Scientists discovered some stars exhibit fluctuations in their brightness over time, which are caused by continuous "starquakes". This research published in Nature sheds light on how stars evolve and provides a new tool to estimate their age, which is crucial for studying the evolution of our galaxy. Co-author of research paper Marc Hon will be joining NUS Physics in coming July. For more on the research, read here: https://phys.org/news/2025-04-melodies-musical-starquakes-galaxy.html

Can leveraging physics help to improve the chance of scoring that winning goal? Find out why premier league clubs are recruiting physicists to up their game: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6266432/2025/04/15/liverpool-physicist-analyst-data/

Using a pioneering instrument known as the Quantum Twisting Microscope (QTM) and working at cryogenic temperatures, scientists have observed—for the first time—the interactions between electrons and an exotic atomic vibration in twisted sheets of graphene, called a phason. With these new findings, QTM is poised to become a transformative instrument for quantum materials research. Read here for more: https://phys.org/news/2025-04-microscope-reveals-quantum-atoms-graphene.html

Over 40 prospective students and faculty were present at Physics Engagement Day 2025 held on 26 April. Engagement Day was an initiative launched by the Faculty of Science, NUS, to engage prospective students already offered an admission. The programme line-up included talks by faculty, research lab tour, conversations over dinner and star gazing at the rooftop. NUS Physics hopes that our young enthusiastic participants, having learned about the curriculum, research opportunities and career openings for physics graduates, will choose physics as their choice of study.

A research carried out recently explored the contrast between classical and quantum mechanics theories of light interference like in the double-slit experiment. Through the lens of quantum optics, the field of study exploring interactions between light and matter at a quantum level, a new theory involving photon states was proposed. Read here for more: https://phys.org/news/2025-04-quantum-optics-theory-classical-bright.html

The magical charm of the triangle instrument is undeniable. Each strike on the bent metal bar produces  shimmering and clear bell-like tone carried by ripples of powerful sound waves that instantaneously lighten up the atmosphere. Though small and simple, its sound is distinct, with multiple overtones and nonharmonic resonance. Find out what scientists have discovered about the physics behind this intriguing sound: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-musical-triangle-sweet.html

In an attempt to bridge the classical and quantum worlds, scientists applied laser cooling techniques originally developed for atoms to a centimeter-scale torsional oscillator in order to test whether gravity is quantum or not. The work is just beginning and further strengthening of the optical interaction is needed to reach the actual quantum ground state. Read here for more: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-gravity-quantum-laser-cooling-torsional.html

Two teams of undergraduates from NUS Physics have the privilege of participating in PLANCKS 2025, an international physics competition for bachelor’s and master’s students. Each year, the event combines a challenging physics contest with a three- or four-day programme filled with social and scientific activities. PLANCKS offers a platform for students all over the world to compete, connect and share their passion for physics. Participants also have the opportunity to explore the host country’s research environment and culture. Full funding for registration and air fare are available to support students. We congratulate the teams who have won the 8th and 11th places out of 46 places! Read here for more: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/plancks-2025/

(Repost from NUS News) What if we could go beyond what the eye can see to uncover the craftsmanship behind treasured artefacts in a museum?

Bringing together scientists, conservators, curators and archaeologists from around the world, the “Inspiring Objects” session showcased how advanced analytical techniques—mostly powered by particle accelerators—are changing the way we understand and preserve art, history, and heritage. Held at the Peranakan Museum, the event was co-organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Singapore Synchrotron Light Source at NUS. Read here for more: https://news.nus.edu.sg/uncovering-hidden-stories-behind-cultural-treasures-though-advanced-technologies/

Second-year physics student Azann Qureshi, together with his team-mate, won the top prize at the London Business School CleanTech Challenge 2025 with his invention known as Thermal Floater. A flagship innovation of startup Incy Technologies, which Azann co-founded, Thermal Floater aims to tackle the problem of clean electricity supply in the domestic and industrial sectors. Azann designs and develops crucial proprietary components for the thermal floater and manages the theoretical research that goes into developing the “fundamental blueprint” of the device. The 2025 edition of the CleanTech Challenge received applications from 87 universities in 27 countries. Read here for more: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2025/06/a-clean-and-cool-solution-for-the-energy-challenge/

A lunch celebration was held recently in honour of A/Prof Johan R C Van Der Maarel’s retirement. In addition, a workshop titled “Pathways in Biophysics” was convened to mark A/Prof Johan’s scientific achievements and mentorship. The department is grateful for and deeply acknowledged A/Prof Johan’s many contributions and wishes him a happy and fulfilling retirement! Read here for more: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/johan-rc-van-der-maarel-retirement/

A research team led by Professor Gong Jiangbin from NUS Physics has made a significant progress in quantum metrology, a field that harnesses quantum effects to make precise measurements. Their newly developed protocol leverages quantum resonance dynamics which enables an experimentally accessible and noise-resilient route to Heisenberg-limited measurement precision. It overcomes longstanding obstacles of state preparation and readout, paving the way for practical implementation in next-generation quantum sensing technologies. Read here for more: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2025/07/enhancing-quantum-metrology-by-quantum-resonance-dynamics/

(Repost from NUS News)
Singapore's nuclear safety research initiative has been established as a full-fledged institute, now known as the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute. Operating from a new purpose-built facility at NUS, the institute has been strengthened with a $66 million grant under the Research, Innovation & Enterprise plan for its next bound of research into nuclear safety. Read here for more: https://news.nus.edu.sg/singapore-nuclear-research-and-safety-initiative-established-as-full-fledged-research-institute/

A warm welcome to three faculty members who have just joined NUS Physics! Prof Lo Hoi Kwong (center in photo) also Provost's Chair specialises in quantum information science including quantum cryptography and quantum communication. Asst Prof Marc Hon (left, Presidential Young Professorship) focuses on time-domain astronomy, machine learning and asteroseismology. The research of Asst Prof Zhang Yang (Presidential Young Professorship) involves topological states, quantum transport, and light-matter interaction in topological/strongly correlated materials and their potential applications for future quantum technology.

Professor Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, currently Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics at MIT, visited NUS Physics recently as part of the Distinguished Visitor Lecture Series. Professor Jarillo-Herrero’s research interests lie in the area of experimental condensed matter physics, in particular quantum electronic transport and optoelectronics in novel two-dimensional materials. Besides reviewing the discovery and physics of graphene as well as the principles and beauty of moiré materials, Prof Pablo also spoke passionately about some of the recent developments in the field of moiré quantum matter, including magic-angle twisted multilayer graphene. The Q&A session gave further opportunity for students to learn about the world of moiré quantum matter. Watch this video interview for more on the magic of graphene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcHbLfBQpMI

The celebratory mood, the joy of achievement, the acknowledgement of hard work—it’s graduation time yo! 17 July marked commencement for our physics graduates! Adorned in their academic regalia and marching on to receive their scrolls, this day bore witness to the fruits of their labour, sweat and tears. Well done and congratulations, Class of 2025! Read here for more: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/class-of-2025

Some of the fondest memories in NUS Physics for graduate student Johanna Wolf are not necessarily associated with big achievements but with the quiet resilience of community—sitting in small study groups, struggling with course mates through a problem set or just celebrating the mutual "aha!" when a concept clicks. Preparing for further studies next, the thought of contributing to something that not only pushes the boundaries of science but also has the power to change lives truly excites her.

A profound lesson for graduate student Yeo Zhen Yuan came from developing resilience through intellectual humility. His "I don't know" when asked a fundamental question during his qualifying exam triggered a “Now you’re thinking like a scientist!" response that stuck with him. This mindset transformed setbacks into opportunities. Hypothesis failures and experimental dead-ends became data, each question sparked better ones, and every “I don’t know” opened new paths.

Read their academic journey by clicking on the links.