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Health & Science3h 26m ago
Ruhr University Bochum researchers found that light decelerates carbon nanotubes—100,000x thinner than a hair—in water, via a process called quantum friction.
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Ruhr University Bochum
Who
Sebastian Kruss, Marialore Sulpizi, Martina Havenith
What
Ruhr University Bochum researchers found that light decelerates carbon nanotubes—100,000x thinner than a hair—in water, via a process called quantum friction.
When
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:05:50 GMT · 3h 26m ago
Where
Ruhr University Bochum ·
Why
The research indicates a direct coupling between electrons within the nanotubes and the surrounding water molecules, with fluctuating dipole moments of excitons interacting with collective movements of water molecules.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
This discovery fundamentally changes the understanding of interfacial processes by revealing a previously unappreciated role for light in nanoscale interactions and demonstrating that water is an active participant, not just a passive solvent.
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2 events in this thread- Health & Science3h 26m agoResearchers at Ruhr University Bochum found that light decelerates carbon nanotubes—100,000x thinner than a hair—in water.Open article
- Currently Reading3h 26m agoRuhr University Bochum researchers found that light decelerates carbon nanotubes—100,000x thinner than a hair—in water, via a process called quantum friction.