Physics and Astronomy News Archive: February 2005

Image: X-rays have become laser-like
X-rays have become laser-like
Source: Max Planck Society   Posted: 2/23/05
Austrian-German research team demonstrates for the first time a source of coherent kiloelectronvolt X-rays, which promises extraordinary applications.
Image: Devising Nano Vision for an Optical Microscope
Devising Nano Vision for an Optical Microscope
Source: NIST   Posted: 2/11/05
Scientists at NIST suggest that a hybrid version of the optical microscope might be able to image and measure features smaller than 10 nanometers—a tiny fraction of the wavelength of visible light.
Image: New Electronic Technology Advances Fuel Cell Development
New Electronic Technology Advances Fuel Cell Development
Source: DOE   Posted: 2/11/05
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a highly efficient DC to AC converter. Fuel cell development is expected to benefit.
Image: New Measurement Undermines Physicists’ Theories for Nature’s Hidden ‘Particle-Force’ Collaboration
New Measurement Undermines Physicists’ Theories for Nature’s Hidden ‘Particle-Force’ Collaboration
Source: Rochester   Posted: 2/11/05
The findings suggest there is no connection between the top quark and the weak nuclear force.
Image: Even in heaven, stars can only get so big
Even in heaven, stars can only get so big
Source: UMich   Posted: 2/11/05
New research from the University of Michigan shows that there may be an upper limit to the mass of a star, somewhere around 120 to 200 times bigger than our sun.
Image: Experiments Prove Existence of Atomic Chain ‘Anchors’
Experiments Prove Existence of Atomic Chain ‘Anchors’
Source: NIST   Posted: 2/3/05
Atoms at the ends of self-assembled atomic chains act like anchors with lower energy levels than the “links” in the chain, according to new measurements by NIST physicists.