The week in physics: Shor's algorithm; Gravitational lenses; Mantis shrimp

View in browser     The week in physics: 3–7 March ADVERTISEMENT Track the Federal Science Budget with FYI Published by AIP since 1989, FYI is an authoritative source for science policy news and analysis trusted by policymakers and scientists nationwide. FYI's Federal Science Budget Tracker provides up-to-date information on appropriations proposals and outcomes for agencies that fund the physical sciences. For each agency, you can view program-level budget details, a timeline of actions, and historical budget data. Visit Budget Tracker . Peter Shor on the genesis of Shor's algorithm The theoretical computer scientist describes his path to the factoring algorithm that helped spark interest in quantum computing. David Zierler and Ryan Dahn Think you can spot a gravitational lens? Some researchers have spent decades honing their ability to identify arcs, crosses, and rings in astronomical images. See if you can find those features from a quick glance. Sebastian Fernandez-Mulligan and Andrew Grant ADVERTISEMENT Level Up Your Career Game with Physics Today Jobs Explore hundreds of opportunities from leading organizations across a variety of physics fields and industries, all within a completely reinvented job board interface. Improvements include easier-to-find career advice and a better search functionality that more accurately connects you to the most relevant positions. Level up your search— Explore Now. From the Vault: August 1960 The status of women in the professions During her visit to the United States last year, Lise Meitner was called upon to give several invited lectures at Bryn Mawr College. The following article is based on an address presented on April 15, 1959. Prof. Meitner, then past her eightieth year, was the guest of Bryn Mawr for several weeks, and during her stay took an active interest in the work of the Physics Department and gave freely of her time and energy in talking with students. Lise Meitner The protection required to deliver a powerful underwater punch The structure of a smasher mantis shrimp's clubs protects their tissue from damaging shock waves. Jennifer Sieben ADVERTISEMENT Save the Date: 2025 Physics & Astronomy Congress Oct 30–Nov 1 marks the largest gathering of physics and astronomy undergrads: the 2025 Physics & Astronomy Congress. The Congress unites students, alumni, and faculty for three days of cutting-edge physics, astronomy, and physical sciences, along with interactive professional development workshops and valuable networking opportunities. Held only once every three years, this is a unique event you won't want to miss. Plan ahead. Q&A: Frank Close probes quarks and popularizes science He has written books on quarks, protons, spies, nuclear threats, and more. Toni Feder Physics bachelor's holders find jobs in many sectors Just shy of half of US physics bachelor's degree recipients from the 2021–22 academic year entered the workforce within a year of earning their degree. Tonya Gary Post a Job Get Job Alerts Browse All Jobs Summer 2025 undergrad research at UMD College Park (nonlinear dynamics) University of Maryland College Park (College Park, MD) View Job Associate Director Position of "Center for Quantum Conversion Research" Institute for Basic Science Research Evaluation Team (Gwangju, South Korea) View Job Nuclear Diagnostic Scientist Pacific Fusion (Livermore, CA) View Job Publisher Optica (Washington, DC) View Job Postdoc in Superconducting Quantum Circuits University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI) View Job Assistant, Associate or Full Professor—Photonics CUNY Advanced Science Research Center (New York, NY) View Job Physics Today is published by the American Institute of Physics. To manage your AIP email preferences and newsletter subscriptions, click here. Or unsubscribe from all AIP emails. © 2025 American Institute of Physics. Physics Today 1 Physics Ellipse College Park, MD 20740-3842 +1 301 209 3100