Flipping the world: atomic compass points east-west
Swiss researchers have discovered a new type of magnetic phenomenon, observed on a micro-level, whereby needles swing not only north-south but also east-west.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
The discovery, made by scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and the federal technology institute ETH Zurich, confirm a prediction made by physicists some six decades ago that east-west orientation could be possible on a nanoscopic scale.
The findings were observed in an experimental ‘sandwich’ construction that placed a layer of cobalt atoms – with a thickness of just 1.6 nanometres – between layers of platinum and aluminium oxide. The atoms acted as tiny compass needles, unfolding their effect over tiny distances.
“The direction taken by the [atomic] compass needles depends on the orientation of the atoms surrounding them,” said lead scientist on the project Zhaochu Luo. So, when a group of atoms points naturally north, its neighbouring group always points west; south-pointing atoms are surrounded by west-facing ones.
The phenomena can then be manipulated: when magnetic or electrical charges are applied to the magnetic field, for example, thereby changing north-south to south-north, the east-west pointing atoms also realign themselves.
Though the discovery is unlikely to revolutionise polar (or other) expedition practices anytime soon, the researchers say that the finding could make it possible to build new, more efficient computer memories and switches, which in turn make microprocessors more powerful.
Such nanomagnets are also suitable for building so-called logic gates, building blocks that act as input-output gateways in computers.
The results were published in the Science journal.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
This content was published on
Research: it's possible to learn new vocabulary in a foreign language during certain phases of deep sleep and retrieve it unconsciously when awake.
Alpine wolves show scant signs of cross-breeding with dogs
This content was published on
Scientists have shown that just a small portion of wolves in the Swiss Alps show traces of cross-breeding with their dog cousins.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.