Quantum
key distribution
Quantum cryptography is some distance off,
but a precursor stage shows great promise—quantum key distribution—in which data-carrying
photons may be transmitted by a laser and detected in such a way that any interference
will be noticed.
Blackout
clears the air
Researchers estimate that power plants in
the northeast U.S. contribute at least 90% of sulfur dioxide pollution and at
least 50% of nitrogen dioxide—much more than previously believed—after making
tests one day into the blackout of August 2003.
Multiphysics
analysis
Using coupled-field software, finite element
analysis can be used to predict how a part or system responds to the effects
of two or more interacting physical phenomena, thus allowing interdisciplinary
researchers to coordinate.
Salary
growth slows for industrial physicists
Ph.D. physicists in the private sector reported
a median salary of $104,000 in March 2004. The increase of 2.7% per year since
October 2002 beats the rate of inflation, but was less than the increase of 4.3%
per year between 2000 and 2002.
