What's Hot In Physics> 2011
Year: 2011
The Top Ten lists in Physics feature papers published during the last two years (excluding review articles) that were most cited in current journal articles indexed by Clarivate during a recent two-month period. Papers are ranked according to the latest bimonthly citation count. The articles below are accompanied by expert discussion and analysis (including comments from the papers’ authors) written by one of four veteran scientist-journalists and longtime ScienceWatch.com contributors.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
Ultra-Compact Lasers: Not For Your Eyes Only
by Simon Mitton
Three current Top Ten physics papers discuss advances in
laser technology. Two reports describe diode lasers that function via
doping with neodymium. A key application for orange-yellow laser light
in a compact setting is ophthalmology, for the treatment of retinal
disorders and other conditions. The third paper reports on the
creation of the world’s smallest laser, in which light is
“squeezed” beyond previous, conventional wavelength
limitations.View Article
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
From the Wilkinson Probe, More Dark Revelations
by Simon Mitton
Research on polymer solar cells continues to account for
some of the most-cited papers in recent physics, as do ongoing
investigations into the properties and potential applications of
graphene. Also attracting citations is the new seven-year report of
data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, with the latest
interpretation concerning observations of the cosmic microwave
background and other phenomena by which scientists attempt explain the
universe and its evolution.View Article
JULY/AUGUST 2011
Efficiency Experts Shine On With Polymer Solar Cells
by Simon Mitton
Reports on polymer solar cells continue to collect
impressive citation totals, both here on the Physics list and in
Chemistry. The current Physics Top Ten includes, at #1, the
groundbreaking 2009 report from principal investigators Alan J. Heeger
and Kwanghee Lee, along with subsequent work from Yang Yang. The
latter paper reports on the fabrication of polymers that increase
efficiency and move this class of solar cells ever closer to mass
commercial application.View Article
MAY/JUNE 2011
Herschel Observatory Reports Take Up Space in Physics
by Simon Mitton
The Herschel Space Observatory, launched by the European
Space Agency in May of 2009, has begun to yield data on the
interstellar medium and galaxy evolution, including observations
across the infrared and submillimeter range. A special 2010 issue of
Astronomy & Astrophysics collects upwards of 150 of the initial
reports on Herschel and its findings, casting particular attention on
the mission overview and descriptions of the spacecraft’s
instrumentation.View Article
MARCH/APRIL 2011
Increasing the Efficiency Of Polymer Solar Cells
by Simon Mitton
Materials scientists continue to pursue greater
efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity by means of polymer
solar cells. Recent reports discuss cells that are based on bulk
heterojunction structures, composites of an electron-donating polymer
and a electron accepting fullerene. While the internal efficiency of
these cells approaches 100%, the challenge remains to boost the output
efficiency. The effort to bring polymer solar cells into the realm of
consumer product is ongoing.View Article
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Topological Insulators: 3D Spin Fascinates Physicists
by Simon Mitton
At the juncture of materials science, nanotechnology,
and theoretical physics, work on so-called topological insulators is
attracting increasing attention. One team succeeded in creating such
an insulator in a 3D configuration, through which electrons can flow
at room temperature without loss of energy. This work promises to
accelerate further research in condensed matter physics and
nanotechnology, as well as for applications in such products as faster
computer microchips.View Article
Return to the main page of archives for a list of all years of What's Hot In Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, and Physics.