Tag

Measurement

All articles tagged with #measurement

Quantum Time Reversal Realized: Measuring to Reverse Time's Arrow and Harvest Energy
science7 days ago

Quantum Time Reversal Realized: Measuring to Reverse Time's Arrow and Harvest Energy

Researchers have developed quantum-control protocols that, by integrating quantum measurements with feedback, can suppress or reverse the arrow of time in quantum systems. By designing a control Hamiltonian that mirrors measurement effects, they create time-reversed or distorted trajectories and even a measurement-based engine that extracts energy from the act of observation. The work—published in Physical Review X—aims to improve quantum state control and could enable new methods for powering quantum computers and batteries, with planned experimental tests using superconducting qubits.

Quantum Control Reverses the Arrow of Time in the Lab
science18 days ago

Quantum Control Reverses the Arrow of Time in the Lab

Researchers developed measurement-based quantum control that, by combining measurements, feedback, and tailored control fields, can stretch or reverse the apparent arrow of time in quantum systems, creating time-reversed trajectories and a measurement-powered engine that can extract energy from monitoring; the work, published in Physical Review X, points to new methods for quantum state preparation and energy management with platforms like superconducting qubits.

Cutting a Photon Unveils a Cloud of Zero-to-Infinity States
physics24 days ago

Cutting a Photon Unveils a Cloud of Zero-to-Infinity States

Physicists simulated slicing a single photon with a shutter and found that the global quantum state becomes a complex mixture spanning zero to infinitely many photons. Locally, measurements on one side can reveal a single-photon state while the other side appears as vacuum, illustrating a paradoxical, nonlocal distribution and raising questions about the nature of particles and causality. The work, reported in Physical Review Letters, could lead to a clearer way to describe particle interactions and extend to other quantum particles like electrons; in realistic setups the infinite case requires an idealized infinitely fast shutter.

When Schrödinger Met the Box: Reassessing Quantum Reality
science1 month ago

When Schrödinger Met the Box: Reassessing Quantum Reality

The piece revisits Schrödinger’s 1935 cat-in-a-box thought experiment, used to critique interpretations of quantum mechanics by suggesting a system could be in a live-and-dead superposition until observed. It notes Schrödinger’s letter to Einstein and the ongoing debate over whether reality collapses to a definite state at measurement, highlighting the origin and stakes of the quantum measurement problem.

Microplastics in the Body: Uncertain Risks Prompt Calls for Precaution
science2 months ago

Microplastics in the Body: Uncertain Risks Prompt Calls for Precaution

Despite mounting evidence that microplastics accumulate in human tissues (including the brain), scientists say the health impacts are not yet clear. Studies face measurement challenges and conflicting results, fueling a debate between taking precautionary action to reduce exposure and waiting for a stronger evidence base. U.S. agencies are moving toward research and potential regulation (eg, EPA’s drinking water plan and HHS’s STOMP initiative), while experts caution against premature policy moves and stress improving methods to better understand risks.

Why I Prefer My OXO Kitchen Scale
food-and-cooking8 months ago

Why I Prefer My OXO Kitchen Scale

Brandt Ranj shares his love for the OXO 11 lb Stainless Steel Food Scale, highlighting its adjustable pull-out display, durability, and usefulness for precise baking measurements, especially for recipes requiring exact ingredient ratios. He appreciates its long-term reliability and ease of use, though suggests improvements like a rechargeable, replaceable battery for even better functionality.

Understanding the Coastline Paradox: Why Measuring Coastlines is Tricky
science1 year ago

Understanding the Coastline Paradox: Why Measuring Coastlines is Tricky

The coastline paradox highlights the difficulty in measuring coastlines due to their complex, fractal-like nature, where the length varies depending on the measurement scale used. This paradox arises because coastlines are not straight lines but intricate shapes with many features, leading to different measurements by different organizations. The issue has significant implications for international laws and resource rights, as coastal baselines are used to determine maritime boundaries. The paradox underscores the challenge of defining coastlines accurately, as they are constantly changing due to natural factors like erosion and sea level rise.

"Rethinking Childhood Obesity Measurement: The Waist-to-Height Ratio Advantage"
health2 years ago

"Rethinking Childhood Obesity Measurement: The Waist-to-Height Ratio Advantage"

A study suggests that measuring obesity using the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI) may not be as accurate as using the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), especially for children. The research, part of the Children of the 90s study, found that WHtR is a more effective measure of body fat. This new method could provide a more accurate assessment of obesity, as demonstrated by BBC West health correspondent Matthew Hill.

"Measuring the Distance to Stars: A Cosmic Perspective"
astronomy2 years ago

"Measuring the Distance to Stars: A Cosmic Perspective"

The distance to stars has been a long-standing mystery, with early attempts by scientists like Robert Hooke, Christiaan Huygens, and Isaac Newton yielding varying results. Hooke attempted to measure stellar parallax, but his method was flawed. Huygens used a method involving the Sun's brightness, while Newton used a planet as an intermediary. However, it wasn't until the 1830s that astronomers successfully measured stellar parallax, leading to the modern understanding of stellar distances.

The Inaccuracy of High Blood Pressure Measurements: Unveiling the Reasons
health2 years ago

The Inaccuracy of High Blood Pressure Measurements: Unveiling the Reasons

Blood pressure readings can vary widely depending on who is taking the measurements, where and when they are being taken, and what type of medical device is being used. Inaccurate readings can have life-threatening consequences for patients managing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. Experts recommend following specific guidelines to ensure accurate measurements, such as avoiding smoking, caffeine, and exercise prior to measurement, using a calibrated cuff on a bare arm, and sitting in an upright position with back support. Consistency in monitoring blood pressure changes is also important, and multiple measurements should be taken to calculate an average.

Enhancing the CH32V003 MCU with Temperature Sensor Capability
technology2 years ago

Enhancing the CH32V003 MCU with Temperature Sensor Capability

A low-cost CH32V003 MCU, lacking temperature measurement functionality, can be improvised to include a temperature sensor by measuring the drift between two internal clocks and using it to calibrate a temperature graph. By utilizing the automatic wake-up unit (AWU) and accessing the LSI clock source indirectly, a temperature plot was obtained, although the absolute accuracy of this method may vary per MCU. This crude temperature measurement solution could be sufficient for basic applications.

Hurricane Otis: Devastation, Disease, and Desperation
weather2 years ago

Hurricane Otis: Devastation, Disease, and Desperation

Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall in Acapulco, Mexico, with sustained winds of 165 mph. A wind gust of 205 mph was recorded at the port authority, potentially making it one of the top 15 strongest wind gusts ever recorded globally. The measurement was taken by a sonic anemometer on a tower, although the tower was lower than the standard height for wind measurement. Extreme wind gust measurements are challenging due to equipment destruction and the presence of intense precipitation and debris.