Physics

Fundamental

Describe an aspect of QCD using an analogy to, or contrast to, QED.
Point out a single counter-intuitive result/prediction of relativity (special or general).
Suggest a possible resolution/explanation for the black hole firewall paradox.
Propose an explanation for the measured recession velocity of galaxies, that is not the exiting big bang or inflationary explanation.
Propose an explanation for dark matter.
Propose an explanation for dark energy.
Construct an experiment to measure proton lifetime, where the results could be available within 10 years of observations.
Suggest an explanation for the fast radio bursts (FRB) from distant galaxies.
Propose a model wherein quarks are not elementary particles, but where the theory/model is nevertheless consistent with existing high-energy physics observations.
Suggest a practical, real-world application for Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs).

Suggest a two-layer heterostructure of atomically thin (2D) van der Waals materials, that might plausibly exhibit exotic quantum states.
Propose a material that might be a high-temperature superconductor.

Name one thing that can give rise to peak broadening in x-ray diffraction/scattering experiments.
Suggest a new lattice pattern for a synchrotron accelerator.

Suggest a new small-molecule suitable for organic photo-voltaics (OPV). Just output the SMILES representation.
Propose a metal surface, and a nanoparticle (material, shape, etc.) sitting on that surface, where the combination of these two might lead to enhanced catalytic activity, for some set of chemical reactions.
Suggest a novel NMR pulse sequence.

Suggest a new scanning probe measurement modality, beyond the known ones (STM, AFM, NSOM, MIM, etc.).
Suggest a new means of directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymer (BCP) thin films, beyond the known methods (graphoepitaxy, chemoepitaxy, field alignment, etc.).
Propose a novel use for the all-optical formation of surface relief gratings (SRG) in azobenzene containing polymeric (azo-polymer) thin films.
Propose an application for 3D nanoscale superlattices formed from DNA origami blocks with central vacancies ("cages").
Suggest a high-value, near-term research project that would move decisively towards the development of (Drexler-style) molecular nanotechnology.

Suggest a new way to rapidly image ultrathin tissue sections with sub-optical-wavelength spatial resolution.
Suggest a new method for crystallizing difficult-to-crystalize proteins, for subsequent protein crystallography measurements.
Provide an explanation for the role of "junk DNA".