sharon_dubois

In a discovery that could advance quantum computing, scientists at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a new photon-based matter that is essentially like the light sabers in the movieStar Wars. The team was able to bind photons together to create photonic molecules, contradicting existing knowledge about light behavior. "What we have done is create a special type of medium in which photons interact with each other so strongly that they begin to act as though they have mass, and they bind together to form molecules," says Harvard professor Mikhail Lukin. "This type of photonic bound state has been discussed theoretically for quite a while, but until now it hadn't been observed." Lukin says comparing the new matter to a light saber is an accurate analogy, with photons pushing against and deflecting one another when they interact. To bind the photons, the researchers pumped rubidium atoms into a vacuum chamber, then cooled the atom cloud to a few degrees above absolute zero using lasers. Weak laser pulses then fired single photons into the atom cloud, creating energy that excited the atoms and slowed the photon. The energy then moved from one atom to another, leaving the cloud with the photon.

The dentist visit this morning got more interesting when I had to leave my car overnight at the dealership. On a two year, low mileage car I had a dead alternator. I was not pleased! Understatement! It was covered by warranty but I still had to get a ride to the dentist this morning.

So I had to have a crown. In the past this meant a couple of visits, with temporary crowns and hassles. Well no more. Fun 3D technology! The dentist took reference scans, removed what needed to be removed and then did more scans. He has a fun CAM setup with the scan/model unit. The dentist is able to check fit, make adjustments to shape, etc. before it is milled out of porcelain. (It is a really sweet NURBS modeler if you are interested in the geekery.) Once milled they put it in to check everything then it is glazed & fired and glued in.

It took about two and a half hours total and looks like my real tooth. Too cool!

Then we went to pick up my car and have lunch. I think the Honda folks were surprised when Cami's junker parked in front.

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