calibrate their own devices in the creative machines class, and assemble global experts to discuss internet equity and access.
2021
James Webb Space Telescope to offer humanity an unprecedented look at universe
December 21, 2021
UChicago scientists hope launch of James Webb Space Telescope will help explore previously ‘unanswerable’ questions.
To find energetic particles from space, a new detector will soar over Antarctic ice
December 16, 2021
University of Chicago physicist Abby Vieregg is leading an international experiment that essentially uses the ice in Antarctica as a giant detector to find extremely energetic particles from outer space. Recently approved by NASA, the $20 million project called PUEO will build an instrument to fly above the Antarctic in a balloon, launching in December 2024.
Earthside assistance: Dave Fischer, AB’87, of Astroscale helps declutter space
December 16, 2021
UChicago Magazine catches up with Dave Fischer, AB’87, who works for the Japanese company Astroscale launching solutions to help declutter the 100 million pieces of human-made debris floating in space.