Scientists have paved the way for next-generation quantum circuits by successfully making a semiconducting element commonly used in electrical devices superconducting.

A research team from The University of Queensland’s School of Mathematics and Physics and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and New York University have shown germanium can conduct electricity without resistance.

The discovery, which had eluded physicists for more than 60 years, unifies the building blocks of classical electronics and quantum technologies.

Dr Peter Jacobson said the result opens a pathway for a new era of hybrid quantum devices.

“These materials could underpin future quantum circuits, sensors and low-power cryogenic electronics, all of which need clean interfaces between superconducting and semiconducting regions,” Dr Jacobson said.

“Germanium is already a workhorse material for advanced semiconductor technologies, so by showing it can also become superconducting under controlled growth conditions there’s now potential for scalable, foundry-ready quantum devices.”

Dr Julian Steele said previous efforts to integrate superconductivity directly into semiconductor platforms had failed when structural disorder and atomic-scale imperfections were introduced.

“Rather than ion implantation, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) was used to precisely incorporate gallium atoms into the germanium’s crystal lattice,” Dr Steele said.

“Using epitaxy – growing thin crystal layers – means we can finally achieve the structural precision needed to understand and control how superconductivity emerges in these materials.”

Dr Carla Verdi showed this ordered atomic structure reshapes the electronic bands in a way that naturally supports superconductivity.

“This theoretical work confirmed that gallium atoms substitute neatly into the germanium lattice, creating the electronic conditions for superconductivity,” Dr Verdi said.

“It’s an elegant example of how computation and experiment together can solve a problem that has challenged materials science for more than half a century.”

The research has been published in Nature Nanotechnology.

Collaboration and acknowledgements

The work was a collaboration between UQ, New York University, ETH Zürich and Ohio State University.

The Australian team performed experiments at ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron and computational work was carried out using national high-performance computing resources.

Dr Peter Jacobson and Dr Carla Verdi are at UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics. Dr Julian Steele has a dual affiliation with UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the School of Mathematics and Physics.

Journal

Nature Nanotechnology

Funder

United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research,
National Computational Merit Allocation Scheme,
Australian Research Council,
Australian Research Council,
Australian Research Council

DOI

10.1038/s41565-025-02042-8

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Dr. Leonardo Giani, the face behind this revolutionary model, worked alongside a dedicated team at the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Queensland. Their research harnessed data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which has been instrumental in enhancing our measurement capabilities of the universe, reaching depths of 11 billion light years. The implications of this research are staggering; they extend far beyond mere academic curiosity, hinting at a re-evaluation of established cosmic theories.

The underpinnings of the conventional model posit that the universe has uniformly distributed matter particles that interact minimally. However, Dr. Giani’s findings expose a richer tapestry of interactions wherein celestial bodies such as stars, black holes, and clusters of galaxies engage dynamically through gravitational forces. These forces profoundly influence the universe’s structure, leading to voids and causal relationships that the standard model fails to adequately account for. The evolution of these cosmic structures is paramount to understanding key measurements and phenomena associated with cosmological observations.

For over three decades, scientists have grappled with the complexities of the universe as it continuously expands. Exotic theories have emerged, attempting to clarify what physicists have long baffled over. Dr. Giani’s model signifies a paradigm shift, not built on speculative premises, but rather on fundamental mathematics that enable straightforward computation of the impact of various structures in the universe on observational measurements. Using a combination of established mathematical expressions and empirical data, the model provides insight into how different sized regions—whether they be voids or clusters—contribute differently to our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

Central to Dr. Giani’s work is the identification of two critical parameters—R_c and R_v—that represent the minimum sizes of voids and clusters, respectively, which can significantly influence cosmological metrics. In practice, through plotting independent datasets including those obtained from DESI, a clear framework has emerged, showcasing not only where these regions overlap but also exposing a perplexing anomaly. Where one might expect the contours of these datasets to occupy the upper right quadrant of the plotted parameters—suggesting too large structures for existence—they occupy alternative regions, indicating that significant voids may play a pivotal role in the observed data’s anomalous behavior.

As if that were not enough, Dr. Giani’s model endeavors to address some of the most pressing issues in contemporary cosmology: the Hubble tension and the dynamics of dark energy. The Hubble tension refers to a mismatch between two different methods for determining how quickly the universe is expanding. Simultaneously, the implication of dynamical dark energy introduces a theory where energy is not a fixed quantity but rather something that may evolve over time, posing further questions of its impact on the expansion rate of the universe. This duality of challenges has left much of the scientific community eager for resolution.

Dr. Giani’s framework provides a coherent resolution to both quandaries. By assuming the possibility that dark energy might be gently diminishing, researchers can interpret expansion rate data that leads to lower measurements—creating a misleading feedback loop of solutions where one answer gives rise to another conflicting theory. However, his model allows for a more nuanced interpretation where the notion of energy weakening becomes a detailed representation of the universe’s current state rather than an absolute determinant of its evolving nature.

In this groundbreaking model, a defined region, highlighted as a green box in the plotted data, indicates where the Hubble tension is resolved. When examined through the lens of the complex structures present in the universe, the results reveal that these complexities are indeed manifesting themselves within the DESI dataset. With this new framework, Dr. Giani posits that we can reconcile previously conflicting observations and provide a clearer understanding of the cosmos.

The implications of these findings are vast, potentially changing how we approach cosmic measurements and even the fundamental principles that govern our understanding of physics. The intersection of mathematics and astrophysics in this research serves as a potent reminder of the elegance and intricacy of the universe we inhabit, offering new lenses through which future studies can be pursued. The quest to understand the cosmos is increasingly becoming a collaborative endeavor that requires integrating various disciplines and embracing the complexities rather than avoiding them.

The work encapsulated in the research performed by Dr. Giani and his team represents a significant leap forward in our cosmological comprehension. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe, this novel approach lays the groundwork for future explorations that push beyond our current understanding. The mathematical modeling of cosmic structures as effective fluids not only provides clarity but also sparks the imagination, prompting a reevaluation of what we think we know about the universe’s origin, evolution, and ultimate fate.

Through continued investigation and refinement, this model stands to carry the field of cosmology into uncharted territories. By combining rigorous mathematical principles with observational data, Dr. Giani’s fresh perspective may redefine our journey through the cosmos, leading to an era of deeper insights and richer discoveries that expand our horizons as we seek to comprehend the very fabric of reality itself.

Subject of Research:
Article Title: Novel Approach to Cosmological Nonlinearities as an Effective Fluid
News Publication Date: 15-Aug-2025
Web References: https://doi.org/10.1103/zr92-m7py
References: Physical Review Letters
Image Credits: Dr Leonardo Giani

Keywords

cosmology, mathematical modeling, dark energy, Hubble tension, universe expansion, effective fluid, cosmic structures, DESI, gravitational interactions, astrophysics, observational data, universe evolution.

The Maka Lahi boulder was discovered during a field survey conducted by a research team from The University of Queensland’s School of the Environment, led by PhD candidate Martin Köhler. Their work, which involved careful examination of the southern coastal cliffs of Tongatapu, tapped into evidence of past tsunamis imperceptible to casual observers. It was a fortuitous chance encounter with local farmers that directed the team to this extraordinary geological feature, situated over 200 meters inland from the coastline and perched on a cliff nearly 30 meters above current sea level.

This rock’s sheer size and location imply it was dislodged and transported by an exceptionally powerful tsunami event some 7,000 years ago, dating back to the early Holocene epoch. The Holocene, which started roughly 11,700 years ago, has witnessed significant climate and sea-level fluctuations, making the interpretation of natural phenomena such as tsunami deposits a crucial aspect of geoscientific research. Such a large cliff-top boulder carried inland provides formidable physical evidence of the magnitude and impact of prehistoric tsunami events in the Pacific region.

The research team employed advanced 3D modeling techniques to understand the precise dimensions of the Maka Lahi boulder and to estimate the forces necessary for its displacement. Their reconstruction traced the boulder’s probable origin point to a nearby coastal cliff rising over 30 meters above sea level. The numerical simulations conducted suggest that tsunami wave heights reaching approximately 50 meters with sustained wave energy lasting around 90 seconds would be necessary to uproot such a massive rock and transport it to its current resting place. This modeling challenges traditional estimates of tsunami wave dynamics by demonstrating the extraordinary power these natural disasters can exert.

Coastal geomorphologist Dr. Annie Lau, co-author of the study, emphasizes the geological and hazard significance of these findings. Tonga is a region of complex tectonic interactions, intersected by submarine volcanic chains like the Tofua Ridge and coupled with deep-sea trenches such as the Tonga Trench. This geodynamic environment makes the archipelago exceptionally vulnerable to tsunami generation, often triggered by seismic and volcanic events. The devastating 2022 tsunami, which claimed lives and caused widespread destruction, is a recent grim reminder of this threat. Understanding prehistoric tsunami occurrences, as revealed by geological evidence like the Maka Lahi boulder, is pivotal in enhancing risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

The discovery holds profound implications beyond Tonga’s shores. Wave-transported boulders have been considered indicators of tsunami intensity worldwide; however, few can compare to the magnitude and elevation of the Maka Lahi boulder. Its physical characteristics provide a unique natural laboratory for improving models of tsunami hydrodynamics, rock entrainment, and sediment transport under extreme wave conditions. Such advances contribute to refining predictive models essential for coastal hazard management globally, particularly for communities residing near vulnerable shorelines.

This study, published in the May 2025 issue of Marine Geology, represents a multidisciplinary effort integrating observational geomorphology with computational fluid dynamics. By quantifying the parameters required to move such a massive boulder, researchers can calibrate numerical tsunami models with greater accuracy and validate theoretical predictions against tangible real-world evidence. These insights are critical in reconstructing paleo-tsunami events that remain otherwise undocumented, expanding our geological archives.

Furthermore, the persistence of the Maka Lahi boulder in its current position over thousands of years exemplifies the stability of certain geological deposits amidst tropical environmental conditions, including dense vegetation growth surrounding the site. This stability allows scientists to reliably date the event and associate it with known climatic and tectonic phases during the Holocene. As such, the findings enrich our understanding of the frequency and scale of ancient tsunami events in the Pacific and their interaction with coastal topography.

The interdisciplinary nature of this research bridges the gap between geology, oceanography, and disaster risk science. It challenges previous models of rock transport by tsunami waves that underestimated the energy required or overlooked the potential for such large-scale inland displacement. By reshaping these paradigms, the discovery encourages a reassessment of tsunami hazard potential in island nations and coastal zones vulnerable to similar geological forces.

Future research inspired by this discovery will likely explore comparable records in other regions prone to large wave events, with an emphasis on identifying massive boulders displaced by tsunamis. Such investigations can help to forecast tsunami impact zones and improve early warning systems by providing empirical constraints on wave heights and run-up distances in complex coastal settings. Additionally, it underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge and field observations to uncover hidden geological phenomena that may otherwise elude technological detection.

In summary, the identification and analysis of the Maka Lahi boulder reveal the extraordinary capacity of past tsunamis to move massive geological objects far inland and high above sea level. The interdisciplinary approach, combining precise 3D mapping with numerical simulations, sets a new benchmark for tsunami research and coastal hazard assessment. This paradigm-shifting study not only enriches the geological history of Tonga but also resonates globally as nations seek to understand and mitigate their natural disaster risks in an era of climatic uncertainty and rising sea levels.

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Subject of Research: Not applicable

Article Title: Discovery of the world’s largest cliff-top boulder: Initial insights and numerical simulation of its transport on a 30–40 m high cliff on Tongatapu (Tonga)

News Publication Date: 14-May-2025

Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2025.107567

References: Köhler, M., Lau, A., et al. (2025). Discovery of the world’s largest cliff-top boulder: Initial insights and numerical simulation of its transport on a 30–40 m high cliff on Tongatapu (Tonga). Marine Geology.

Image Credits: Martin Köhler, The University of Queensland

Keywords

Tsunami, Cliff-top Boulder, Maka Lahi Boulder, Tonga, Wave Transport, Coastal Geomorphology, Numerical Modeling, Paleotsunami, Holocene, Marine Geology, Coastal Hazards, Geodynamics

Dr. Odile Smits, a co-author of the study, elaborated on the implications of their findings, emphasizing that this research provides a vital pathway to utilize muonic atoms for a deeper comprehension of nuclear magnetic structures. Muonic atoms are considered truly remarkable due to their unique properties—mimicking the role of electrons while having significantly greater masses. This mass variance enables muons to orbit the atomic nucleus with much closer proximity than standard electrons, thereby revealing a more detailed glimpse into the nucleus’s architecture.

However, previous investigations involving muonic atoms encountered substantial challenges, primarily due to uncertainties surrounding the impact of nuclear polarization on hyperfine structures. Hyperfine structures are causal factors for minute energy splits observable within atoms, and any distortion exacerbated by nuclear polarization can obscure these delicate characteristics. This distortion can be compared to the gravitational pull of the moon that generates tidal movements on Earth, underscoring how external influences can shape and modify intrinsic properties.

Crucially, the research conducted at the University of Queensland has elucidated that the effects of nuclear polarization on muonic atoms are considerably less significant than earlier estimates suggested. Dr. Smits confidently proclaimed that the nuclear polarization influences viewable in muonic atoms are marginal, paving the way for a thorough investigation into these exotic atomic forms. The findings removed a substantial roadblock that had previously inhibited scientific inquiry into muonic atoms, marking a transformative moment in the field of nuclear physics.

Associate Professor Jacinda Ginges, who spearheaded the research team, articulated the significance of this breakthrough, describing it as an opening for innovative experiments poised to enhance our understanding of nuclear structures and the fundamental laws governing physics. The foundational insights drawn from this study may yield transformative advancements that extend beyond simple atomic observations to unraveling deep-seated mysteries of matter and energy interactions.

Collaboration played a pivotal role in the success of this research endeavor. The UQ team partnered with Dr. Natalia Oreshkina from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, Germany. Dr. Oreshkina’s independent calculations corroborated the team’s findings, adding credibility and weight to their conclusions. This collaborative spirit is emblematic of the broader scientific community’s mission—pushing the boundaries of human understanding through shared knowledge and rigorous examination.

As a consequence of this groundbreaking study, new experimental efforts are anticipated to emerge, particularly at prominent research facilities such as the Paul Scherrer Institute in Zurich. Researchers there are planning to delve deeper into the characteristics and behavior of muonic atoms, motivated by the insights gained from UQ’s recent work. Such programs are expected to catalyze a new wave of research that could redefine contemporary physics frameworks, shedding light on the intricate nature of atomic structures.

The research itself, which has been meticulously detailed in the leading journal Physical Review Letters, highlights the remarkable potential that lies at the intersection of theoretical predictions and practical experimentation. By demystifying the effects of nuclear polarization on muonic atoms, scientists are now armed with a clearer perspective to embark on next-generation experiments. These new avenues of inquiry promise not only to validate existing theories but also to challenge and refine our understanding of the fundamental constituents of matter.

The broader impacts of this research extend into various realms, including enhanced applications in nuclear technology, improved techniques in particle physics, and wider implications for fields that rely on the delicate interplay of forces at the atomic level. The potential revelations about nuclear structures could resonate through many scientific disciplines, leading to unforeseen innovations and advancements.

In summation, the discovery made by researchers at the University of Queensland signifies an important milestone in nuclear physics, heralding transformative possibilities in the study of muonic atoms. As researchers continue to explore the profound insights born from this work, the scientific community remains poised at the brink of new discoveries that could further illuminate the enigmatic world of atomic and subatomic particles.

As discourse on nuclear physics evolves, it is essential for the scientific community to remain aware of the implications of such findings. This study might inspire further investigations that yield new technologies or methodologies, ultimately enhancing our understanding of the universe at its most fundamental levels.

This remarkable advancement not only highlights the capabilities of modern science but also exemplifies the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex scientific questions. The future of muonic atom research appears bright, and as we stand on the threshold of a new era in nuclear physics, the possibilities for discovery and innovation are boundless.

Subject of Research: Understanding the nuclear polarization effect in muonic atoms.
Article Title: Smallness of the Nuclear Polarization Effect in the Hyperfine Structure of Heavy Muonic Atoms as a Stimulus for Next-Generation Experiments.
News Publication Date: 7-Mar-2025.
Web References: Physical Review Letters
References: None reported.
Image Credits: None reported.

Keywords

muonic atoms, nuclear polarization, hyperfine structure, nuclear physics, University of Queensland, experimental research, cosmic rays, atomic structure, fundamental physics, interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific discovery, nuclear technology.