2020 Latest News
QuSys group discover uniquely quantum effect in erasing information
Researchers from QuSys group in the School of Physics have discovered a uniquely quantum effect in erasing information that may have significant implications for the design of quantum computing chips. Their surprising discovery brings back to life the paradoxical “Maxwell’s demon”, which has tormented physicists for over 150 years..........
Prof. Brian Espey recognised with international award
Professor Brian Espey of the School of Physics has been honoured with the Hoag-Robinson award of the International Dark Sky Association. The IDA, based in Tucson, Arizona, makes this one award each year to recognise outstanding work in educating governmental organizations, businesses and the public about the merits of outdoor lighting control ordinances. .........
Bronze AS Award conferred to school of Physics, Trinity College Dublin
School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland recognises advancement of gender equality and maintained the British Athena Swan Bronze award from AdvanceHE (2020 – 2023)..........
Ultra-fast magnetic switching with potential to transform fibre optical communications
Researchers from the Magnetism group, based in the School of Physics and CRANN have discovered that a new material can act as a super-fast magnetic switch. When struck by successive ultra-short laser pulses it exhibits “toggle switching” that could increase the capacity of the global fibre optic cable network by an order of magnitude.........
A quantum thermometer to measure the coldest temperatures in the universe
The QuSys group lead by Professor John Goold have proposed a thermometer based on quantum entanglement that can accurately measure temperatures a billion times colder than those in outer space......
Physics in the pandemic: There are some great experiments that can be done safely and simply at home
With COVID-19 sending universities and schools into a long summer hibernation, how are we to adapt to our confinement? Teaching and research will probably continue to be a solitary, online affair, as it has for most of the pandemic so far, with many of us cooped up in tiny bedrooms.........
Trinity—UK collaboration awarded £1.6 million to unveil the secrets of quantum thermodynamics
The UK-Irish consortium QuamNESS, which comprises researchers from the University of Bristol, Queen’s University Belfast, and The School of Physics, Trinity received the grant from the UK’s Energy and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).........
Spectacular death of white-dwarf star lights up nearby galaxy
For only the second time ever, astrophysicists have spotted a spectacular flash of optical and ultraviolet light accompanying a supernova – an incredibly luminous explosion of a white-dwarf star at the end of its life........
School of Physics researchers make single photon quantum dot emitters
Researchers from the School of Physics have created an innovative new device that will emit single particles of light, or photons, from quantum dots that are the key to practical quantum computers, quantum communications, and other quantum devices.
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Professor Jose Groh’s group investigate a cosmic mystery
A team of astronomers led by Professor Jose Groh’s group from the School of Physics looking for answers to a cosmic mystery having discovered the disappearance of an unstable massive star in a distant galaxy..........
Researchers from the School of Physics and School of Engineering greatly enhancing viability of solar panels
A multi-disciplinary group of researchers from Trinity has secured funding to develop technology which will improve performance and reduce the cost of solar panels in Ireland and across the globe – greatly enhancing the viability of a low carbon energy source that could help mitigate the effects of global climate change........
Leading quantum technology scientist, Professor Ortwin Hess joins the School of Physics
Trinity recently welcomed Professor Ortwin Hess, a global leader in photonic quantum technology research and science, to lead a stellar project that will give rise to more secure quantum communications and quantum simulation, and through quantum sensing may even discover new properties of bio-molecules and novel materials.........
TCD Foams and Complex Systems group feature on the cover of the American Journal of Physics
A photograph of a buckled linear chain of soap bubbles, together with the corresponding computer simulation, features on the cover of the American Journal of Physics, May 2020. The article by members of the TCD Foams and Complex Systems group describes a simple experimental set-up for the exploration of the nonlinear properties of a chain of spheres under compression...........
Astrophysicists among an international group contributing to a new mission that will provide the first images of the uncharted polar regions of the Sun.
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Solar Orbiter spacecraft launched successfully earlier this week to perform close-up observations of the Sun from high-latitudes to better investigate the Sun-Earth connection.........
How supercomputers are helping us link quantum entanglement to cold coffee
Theoretical physicists from the School of Physics have found a deep link between one of the most striking features of quantum mechanics – quantum entanglement – and thermalisation, which is the process in which something comes into thermal equilibrium with its surroundings........
Another Light Pollution Project Win at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
For the second year in a row a light pollution-related project has gained a prize at the BTYST awards. Prof. Brian Espey of the School of Physics provided advice and encouragement for the project which involved a study of the effect of light pollution on the degradation of nitrate molecules, demonstrating a link between light and air pollution in the Irish context.......