This article is a survey of the history and ideas of gauge theory. It discusses the emergence of symmetry, Noether’s theorem, the gauge principle, and the role of gauge fields in mediating interactions. It also examines the electromagnetic field and generalizations to non-Abelian gauge theories, concluding with a look at the dream of total unification.
For decades, mathematicians have struggled to understand matrices that reflect both order and randomness, like those that model semiconductors.
A new method could change that.
Recent research has made a significant mathematical advance in understanding Anderson localization, the phenomenon where disorder in a material (like impurities in silicon) can stop electron flow. Researchers proved that, for a simplified model called band matrices, electrons do become trapped ("localized") with enough disorder. This breakthrough, achieved by Yan Yau and Jun Yin’s team, uses a new mathematical technique and brings us closer to fully understanding Anderson’s original model and designing materials with specific electronic properties. It’s a key step in understanding systems between order and randomness.
This blog post details the implementation of a 'Particle Life' simulation using WebGPU. It covers the model's mechanics, the rationale for using WebGPU, the simulation loop, force computation techniques (including parallel prefix sum), rendering details, and provides a link to an interactive demo.
Recent findings using AI reveal that Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, is rotating at near-maximum velocity with its rotation axis pointed directly toward Earth. This discovery, made possible by advanced neural networks and Bayesian statistical approaches, challenges established black hole theories and offers new insights into galactic formation.
This article explores gamma spectroscopy using a Radiacode 103G detector and Python, detailing data collection, analysis, and experiments with various objects to identify radioactive elements.
The Langlands programme has inspired and befuddled mathematicians for more than 50 years. A major advance has now opened up new worlds for them to explore.
The article details the recent proof of the geometric Langlands conjecture, a significant advancement in mathematics that validates a decades-old program aiming for a "grand unified theory" of the field. Led by Dennis Gaitsgory and Sam Raskin, the proof—spanning five papers and nearly 1,000 pages—is expected to open new avenues of research and potentially bridge connections between mathematics and theoretical physics, particularly in understanding symmetries in quantum field theory. While not a complete solution to the broader Langlands program, it provides strong evidence for its underlying principles and offers new tools for tackling complex mathematical problems.
An advanced particle life simulation, fine-tuned for maximum complexity and emergence of simulated organisms. It's a GPU-accelerated simulation where life-like behaviors emerge from raw physics, without hardcoded cells or genetic logic.
Daniel Kleppner, a renowned physicist who made significant contributions to atomic physics and quantum computing, passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 92. He was best known for his work on hydrogen masers, which laid the groundwork for the Global Positioning System (GPS), and his pioneering research on Rydberg atoms and Bose-Einstein condensation. Kleppner spent nearly four decades as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and received the National Medal of Science in 2006. His final words were a toast to the future of science at his grandson's high school graduation party.
A new theoretical framework utilizing three dimensions of time, arising from symmetries observed across quantum, interaction, and cosmological scales. This framework naturally explains the three generations of particles and their mass hierarchy, offering solutions to problems in particle physics like parity violation and ultraviolet divergences in quantum gravity. The theory makes testable predictions for neutrino masses, new resonances at colliders, and modifications to the speed of gravity, potentially verifiable within the next few years.
phyphox turns your smartphone into a mobile lab, allowing you to use its sensors for physics experiments. It offers data export, remote control, and the ability to create custom experiments. The project has received several teaching awards and is supported by various organizations.