Freeze Quantum Motion Without Cooling: A Quantum Physics Breakthrough
Freeze quantum motion without cooling — a feat once thought impossible — has now been achieved by researchers from ETH Zurich and TU Wien. This breakthrough shows that nanoparticles can reach a near-quantum ground state in their rotational vibrations without lowering their overall temperature, opening new doors for quantum technology applications.
Understanding How to Freeze Quantum Motion Without Cooling
In classical physics, oscillations can take any form. But in quantum mechanics, only specific vibration quanta are allowed. This means a nanoparticle can have a “ground state” a “first excited state,” and no states in between.
Traditionally, to make these quantum states visible, particles had to be cooled close to absolute zero. Now, researchers have found a way to achieve this quantum control at room temperature.
The Experiment That Made It Possible
By using slightly elliptical nanoparticles held in electromagnetic fields, scientists were able to control rotational vibrations.
Laser Systems and Quantum Control
A system of laser beams and mirrors was used to selectively remove energy from the particle’s rotation, effectively freezing quantum motion without cooling the entire nanoparticle.
Record Quantum Purity Without Cooling
The technique achieved near-perfect quantum purity in the particle’s rotation while the particle itself remained several hundred degrees hot. This method allows for stable and reliable studies of quantum behavior in larger objects without the need for extreme cryogenic setups.
Implications for Future Quantum Research
This achievement pushes the boundaries of what is possible in quantum physics. Being able to freeze quantum motion without cooling could lead to more practical and scalable quantum experiments, influencing fields from quantum computing to precision measurement.
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