Featured in EPN
Europhysics News, Vol. 47/2 – March/April 2016 can be downloaded on the magazine’s website.
PT symmetry in quantum physics: From a mathematical curiosity to optical experiments
EPL for the IYL 2015 p. 21
The European Physical Society has greatly contributed to the celebration of the International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies (IYL 2015) in various ways [1]. In particular Europhysics News has concluded the year 2015 with a Special Issue on the Science of Light which illustrates, through six short reviews, the leading role that Europe in maintaining in several areas of the physics of light and its applications. EPL has played its part by publishing a series of invited IYL Perspectives.
The need for Basic Energy Research
Delicious ice cream, why does salt thaw ice?
During winter, we use to spread salt to thaw ice on the streets. In a physics show, one can be almost sure that after showing this effect, the answer to what happens to temperature will be “it increases”. But no! It goes down, in such amount that one can complement the show by producing hand-made ice creams [1].
Fascinating optics in a glass of water
In Ref. [1] Jo Hermans discussed how the image of a horizontal arrow behind a glass of water reverses direction when it is moved away from the glass. The present paper deals with some other interesting effects that can be observed when looking at a drawing (source) taped tightly onto the back of a cylindrical glass of water, or beer, or white wine, whatever the reader prefers.