Neutrons Illuminate the Magnetic Dance of Chiral Phonons
Neutron scattering experiments have captured the elusive chiral phonon modes in a magnetic crystal, revealing how atomic vibrations twist in concert with magnetic order. The study provides the first direct visualization of these handed lattice excitations, confirming long‑standing theoretical models. By mapping the momentum‑resolved spectra, researchers identified distinct energy branches that carry angular momentum. This breakthrough expands the toolkit for probing spin‑lattice coupling in quantum materials.
How to Make a Star-Shaped Droplet
Researchers have shown that an oil droplet suspended in water can reversibly change shape from a regular hexagon to a six‑pointed star when temperature crosses a narrow threshold. The transition is driven by temperature‑dependent anisotropy in interfacial tension, allowing precise...