Computer Engineering News, Latest Updates and Recent Announcements on Techminis

A naukri.com initiative

New

Home

Computer Engineering

Brighter Side of News

Image Credit: Brighter Side of News

Researchers shed new light on the link between quantum theory and thermodynamics

The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy never spontaneously decreases, leading to a long-running debate since the 19th century about Maxwell’s Demon.
Now, researchers at Nagoya University and the Slovak Academy of Sciences suggest that it is possible to design quantum processes to comply with thermodynamics.
Their groundbreaking study, published in npj Quantum Information, opens new possibilities for quantum computing, nanoscale engines and fundamental physics.
Previous work suggested that the cost of measurement and memory erasure always restores thermodynamic balance.
The new study takes a broader approach by deriving general balance equations that apply to any measurement and feedback process, including non-ideal ones.
Under certain conditions from their mathematical model, the extracted work exceeded the work expended, even when accounting for all costs.
Despite the theoretical vulnerabilities, it is possible to design any quantum process so that it complies with the second law.
Quantum mechanics and the second law of thermodynamics are logically independent, but processes can always be designed to uphold these constraints.
This research provides a foundation for new quantum technologies such as quantum computing and more efficient energy conversion at the nanoscale.
The delicate balance between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics will shape the future of fundamental physics and technological innovation.

Read Full Article

1 Like

Physicsworld

446

Image Credit: Physicsworld

Thousands of nuclear spins are entangled to create a quantum-dot qubit

Physicists have unveiled a new type of quantum bit (qubit) that stores information in a quantum dot using an ensemble of nuclear spin states.
The quantum dot qubit could be used to store and relay information in a quantum communication network.
The team successfully stabilized 13,000 nuclear spin states in a collective, entangled 'dark state' using a quantum feedback algorithm.
The research could potentially lead to longer coherence times in quantum communication networks and new insights into quantum many-body systems.

Read Full Article

26 Likes

Physicsworld

113

Image Credit: Physicsworld

Say hi to Quinnie – the official mascot of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

Quinnie is the official mascot for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) 2025.
Quinnie was unveiled at the launch of the IYQ and was developed in collaboration between Jorge Cham, the creator of PHD Comics, and Physics Magazine.
Quinnie represents a young generation approaching quantum science with passion and energy.
Quinnie will appear in a series of animated cartoons released by the American Physical Society (APS) throughout the year.

Read Full Article

6 Likes

Physicsworld

205

Image Credit: Physicsworld

New class of quasiparticle appears in bilayer graphene

Physicists at Brown University have identified a new class of quasiparticles called fractional excitons in bilayer graphene.
Fractional excitons exist in a two-dimensional system and possess properties in between fermions and bosons.
Unlike typical anyons, fractional excitons are neutral particles with distinct quantum characteristics.
These newly-discovered quasiparticles could have applications in quantum computing and sensing, and may redefine condensed-matter physics.

Read Full Article

12 Likes

Physicsworld

141

Image Credit: Physicsworld

European Space Agency’s Euclid mission spots spectacular Einstein ring

The European Space Agency's Euclid mission has captured a spectacular image of an Einstein ring, formed by gravitational lensing.
Euclid, launched in July 2023, is equipped with a 1.2 m-diameter telescope, a camera, and a spectrometer to map the distribution of galaxies.
The Einstein ring observed by Euclid is the result of the mass of galaxy NGC 6505 bending and magnifying light from a distant galaxy.
Studying such rings can provide insights into the expansion of the universe and the nature of dark matter.

Read Full Article

8 Likes

Popsci

246

Image Credit: Popsci

Extremely rare ‘Einstein ring’ discovered close to Earth

The Euclid space telescope has discovered an extremely rare Einstein ring, formed when two galaxies are almost perfectly aligned, with one behind the other from a fixed perspective.
The ring is one of the best examples we have of gravitational lensing phenomenon that Albert Einstein predicted in 1915.
Close-up view of the centre of galaxy NGC 6505, with the bright Einstein ring around its nucleus, was captured by ESA’s Euclid space telescope.
The Einstein ring is formed by gravitational lensing with mass of galaxy bending and magnifying the light from a more distant galaxy into a ring.
Studying the gravitational effects of Einstein rings can help scientists learn more about the expansion of the universe, detect the effects of invisible dark matter and dark energy, and probe background sources of light that are bent by dark matter.
Euclid began its detailed survey of the sky on February 14, 2024 and is gradually creating an extensive 3D map of the universe.
The space telescope is expected to map more than one third of the sky, observing billions of galaxies out to 10 billion light-years.
The ring spotted by Euclid is located in the galaxy NGC 6505 at 590 million light-years away, and is made up of light from a galaxy that is further out and more luminous.
Less than 1,000 strong lenses were previously known to astronomers and even fewer have been imaged at high resolution.
Euclid is expected to find 100,000 strong lenses.

Read Full Article

14 Likes

Nytimes

182

Image Credit: Nytimes

A Sweeping Ban on D.E.I. Language Roils the Sciences

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, or NASEM, closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion and paused projects on diversity, equity and inclusion (D.E.I.).
The impact of President Trump's executive order on D.E.I. is altering scientific exploration and research agendas in federal agencies and institutions.
NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy have made changes to their programs and initiatives related to inclusivity and diversity.
D.E.I. programs were initiated to address historical underrepresentation of minorities in science, where women, Black individuals, and Indigenous individuals are still underrepresented.

Read Full Article

10 Likes

Scientificworldinfo

Image Credit: Scientificworldinfo

Infrasonic, Subsonic, Supersonic, Hypersonic and Ultrasonic Waves: Explained

In acoustics and aerodynamics, terms such as infrasonic, subsonic, supersonic, hypersonic, and ultrasonic are used to describe different regimes of wave motion.
Infrasonic waves are sound waves with frequencies below the range of human hearing, typically defined as waves with frequencies less than 20 Hz.
Subsonic waves refer to sound waves traveling at speeds below the speed of sound in a given medium.
Supersonic waves refer to sound waves or disturbances traveling faster than the speed of sound in a given medium.
Hypersonic waves refer to disturbances traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5.
Ultrasonic waves are sound waves with frequencies above 20 kHz, which is beyond the hearing range of humans.
Infrasonic and ultrasonic waves describe sounds outside the human hearing range, with unique applications in environmental monitoring and medical imaging, respectively.
Subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flows relate to how objects move through a medium like air, each presenting increasing levels of complexity in terms of shock waves, aerodynamic heating, and material demands.
Understanding these distinctions is critical for developing safe and efficient technologies, whether it's designing a commercial jet, a stealth fighter, or a spacecraft re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.
Applications of these waves and flows range from medical imaging, detecting material fatigue and vibrations, to using sound waves for navigation and communication to cut intercontinental travel to under an hour.

Read Full Article

1 Like

Scientificworldinfo

369

Image Credit: Scientificworldinfo

What is the Difference Between Supersonic and Hypersonic Flow?

This article provides an in-depth comparison between supersonic and hypersonic flow, that discusses shock waves, aerodynamic heating, viscous effects, chemical non-equilibrium, and the implications for aircraft design and propulsion.
Supersonic flow is defined as flow in which the free-stream Mach number, MMM, exceeds 1. In comparison, hypersonic flow is generally defined as flow with a Mach number greater than 5, as speeds continue to increase and surpass approximately Mach 5.
Supersonic aircraft typically have thin, highly swept wings to minimize drag and control shock wave interactions. For example, military fighters and the Concorde operate in this regime, usually between Mach 1 and about Mach 3–5. On the other hand, hypersonic vehicles require advanced high-temperature materials, including ceramics, refractory alloys, or specialized composite materials.
Hypersonic vehicles often rely on scramjet engines (supersonic combustion ramjets) that can operate in extremely high-speed regimes while supersonic aircraft typically use turbojets or low-bypass turbofans with afterburners
Although supersonic and hypersonic flows occur at speeds exceeding the speed of sound, they differ in several critical ways: Speed Thresholds, Shock Wave Characteristics, Aerodynamic Heating, Chemical Nonequilibrium, Material and Structural Demands, Propulsion Requirements, and Aerodynamic Control.
In supersonic flow, shock waves are prominent and dictate aerodynamic performance. In hypersonic flow, shocks are much stronger and closer to the body, resulting in thinner shock layers.
Propulsion systems for hypersonic flight (e.g., scramjets) are fundamentally different from those used in supersonic aircraft (e.g., turbojets with afterburners) due to the distinct flow characteristics and thermal loads.
Control surfaces and overall vehicle stability become more complex as speed increases, while the thermal loads in hypersonic flight are orders of magnitude higher than that of supersonic flight.
Despite the differences, the understanding of both these flows is fundamental from a scientific standpoint and crucial for military defense systems, space re-entry vehicles, and commercial high-speed travel.
As researchers continue to push the envelope of high-speed flight, the differences between these regimes drive the development of new materials, propulsion systems, and design strategies.

Read Full Article

22 Likes

Scientificworldinfo

114

Image Credit: Scientificworldinfo

What are the Fundamentals of Hypersonic Flow?

Hypersonic flow refers to the aerodynamics encountered at speeds typically exceeding Mach 5. Shock waves, aerodynamic heating, viscous interactions, real gas effects, and non-equilibrium processes are the basic characteristics that distinguish hypersonic flow from subsonic and supersonic regimes.
In hypersonic flows, the air around the object undergoes rapid compression, leading to the formation of strong shock waves. This nonequilibrium state requires advanced modeling techniques to accurately predict flow behavior and interactions.
Aerodynamic heating, and non-equilibrium processes are other critical factors that make hypersonic flow theory a complex and critical field for aerospace engineering.
In hypersonic flow, boundary layer behavior on the object's surface is highly important. The boundary layer can transition from laminar to turbulent flow rapidly, greatly increasing heat transfer to the surface.
Materials must be able to withstand extreme temperatures, thermal stresses, and even ablation, where the material erodes away to carry heat with it—a common method used in heat shields for re-entry vehicles.
One of the most critical challenges in hypersonic flight is aerodynamic heating. As the shock waves form, the kinetic energy of the high-speed air is largely converted into internal energy, raising the temperature of the gas dramatically.
Real gas effects and chemical nonequilibrium also play a significant role in hypersonic flow. At the extreme conditions of hypersonic flow, the gas behaves as a real gas rather than an ideal one.
Two of the most critical non-dimensional parameters in hypersonic flow are the Mach number and the Reynolds number. The Mach number characterizes compressibility effects and shock strength, while the Reynolds number helps predict the extent of viscous effects and the development of the boundary layer.
Aerospace Vehicles can benefit from Hypersonic Flow research. The most prominent applications of hypersonic flow research are in the design of re-entry vehicles, hypersonic missiles and glide vehicles, and high-speed passenger aircraft.
Ongoing research in Hypersonic Flow focuses on non-equilibrium chemical kinetics, advanced materials, and Integrated Multiphysics Simulations to design the next generation of hypersonic vehicles.

Read Full Article

6 Likes

Guardian

Image Credit: Guardian

We need to keep an open mind on cold fusion potential | Letters

The letters pages of the Guardian have featured conflicting accounts of cold fusion, or low-energy nuclear reactions (LENR).
While some argue that cold fusion's time has come, with the potential to end reliance on fossil fuels, others dismiss it as a pseudo-scientific fringe theory.
MIT-based researchers in an LENR research program funded by the US Department of Energy's Arpa-E call for rigorous scientific investigation and replication of promising experiments.
They highlight the need for constructive engagement, open-mindedness, and investments in this promising field of research.

Read Full Article

5 Likes

Popsci

Image Credit: Popsci

This AI chip is the size of a grain of salt

Researchers at China’s University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) have developed a microscopic AI chip that uses light physics to analyze data.
The artificial intelligence chip is only the size of a grain of salt and operates on a fraction of the energy required by current equipment.
The chip is based on an all-optical diffractive deep neural network that uses patterned, 3D-printed layers of passive components to perform complex computations using photons of light.
While the technology is not yet perfected, the researchers believe it has the potential to provide unprecedented functionalities in various fields.

Read Full Article

4 Likes

Physicsworld

210

Image Credit: Physicsworld

Quantum simulators deliver surprising insights into magnetic phase transitions

Unexpected behaviour at phase transitions between classical and quantum magnetism has been observed in different quantum simulators operated by two independent groups.
One investigation was led by researchers at Harvard University and used Rydberg atom as quantum bits (qubits).
The other study was led by scientists at Google Research and involved superconducting qubits.
Both projects revealed unexpected deviations from the canonical mechanisms of magnetic freezing, with unexpected oscillations near the phase transition.
In their work, Lukin and colleagues utilized a highly reconfigurable platform using Rydberg atom qubits.
The Google-led study used a new approach to quantum simulation with superconducting qubits.
Both groups are now seeking to push their research deeper into the exploration of complex many-body quantum physics.
The research is described in side-by-side papers in Nature.

Read Full Article

12 Likes

Sciencenewsforstudents

164

Image Credit: Sciencenewsforstudents

Eyelashes help fling water from our eyes

Eyelashes have the ability to fling water away from the eyes, helping to keep vision clear.
The structure of eyelashes, with scales that overlap like shingles, acts like a 'micro-ratchet', allowing water to flow easily from root to tip but not the other way round.
Eyelashes are hydrophobic, causing water to bead up on them and roll off.
The newfound effect of eyelashes flicking water could help keep vision clear in various situations such as being in the rain, bathing, sweating, or crying.

Read Full Article

9 Likes

Hobbieroth

278

Image Credit: Hobbieroth

The Air They Breathe

The Air They Breathe by Debra Hendrickson highlights how climate change is harming her young patients today
Burning fossil fuels and forest fires caused by climate change can cause bad air that worsens the breathing problems of children, especially those with asthma
Extreme heat can cause heatstroke in children such as infant left in hot cars and high school football players who practice in the extreme heat
Trauma and post traumatic stress disorder can occur in children who experience disasters caused by climate change
Infectious diseases like malaria caused by an increase in mosquitoes are becoming more common with global warming
Natural disasters such as 100-year floods and Category 4 hurricanes are growing more severe and frequent with each passing year
The Air They Breathe clearly portrays that healthcare and climate change are intertwined and not separate issues
This is not merely a problem that we will face in the coming decades, it's happening now, and this book is a call to action
It motivates the readers to make more efforts to address global warming as ‘The only heroes our children have are us’

Read Full Article

16 Likes

For uninterrupted reading, download the app

Computer Engineering

Discover more