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An illustration of a density wave. Credit: Harald Ritsch. Copyright: Innsbruck University and EPFL.

Quantum matter breakthrough: Tuning density waves

— Scientists at EPFL have found a new way to create a crystalline structure called a "density wave" in an atomic gas. The findings can help us better understand the behavior of quantum matter, one of the most complex problems in physics.

EPFL engineers have found a way to control the interactions between excitons. 2023 EPFL/ A.Herzog - CC-BY-SA 4.0

EPFL discovery brings us closer to next-generation electronics

— EPFL engineers have found a way to control the interactions between excitons – quasiparticles that may one day transport data and replace the electrons in electronic devices. The engineers’ method involves applying an electric field to a two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting material.

Zinc phosphide has garnered interest as a semiconductor for solar cells due in part to the global abundance of zinc (pictured) and phosphorous © iStock/baggi1998

Insights into efficient solar cells from earth-abundant elements

— The School of Engineering’s Laboratory of Semiconductor Materials (LMSC), led by Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, has recently published an article on the potential of zinc phosphide, a semiconductor made of earth-abundant elements, for solar cell production.

© 2023 EPFL Stephanie Parker, QSE Center

EPFL QSE Center co-organized first Swiss Quantum Days event

— From February 1-3, 2023, the inaugural Swiss Quantum Days took place in Villars-sur-Ollon. Co-organized by the four Swiss quantum centers – the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE) at EPFL, the Geneva Quantum Centre at the University of Geneva, the Quantum Center at ETH Zurich and the Basel Quantum Center – this event brought together the broad quantum community within Switzerland.

Nicolas Grandjean teaches a physics class © 2022 EPFL, Alain Herzog, CC BY-SA 4.0.

“My classes are constantly evolving”

— Nicolas Grandjean, who won the PolySphère award for best teacher in EPFL’s School of Basic Sciences as well as the PolySphère d’Or for best teacher overall, has a unique approach to teaching physics.

© Alain Herzog

Integrated photonic circuits could help close the 'terahertz gap'

— EPFL researchers have collaborated with those at Harvard and ETH Zurich on a new thin-film circuit that, when connected to a laser beam, produces finely tailorable terahertz-frequency waves. The device opens up a world of potential applications in optics and telecommunications.

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