News & Events
Recent News
For more news about the Department of Physics and Astronomy, visit the University's Newscenter.
Spiders and ants inspire metal that won’t sink
Wed, 06 Nov 2019
University of Rochester researchers, inspired by diving bell spiders and rafts of fire ants, have created a metallic structure that is so water repellent, it refuses to sink—no matter how often it is forced into water or how much it is damaged or punctured.
Adam Frank wins multiple awards for promoting public understanding of science
Wed, 30 Oct 2019
The University of Rochester astrophysicist recently received the American Physical Society’s 2020 Joseph A. Burton Forum Award and his latest book Light of the Stars was awarded the 2019 Phi Beta Kappa Award for Science.
Rochester recognized as leader in high-energy-density physics
Thu, 10 Oct 2019
Three of eight national research grants recently awarded by the Department of Energy were given to researchers at the University of Rochester, which is home to the largest university-based DOE research program in the nation.
One small step for electrons, one giant leap for quantum computers
Wed, 25 Sep 2019
Quantum computing has revolutionary potential, but transferring information within a quantum system remains a challenge. By transferring the state of electrons, Rochester research brings scientists one step closer to creating fully functional quantum computers.
In an underground mine in South Dakota, researchers unravel mysteries of dark matter
Mon, 22 Jul 2019
The digital electronics designed, developed, delivered, and installed by Rochester researchers are an integral piece of the puzzle, as an international team of scientists works to finally detect dark matter particles.
Winning the ‘Olympics’ of the carillon
Tue, 16 Jul 2019
Recent physics graduate Alex Johnson ’19 had never played the bells before coming to Rochester. Now he is one of the best musicians in the world at the instrument, taking first place at the international Queen Fabiola Carillon Competition.
Researchers ‘stretch’ the ability of 2D materials to change technology
Mon, 10 Jun 2019
Moore’s Law predicts that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit will double every two years. As technology nears the limits of Moore’s Law, Rochester researchers have combined 2D materials with oxide materials in a new way, with new possibilities for computing power.
Researchers develop superconducting quantum refrigerator
Mon, 03 Jun 2019
Physicist Andrew Jordan and his fellow researchers harnessed superconductivity to conceive of a quantum refrigerator that could cool atoms to nearly absolute zero temperatures.
Carillon strikes a chord for senior physics major
Tue, 14 May 2019
With a major in physics and a minor in music, Alex Johnson '19 is heading to Belgium after graduation to learn more about "the bells” that inspired him in Rochester. “Lots of deciding to do. There isn’t a wrong decision.”
Rochester juniors receive Goldwater Scholarship for science achievement, research promise
Wed, 08 May 2019
Three members of the University’s Class of 2020 are recipients of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious award for undergraduate science majors.