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The ³ MLCT-excited [Ru(bpz)₃]²⁺ and the spin-flip excited states of [Cr(dqp)₂]³⁺ underwent photoinduced electron-transfer reactions with 12 amine-based electron donors similarly well, but provided cage escape quantum yields differing by up to an order of magnitude. In three exemplary benchmark photoredox reactions performed with different electron donors, the differences in the reaction rates observed when using either [Ru(bpz)₃]²⁺ or [Cr(dqp)₂]³⁺ as photocatalyst correlated with the magnitude of the cage escape quantum yields. These correlations indicate that the cage escape quantum yields play a decisive role in the reaction rates and quantum efficiencies of the photoredox reactions, and also illustrate that luminescence quenching experiments are insufficient for obtaining quantitative insights into photoredox reactivity.

From a purely physical chemistry perspective, these findings are not a priori surprising as the rate of photoproduct formation in an overall reaction comprising several consecutive elementary steps can be expressed as the product of the quantum yields of the individual elementary steps^45,46. A recent report on solvent-dependent cage escape and photoredox studies suggested that the correlations between photoredox product formation rates and cage escape quantum yields might be observable¹¹, but we are unaware of previous reports that have been able to demonstrate that the rate of product formation in several batch-type photoreactions correlates with the cage escape quantum yields determined from laser experiments. Synthetic photochemistry and mechanistic investigations are often conducted under substantially different conditions, which can lead to controversial discrepancies^47,48,49, whereas here their mutual agreement seems remarkable, particularly given the complexity of the overall reactions.

The available data and the presented analysis suggest that the different cage escape behaviours of [Ru(bpz)₃]²⁺ and [Cr(dqp)₂]³⁺ originate in the fact that for any given electron donor, in-cage reverse electron transfer is ~0.3 eV more exergonic for the Ru^II complex than for the Cr^III complex. Thermal reverse electron transfer between caged radical pairs therefore occurs more deeply in the Marcus inverted region with [Ru(bpz)₃]²⁺ than with [Cr(dqp)₂]³⁺, decelerating in-cage charge recombination in the Ru^II complex and increasing the cage escape quantum yields compared with the Cr^III complex (Fig. 3D).

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Quantum physics starts with the 20th century as scientists try to understand light bulbs. This simple quest led scientists on a deep journey.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili reveals how Einstein thought he’d found a fatal flaw in quantum physics that implies that subatomic particles can communicate faster than light. The host of \.

Amidst rapid technological advancements, Tiny AI is emerging as a silent powerhouse. Imagine algorithms compressed to fit microchips yet capable of recognizing faces, translating languages, and predicting market trends. Tiny AI operates discreetly within our devices, orchestrating smart homes and propelling advancements in personalized medicine.

Tiny AI excels in efficiency, adaptability, and impact by utilizing compact neural networks, streamlined algorithms, and edge computing capabilities. It represents a form of artificial intelligence that is lightweight, efficient, and positioned to revolutionize various aspects of our daily lives.

Looking into the future, quantum computing and neuromorphic chips are new technologies taking us into unexplored areas. Quantum computing works differently than regular computers, allowing for faster problem-solving, realistic simulation of molecular interactions, and quicker decryption of codes. It is not just a sci-fi idea anymore; it’s becoming a real possibility.

This paper introduces a novel theoretical framework for understanding consciousness, proposing a paradigm shift from traditional biological-centric views to a broader, universal perspective grounded in thermodynamics and systems theory. We posit that consciousness is not an exclusive attribute of biological entities but a fundamental feature of all systems exhibiting a particular form of intelligence. This intelligence is defined as the capacity of a system to efficiently utilize energy to reduce internal entropy, thereby fostering increased order and complexity. Supported by a robust mathematical model, the theory suggests that subjective experience, or what is often referred to as qualia, emerges from the intricate interplay of energy, entropy, and information within a system. This redefinition of consciousness and intelligence challenges existing paradigms and extends the potential for understanding and developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The implications of this theory are vast, bridging gaps between cognitive science, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and physics, and providing a new lens through which to view the nature of consciousness itself.

Consciousness, traditionally viewed through the lens of biology and neurology, has long been a subject shrouded in mystery and debate. Philosophers, scientists, and thinkers have pondered over what consciousness is, how it arises, and why it appears to be a unique trait of certain biological organisms. The “hard problem” of consciousness, a term coined by philosopher David Chalmers, encapsulates the difficulty in explaining why and how physical processes in the brain give rise to subjective experiences.

Current research in cognitive science, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence offers various theories of consciousness, ranging from neural correlates of consciousness (NCCs) to quantum theories. However, these theories often face limitations in fully explaining the emergence and universality of consciousness.

Innovative research leverages levitated optomechanics to observe quantum phenomena in larger objects, offering potential applications in quantum sensing and bridging the gap between quantum and classical mechanics.

The question of where the boundary between classical and quantum physics lies is one of the longest-standing pursuits of modern scientific research and in new research published today, scientists demonstrate a novel platform that could help us find an answer.

The laws of quantum physics govern the behavior of particles at minuscule scales, leading to phenomena such as quantum entanglement, where the properties of entangled particles become inextricably linked in ways that cannot be explained by classical physics.

Argonne researchers pioneer “redox gating” — a new way to precisely modulate electron flow.

Breakthrough could help lead to the development of new low-power semiconductors or quantum devices.

As the integrated circuits that power our electronic devices get more powerful, they are also getting smaller. This trend of microelectronics has only accelerated in recent years as scientists try to fit increasingly more semiconducting components on a chip.

https://entanglion.github.io

Congratulations, your captain has retired and left you in charge of his galactic shipping business! Now it’s time to make some upgrades as you embark on a journey to reconstruct a quantum computer developed by an ancient race.

Entanglion is a cooperative board game designed for two players. Learn about quantum computing as you work together with your teammate to navigate the three galaxies of the quantum universe, avoid detection by the defense mechanisms left behind by the ancients, and rebuild the quantum computer.

Continue reading “Entanglion, a quantum computing board game developed by @IBMQuantum” »

A new method to measure the arrival times of electrons could aid in the design of future electron microscopes.

For researchers working to develop the next generation of electron microscopes, understanding the details of electron beams is essential. Now a research team has observed the weak repulsion of electrons in a continuous beam with the highest precision to date by measuring the number of electrons arriving at a detector within a timeframe of less than 1 picosecond (ps) [1]. With improvements, the new technique may be able to pick up the repulsion attributable to the Pauli exclusion principle. The researchers think the work may eventually help engineers design more sensitive electron microscopes based on quantum principles.

Many natural events such as rain falling are uncorrelated: the fall of each raindrop is independent of every other raindrop. Given a certain time window, say 1 second, the likelihood that zero, one, two, or more raindrops will fall within a certain area is predicted by a statistical distribution called a Poissonian. If, however, the raindrops could interact, then their arrivals might be correlated or anticorrelated—the drops could fall together more often or less often, depending on whether the interaction is attractive or repulsive. Then the probability of similarly timed raindrops would be either super-Poissonian (occurring more often) or sub-Poissonian (occurring less often).