NIU Physics

NIU physics and engineering professors, alumni share in $3M Breakthrough Prize | NIU Newsroom NIU professors, alumni from physics and engineering share in $3 million Breakthrough Prize

May the Fourth be with you!

Fermilab teams up with NIU to launch quantum science program Fermilab and Northern Illinois University are joining forces to offer a unique Master of Science in Physics program specializing in quantum science and technology. This innovative graduate program combines the expertise of a DOE national laboratory quantum center and a prominent state university to....

Quantum Entanglement Takes 232 Attoseconds to Form, Not Instantaneous

Scientists at TU Wien have discovered that quantum entanglement—the mysterious connection between particles—does not occur instantly. Instead, it develops over a measurable period of 232 attoseconds (1 attosecond = 10⁻¹⁸ seconds).

Using ultra-precise laser pulses to eject electrons from atoms, researchers were able to observe the gradual formation of correlations between particles. This “attosecond heartbeat” shows that even the fastest quantum processes have distinct, measurable stages.

The finding challenges the long-held assumption that entanglement is instantaneous and could have important implications for quantum computing, secure communication, and the fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics.

Source: TU Wien Research, 2026

Happy Valentine's day everyone!

Hope everyone is staying warm out there! We've been quiet so far this year, but there's a lot going on behind the scenes. Stay tuned for several exciting announcements coming in the next few days!
The first of which is: we have decided to postpone our first public night of the year until Wed, Feb 11. On Feb 4th, we instead invite you all to join us at Fatty's in Dekalb for a STEM Cafe talk by NIU Physics own Dr. Jahred Adelman. He'll be discussing all the cool science that goes into Olympic competitions, and answering your questions. So come enjoy some famous fried potato salad, and feed your mind too!

Send a message to learn more