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New Form of Matter Melds Lasers, Superconductors

Posted by kdawson on from the polariton-superfluid dept.

sterlingda writes "Physicists at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated a new form of matter that melds the characteristics of lasers and superconductors. The work introduces a new method of moving energy from one point to another as well as a low-energy means of producing a light beam like that from a laser. The new state is a solid filled with a collection of energy particles known as 'polaritons' that have been trapped and slowed using a technique similar to that used to produce a Bose-Einstein condensate. The work is published in the May 18 issue of Science (subscription required to read beyond the abstract)."

6 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. Woohoo... by d3m0nCr4t · · Score: 5, Funny

    Again one step closer to that lightsaber. :)

    1. Re:Woohoo... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      and one giant leap away from having a girlfriend. :)

  2. Bozos will blow up this planet one day by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Not trying to troll, but I really fear that all such experiments should be delayed until after humanity moved over to other planets so that any black hole accidents resulting from desire to get a Nobel Prize or just extra funding won't kill us all but only those involved in them.

    1. Re:Bozos will blow up this planet one day by sentientbeing · · Score: 4, Funny

      Fucking Luddite. Out of my way. If they ever start selling mini black holes on ThinkGeek im first in line.

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      beware he who would deny you access to information, for in his mind he dreams himself your master
  3. Why not go all the way? by Krishnoid · · Score: 1, Funny

    I for one, am pleased to welcome our frickin' superconducting laser shark overlords.

  4. /.ed Mastercard Commercial by Caffeinate · · Score: 5, Funny

    Fermions spin? Half integer. Bosons spin? Full integer. Arguing about quantum physics on /.? Priceless.

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    Godless heathen.