Friday 23 March 2018
Monday 19 March 2018
Researchers Demonstrate Existence of New Form of Electronic Matter
According to the news that has been published in the journal ‘Nature’, engineers based at the University of Illinois have shown that a new form of electronic matter exists. It is called quadrupole topological insulators (QTI).
The properties exhibited by this electronic matter, QTI could bring about a wide range of possibilities in the computer field. It holds great promise in the manufacturing of low-power, robust computers and various devices, that are all defined at the atomic scale.
The topological insulators (TI) are basically electrical insulators on the inside but are conductors along the boundaries. This unique property exhibited by the topological insulators makes them a special type of electronic matter.
A group of electrons form their own phases within the materials. This can be either in the solid, liquid and gas phase, as is seen in water. They can also form an uncommon phase like a topological insulator.
The new form of electronic matter is the Quadrupole Topological Insulator. According to theoretical physics, some of the topological insulators have an electrical property known as quadrupole moment.
As we see in a material, the electrons carry a charge. In the process, the material becomes bipolar, that is it contains the positive as well as the negative charge.
Now, in a higher order class of material, we get a quadrupole which is a coupling of two positive and two negative charges. In crystals, the electrons can arrange themselves in such a way that they can give rise to high-order multipoles besides the usual dipole units. In the case of multipoles, four or eight charges are collectively arranged in a unit. The basic forms of multipoles are the quadrupoles wherein two positive and two negative charges are coupled together in a unit.
An analog of a QTI was shown by the researchers of the University of Illinois. They demonstrated it by using a special material from printed circuit boards.
Each circuit has a square of four identical resonators or devices that can absorb electromagnetic radiation at a particular frequency. The boards were positioned in a grid to form the crystal analog.
Each of these resonators behaves like an atom and the connections between the resonators act as bonds between these atoms.
The system is then subjected to microwave radiation to measure the amount that has been absorbed by each of the resonators. This in turn will indicate the behavior of the electrons in an analogous crystal. If the microwave radiation absorbed by a resonator is more, then there are higher chances of finding an electron on the corresponding atom.
In the above experiment it was inferred that the corners of the connected resonators absorbed the microwave radiation at a specific frequency whereas the rest of the units did not do so. The researchers then separated the bottom row from the grid and on subjecting it to the microwave radiation, it was noticed that the next highest rows showed the topological effects on absorbing the radiation.
They concluded that the edges of a QTI are not conductive unlike that seen in a TI. It was only the corners which are active and they correspond to the four localized point charges that form the quadrupole moment.
On measuring the amount of microwave radiation each of the resonators absorbed in the QTI, it was confirmed that the resonant states was in a particular frequency range and localized in the four corners. This shows the existence of predicted protected states that would be filled up by electrons that would in turn form four corner charges.
With the experiment conducted, scientists are beginning to understand the possibilities of the new electronic matter and its application. As of now, the physicists can predict that the new form of electronic matter exists, but no material has been found to have these properties.
The properties exhibited by this electronic matter, QTI could bring about a wide range of possibilities in the computer field. It holds great promise in the manufacturing of low-power, robust computers and various devices, that are all defined at the atomic scale.
The topological insulators (TI) are basically electrical insulators on the inside but are conductors along the boundaries. This unique property exhibited by the topological insulators makes them a special type of electronic matter.
A group of electrons form their own phases within the materials. This can be either in the solid, liquid and gas phase, as is seen in water. They can also form an uncommon phase like a topological insulator.
What is this new phase of Electronic Matter?
The new form of electronic matter is the Quadrupole Topological Insulator. According to theoretical physics, some of the topological insulators have an electrical property known as quadrupole moment.
As we see in a material, the electrons carry a charge. In the process, the material becomes bipolar, that is it contains the positive as well as the negative charge.
Now, in a higher order class of material, we get a quadrupole which is a coupling of two positive and two negative charges. In crystals, the electrons can arrange themselves in such a way that they can give rise to high-order multipoles besides the usual dipole units. In the case of multipoles, four or eight charges are collectively arranged in a unit. The basic forms of multipoles are the quadrupoles wherein two positive and two negative charges are coupled together in a unit.
An analog of a QTI was shown by the researchers of the University of Illinois. They demonstrated it by using a special material from printed circuit boards.
Each circuit has a square of four identical resonators or devices that can absorb electromagnetic radiation at a particular frequency. The boards were positioned in a grid to form the crystal analog.
Each of these resonators behaves like an atom and the connections between the resonators act as bonds between these atoms.
The system is then subjected to microwave radiation to measure the amount that has been absorbed by each of the resonators. This in turn will indicate the behavior of the electrons in an analogous crystal. If the microwave radiation absorbed by a resonator is more, then there are higher chances of finding an electron on the corresponding atom.
In the above experiment it was inferred that the corners of the connected resonators absorbed the microwave radiation at a specific frequency whereas the rest of the units did not do so. The researchers then separated the bottom row from the grid and on subjecting it to the microwave radiation, it was noticed that the next highest rows showed the topological effects on absorbing the radiation.
They concluded that the edges of a QTI are not conductive unlike that seen in a TI. It was only the corners which are active and they correspond to the four localized point charges that form the quadrupole moment.
On measuring the amount of microwave radiation each of the resonators absorbed in the QTI, it was confirmed that the resonant states was in a particular frequency range and localized in the four corners. This shows the existence of predicted protected states that would be filled up by electrons that would in turn form four corner charges.
With the experiment conducted, scientists are beginning to understand the possibilities of the new electronic matter and its application. As of now, the physicists can predict that the new form of electronic matter exists, but no material has been found to have these properties.
Tuesday 13 March 2018
How to Stop Annoying Robocalls on Your iPhone or Android phone
Smart ways to stop spam calls on iPhone or Android devices
In the recent times we had seen an unwanted and extreme rise in the number of spam calls which had almost become an epidemic. A number of surveys have shown that on an average people gets 4-6 spam calls each day. Spam calls has become such a great nuisance that Federal Trade Commission got over 350,000 complaints for every month of last year. Spam calls are nothing more than unwelcome distraction which can become quite frustrating over time. Internet has simply offered a great power to the scammers by allowing them to shoot countless call ease like never before. Here are some smart ways to stop spam calls on both iPhone and Android devices.Block numbers of Spam Calls individually
If you wish to get rid of the spam calls for once and all embark on the laborious journey of blocking each spam number one by one. On iOS device just go the Phone app click on the Recents then tap on the blue information icon right next to the number you wish to block. On Android devices open the Phone app then click on Recents section finally give a long press on the spam number and block it. Do it repeatedly to clock all the spam calls from the spam numbers.Get help of the carrier to protect yourself from Spam Calls
Almost all the telecom providers’ offers certain kind of service either paid or free which allow user to safeguard themselves from the commonly identified spam calls. AT&T provides a free app called "Call Protect" which helps in blocking a number of fraud spam calls with ease and simplicity.This app doesn’t help in completely clocking the spam calls but it does help in identifying the suspected spam calls. 0n other hand some apps offers a Premium Caller ID which helps in identifying the spam callers and almost every other number which isn't available in the contact list at a price of $3 per month. T-Mobile also offers a Scam ID and Scam Block for free but only for the postpaid users and it is very good at blocking the spam calls even before the phone rings.
Make use of Third Party apps to block spam calls
A number of apps have cropped up on both the iOS and Android platform which are designed to get rid of the spam calls altogether. These apps are smart enough to do away with the spam call even before the phone start ringing. But these apps aren't free and can cost just a little bit for a monthly or even annual subscription.These apps work through constantly updating and evolving the database of the fraud or spam callers in order to stop the nuisance spam calls with perfection. Whenever a call comes then this app runs it thorough its massive list of the scam numbers.
In case it registers a match then the incoming call is subsequently killed even before the phone rings. These apps even allow phone users to maintain their own set of blacklisted numbers which might be bothering or whitelist those which are of certain importance and need to be attended.
Monday 12 March 2018
HTC U12 with Dual Rear Cameras Expected in April
Leaks suggest HTC U12 will be powered by the latest Snapdragon 845 chipset
Finally the time of the year has come for HTC to launch the next iteration of its flagship U series. As the trend suggests the new HTC U12 will be powered by the latest Snapdragon chipset 845 and it will become the second new flagship of this year after Samsung’s S9 to feature this chipset. There is no doubt that HTC will stick to its exiting nomenclature for the flagship as HTC U12 as last year’s version was HTC U11. This device was shown just a month ago in a 5G industry event. The leaks regarding the HTC U12 has come from a reliable leakster and ROM developer called LlabTooFeR.Features to be seen in HTC U12
HTC U12 will feature a Quad HD+ display screen with 5.9 inches in the popular 18:9 aspect ratio. 18:9 aspect ratio has become the stand feature of all the flagship which are likely to be launched in 2018 thereby leading to the sad demise of 16:9 in the flagship market. It will sport the Snapdragon 845 processor along with the 6 GB RAM and an astonishing massive storage of 256 GB. It is likely that HTC will be launching some other variants of this HTC U12 with low RAM and storage as well as screen in upcoming days.Building the perfect flagship
It will certainly boast of the dual camera setup at the back which had become a norm. Herein it has a 12 MP sensor along with a 16MP Sony IMX3xx sensor at the back while for selfie it has an 8MP shooter. To be a complete flagship it has to offer a reliable battery life therefore HTC 12 boasts of a commendable 3420 mAh and it does also possess IP68 rating. HTC12 users will not have to worry about the accidental drops in water as this device now comes with dust and waster resistance capability.
HTC 12 comes with Android Oreo along with the company’s very own Android skin called Sense UI 10. HTC iconic Edge sense 2.0 is also present here which allows users to perform various simple tasks based on the pressure given while gripping the phone. Following the Footsteps of Apple and varied other Android manufacturers HTC 12 will also be boasting its very Face Unlock capability. HTC is expected to launch this device in both single and dual sim versions globally.
Launching soon in April 2018
This leakster has revealed the complete specsheet on the twitter and had confirmed the launch of the device in April. Having a look at the specsheet it can be easily seen that HTC is playing safe with HTC U12 by offering the all the requisite features which has become staple in the last year. The presence of dual camera setup along with 18:9 aspect ratio is a welcome addition. The massive internal storage of 256 GB is simply too much for any user. If HTC wishes to remain competitive and get better sales traction then it has to be place the HTC U12 more competitively than past years.
Saturday 10 March 2018
IBM CIMON: IBM Ships Robotic Head to the International Space Station
IBM gets into the delivery of equipment to International Space station
International Space Station needs a consistent of supply of essential equipment and food supplies from the earth. Earlier Elon Musk’s SpaceX played a vital role in delivering supplies to the ISS but now even IBM is in the same fray. IBM is aiming towards delivering a very unusual eleven pound robot head to the International Space Station using a device called IBM Cimon or the Crew Interactive Mobile Companion.All you need to know about IBM Cimon
IBM Cimon is powered by company's popular supercomputer Watson. But IBM is utilizing it in a different manner which enables to embark on a unique mission to the International Space Station. Earlier IBM has used the Watson technology to run a number of crystal experiments as well as solving the Rubik's Cube. IBM is working closely with a German Astronaut named Alexander Gerst in order to use the IBM Cimon to perform variety of tasks like conducting complex medical experiment just using the on-board camera.
IBM Cimon isn't just every tech piece rather the company wishes to establish it as a reliable companion for the astronaut in the space which can do a number of tasks on its own or with little guidance from the astronauts. With IBM Cimon astronauts will be able to get a number of prescribed tasks done with effortless co-ordination on the space station. Secondly IBM Cimon will also act as a safetyimprovement device by giving out timely warning of any impending failure. It will be smart and intuitive enough to find the failure even before it is shown on the astronauts control boards.
IBM Cimon learns and improves on its own
As IBM Cimon is backed with the AI technology this device can literally act as the first space assistant which will be beneficial for the astronauts working on the International Space Station.The use of technology in IBM Cimon allows it to possess speech, text and other image processing capabilities. Secondly it will be smart enough to retrieve certain specific information and finding when needed to offer valuable insight in time of need. Thirdly astronauts will be able to teach a number of skills to the IBM Cimon individually thereby enhancing it application.
IBM is essentially making use of the Watson speech and vision technologies in order to make CIMON recognize and understand the different voice sample with perfection. Visual Recognition of Watson is employed to understand as well as learn the construction of plans of the Columbus module of the International Space Station.
As IBM Cimon will be deployed at the International Space Station it is necessary that it understand its layout so it can move around with ease and simplicity. Astronauts have even taught him a number of procedures which is ought tobe carried out by him in connection with the on-board experiments. IBM Cimon shows that the science fiction wouldn't be a fiction anymore as we move towards creating intelligent robots to assist astronauts in space.
