The shape of light: Scientists reveal image of an individual photon for 1st time ever” target=”_self” data-before-rewrite-localise=”/physics-mathematics/quantum-physics/the-shape-of-light-scientists-reveal-image-of-an-individual-photon-for-1st-time-ever

Science and Health

Researchers in Birmingham have created the first image of a photon, a lemon-shaped particle of light emitted from the surface of a nanoparticle. The theory that made this image possible, reported Nov. 14 in the journal Physical Review Letters, enables scientists to calculate and understand various properties of these quantum particles — which could open up a range of new possibilities across fields such as quantum computing, photovoltaic devices and artificial photosynthesis.Light’s quantum behavior is well established, with over 100 years of experiments showing it can exist in both wave and particle form. But our fundamental understanding of this quantum nature is much further behind, and we only have a limited grasp of how photons are created and emitted, or of how they change through space and time.”We want to be able to understand these processes to leverage that quantum side,” first author Ben Yuen, a research fellow at the University of Birmingham in the U.K., told Live Science in an email. “How do light and matter really interact at this level?”However, the very nature of light means the answer to this question has almost limitless possibilities. “We can think of a photon being a fundamental excitation of an electromagnetic field,” explained Yuen. These fields are a continuum of different frequencies, each of which could potentially become excited. “You can split up a continuum into smaller parts and between any two points, there’s still an infinite number of possible points you could pick,” Yuen added.The result is that the properties of a photon are heavily dependent on the properties of its environment, leading to some incredibly complex math. “At first glance, we would have to write down and solve an infinite number of equations to reach an answer,” Yuen said.Related: High school students who came up with ‘impossible’ proof of Pythagorean theorem discover 9 more solutions to the problemTo tackle this seemingly impossible task, Yuen and co-author Angela Demetriadou, professor of theoretical nanophotonics at the University of Birmingham, employed a clever math trick to dramatically simplify the equations.Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter nowGet the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Introducing imaginary numbers — multiples of the impossible square root of -1 — is a powerful tool when handling complex equations. Manipulating these imaginary components allows many of the difficult terms in the equation to cancel each other out. Provided all imaginary numbers are converted back to real numbers before reaching the solution, this leaves a much more manageable calculation.”We transformed that continuum of real frequencies into a discrete set of complex frequencies,” explained Yuen. “By doing that, we simplify the equations from a continuum into a discrete set which we can handle. We can put those into a computer and solve them.”The team used these new calculations to model the properties of a photon emitted from the surface of a nanoparticle, describing the interactions with the emitter and how the photon propagated away from the source. From these results, the team generated the first image of a photon, a lemon-shaped particle never seen before in physics.Yuen stressed, however, that this is only the shape of a photon generated under these conditions. “The shape changes completely with the environment,” he said. “This is really the point of nanophotonics, that by shaping the environment, we can really shape the photon itself.”The team’s calculations provide a fundamental insight into the properties of this quantum particle — knowledge that Yuen believes will open up new lines of research for physicists, chemists and biologists alike.”We could think about optoelectronic devices, photochemistry, light harvesting and photovoltaics, understanding photosynthesis, biosensors, and quantum communication,” Yuen said. “And there will be a whole host of unknown applications. By doing this kind of really fundamental theory, you unlock new possibilities in other areas.”

The shape of light: Scientists reveal image of an individual photon for 1st time ever” target=”_self” data-before-rewrite-localise=”/physics-mathematics/quantum-physics/the-shape-of-light-scientists-reveal-image-of-an-individual-photon-for-1st-time-ever

Science and Health

Researchers in Birmingham have created the first image of a photon, a lemon-shaped particle of light emitted from the surface of a nanoparticle. The theory that made this image possible, reported Nov. 14 in the journal Physical Review Letters, enables scientists to calculate and understand various properties of these quantum particles — which could open up a range of new possibilities across fields such as quantum computing, photovoltaic devices and artificial photosynthesis.Light’s quantum behavior is well established, with over 100 years of experiments showing it can exist in both wave and particle form. But our fundamental understanding of this quantum nature is much further behind, and we only have a limited grasp of how photons are created and emitted, or of how they change through space and time.”We want to be able to understand these processes to leverage that quantum side,” first author Ben Yuen, a research fellow at the University of Birmingham in the U.K., told Live Science in an email. “How do light and matter really interact at this level?”However, the very nature of light means the answer to this question has almost limitless possibilities. “We can think of a photon being a fundamental excitation of an electromagnetic field,” explained Yuen. These fields are a continuum of different frequencies, each of which could potentially become excited. “You can split up a continuum into smaller parts and between any two points, there’s still an infinite number of possible points you could pick,” Yuen added.The result is that the properties of a photon are heavily dependent on the properties of its environment, leading to some incredibly complex math. “At first glance, we would have to write down and solve an infinite number of equations to reach an answer,” Yuen said.Related: High school students who came up with ‘impossible’ proof of Pythagorean theorem discover 9 more solutions to the problemTo tackle this seemingly impossible task, Yuen and co-author Angela Demetriadou, professor of theoretical nanophotonics at the University of Birmingham, employed a clever math trick to dramatically simplify the equations.Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter nowGet the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Introducing imaginary numbers — multiples of the impossible square root of -1 — is a powerful tool when handling complex equations. Manipulating these imaginary components allows many of the difficult terms in the equation to cancel each other out. Provided all imaginary numbers are converted back to real numbers before reaching the solution, this leaves a much more manageable calculation.”We transformed that continuum of real frequencies into a discrete set of complex frequencies,” explained Yuen. “By doing that, we simplify the equations from a continuum into a discrete set which we can handle. We can put those into a computer and solve them.”The team used these new calculations to model the properties of a photon emitted from the surface of a nanoparticle, describing the interactions with the emitter and how the photon propagated away from the source. From these results, the team generated the first image of a photon, a lemon-shaped particle never seen before in physics.Yuen stressed, however, that this is only the shape of a photon generated under these conditions. “The shape changes completely with the environment,” he said. “This is really the point of nanophotonics, that by shaping the environment, we can really shape the photon itself.”The team’s calculations provide a fundamental insight into the properties of this quantum particle — knowledge that Yuen believes will open up new lines of research for physicists, chemists and biologists alike.”We could think about optoelectronic devices, photochemistry, light harvesting and photovoltaics, understanding photosynthesis, biosensors, and quantum communication,” Yuen said. “And there will be a whole host of unknown applications. By doing this kind of really fundamental theory, you unlock new possibilities in other areas.”

‘Space science is relevant to life on Earth,’ says Belfast astronaut Rosemary Coogan

Science and Health

The European Space Agency astronaut from Belfast has just started a new phase in her training, when she will spend six months at Nasa centres in the US.The training will prepare her for space walks and include learning about the parts of the International Space Station (ISS) and how to repair it.Ms Coogan has not yet been assigned a mission, but the aim is for her to visit the ISS by 2030.One of the things she is looking forward to is taking part in the science that happens on board the station.“An astronaut will, on average, get involved with hundreds of different experiments,” she said. “One of the areas I’m interested in is the human science, or the biological sciences side of things.“Having an astronaut going into space, of course we’re the hands and eyes in space, but also we have our bodies in microgravity, and that’s a great test bed for looking into lots of medical research.”Ms Coogan said one of the things to look at is how microgravity affects bone and muscle loss in space, something that is important to understand because of the ageing population on Earth.“There’s a lot of medical research as well, which I find really interesting. It has this kind of basis in physics,” she said.“Exploration and inspiration” is a huge part of what space travel is about, she added, saying that as well as seeing “where technology can take us”, experiments in space can help tackle issues on Earth.“Technology can take us off the Earth, to explore our surroundings, to put us in this bigger picture of where we came from, but I think we look at the International Space Station that really is a laboratory, it’s science,” she said. “And that science is not obscure.“It’s things that people on Earth want to know about, and the fact you can do it in space is giving those answers. It’s directly relevant to our day-to-day lives, and I think that is sometimes lost.”

‘Space science is relevant to life on Earth,’ says Belfast astronaut Rosemary Coogan

Science and Health

The European Space Agency astronaut from Belfast has just started a new phase in her training, when she will spend six months at Nasa centres in the US.The training will prepare her for space walks and include learning about the parts of the International Space Station (ISS) and how to repair it.Ms Coogan has not yet been assigned a mission, but the aim is for her to visit the ISS by 2030.One of the things she is looking forward to is taking part in the science that happens on board the station.“An astronaut will, on average, get involved with hundreds of different experiments,” she said. “One of the areas I’m interested in is the human science, or the biological sciences side of things.“Having an astronaut going into space, of course we’re the hands and eyes in space, but also we have our bodies in microgravity, and that’s a great test bed for looking into lots of medical research.”Ms Coogan said one of the things to look at is how microgravity affects bone and muscle loss in space, something that is important to understand because of the ageing population on Earth.“There’s a lot of medical research as well, which I find really interesting. It has this kind of basis in physics,” she said.“Exploration and inspiration” is a huge part of what space travel is about, she added, saying that as well as seeing “where technology can take us”, experiments in space can help tackle issues on Earth.“Technology can take us off the Earth, to explore our surroundings, to put us in this bigger picture of where we came from, but I think we look at the International Space Station that really is a laboratory, it’s science,” she said. “And that science is not obscure.“It’s things that people on Earth want to know about, and the fact you can do it in space is giving those answers. It’s directly relevant to our day-to-day lives, and I think that is sometimes lost.”

Sadia steps into gamer marketing with ‘science of snacking’ campaign

Science and Health

Power League Gaming (PLG), a full-service gaming and esports agency, has partnered with Sadia and Impact BBDO to introduce Sadia’s ‘Broasted’ product line as the perfect snack for gamers, targeting young players across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the rest of GCC.Launching with an engaging digital commercial, the campaign delves into the ‘science of snacking’, highlighting how Sadia Broasted’s attributes aid gaming performance.This marks Sadia’s first foray into gaming as a core marketing pillar, aligning the brand with a community that values energy, convenience and authentic connections. With its crunchy coating, 100 per cent chicken breast, no artificial colours or flavours and airTo continue reading this article you need to be registered with Campaign. Registration is free and only takes a minute. Register Now or sign in below if you already have an account.

Sadia steps into gamer marketing with ‘science of snacking’ campaign

Science and Health

Power League Gaming (PLG), a full-service gaming and esports agency, has partnered with Sadia and Impact BBDO to introduce Sadia’s ‘Broasted’ product line as the perfect snack for gamers, targeting young players across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the rest of GCC.Launching with an engaging digital commercial, the campaign delves into the ‘science of snacking’, highlighting how Sadia Broasted’s attributes aid gaming performance.This marks Sadia’s first foray into gaming as a core marketing pillar, aligning the brand with a community that values energy, convenience and authentic connections. With its crunchy coating, 100 per cent chicken breast, no artificial colours or flavours and airTo continue reading this article you need to be registered with Campaign. Registration is free and only takes a minute. Register Now or sign in below if you already have an account.

Travel expert’s ‘best hack’ to get £12.95 breakfast buffet at Stansted Airport

Travel

Getting to the airport with enough time to grab some breakfast, and even a celebratory drink, is often a must for many travellers. But as everyone knows, airport prices can be extortionate.Still, many of us see this as the official start of our holidays, and a ritual that needs doing. But one woman has discovered a place at London’s Stansted Airport where you can get a breakfast buffet for just £12.95 before you jet off. According to Jack’s Flight Club, the average price of a full English at Stansted Airport is £14.08 – so not only is this cheaper but you’ll get loads more for your money.Explaining how, Em, who documents her budget travel adventures on TikTok, said she had found the “best hack” for those arriving at the airport in the morning. Instead of heading straight into the terminal to get your breakfast in “one of the overpriced places past security”, Em said to walk out of departures, and turn right.Then you want to “follow the signs around to building to the Hampton [by Hilton] Hotel,” which is only a five minute walk from the terminal building, according to the online content creator. Em continued: “When you get there, you can pay for entry into the buffet. It cost £12.95 per person, which is about the same price as a standard full English breakfast at Wetherspoons.”But you get unlimited food and drinks. There’s loads of choice. They have the usual hot food, cold meat and cheeses, bread, cereal, and a waffle maker with toppings.”Em explained that the breakfast buffet is open from 4am to 10am on weekdays, or 4am to 11am on weekends. “When you’re done make sure you grab a hot drink to go for your five minute walk back to the terminal to check in,” Em recommended.The budget travel expert added that it’s “such good value for money”, and she would be doing it before all her morning flights, as it’s the “perfect start to your holiday”.Fellow travel lovers couldn’t wait to try out the hack themselves, with one person saying: “This is actually the best tip ever!! thank you.” Another wrote: “Am going next week to stansted. Thank you for sharing this. Will be paying a visit we have a 8am flight.” And a third added: “This is a great hack actually.”According to the Hampton by Hilton website, a free breakfast is included if you are staying at the hotel, which costs from £103 per night. Otherwise, it costs £12.95 per person.The hotel is located 200 metres from Stansted Airport’s main terminal, and is within easy walking distance of the bus and train station.

Foreign Office travel advice for Canary Islands including Tenerife, Lanzarote and La Palma

Travel

Those jetting off to the Canary Islands for some long awaited winter sun are advised to check the UK Foreign Office travel advice before you pack your suitcase.British tourists are urged to stay informed through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website, which provides the latest “safety and security” guidance as the Christmas season fast approaches.It is warning that there is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals.The FCDO constantly reviews the threat of international terrorism and where they can offer information and advice about the likelihood of an attack taking place.This includes potential targets, details of groups or individuals that are posing the threat and steps being taken to counter the threat.The FCDO may also provide details of previous terrorist activity.Canary Islands travel advice The FCDO has removed information about severe weather and flooding in their update after an amber weather warning for rain was issued for the island of La Palma last week.At the time, further yellow warnings for rain were issued for El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. No warnings were issued for Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.Those travelling to the Canary Islands are advised to research you destination before arriving and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities.If this happens whilst you are abroad, Brits are advised to gollow the advice of police and local authorities.While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.The Foreign Office advises people to be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves, who often work in teams, may use distraction techniques.Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you are concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.Do not carry all your valuables in one place and take care of your passports, money and personal belongings.The Foreign Office highlighted that highway pirates target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. They may flag visitors down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs.Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification. Genuine police officers will ask to see ID but will not ask for wallets or purses. All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID.Those travelling to Spain or the Canary Islands through Gibraltar or France are advised to check the travel advice for the relevant countries before setting off.