Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Physicists breeding Schroedinger cat states

Researchers at CIFAR have successfully bred Schrödinger cat states in optics, amplifying classical states of light beyond microscopic limits. This breakthrough could lead to applications in quantum communication, teleportation, and cryptography.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 1, 2017

Tracking the flow of quantum information

Researchers have developed a formula to understand where quantum objects land when transmitted, offering insights for controlling open quantum systems. The formula suggests that 'rain gutters' and 'gates' can be engineered to manipulate quantum objects, either after they land or during their flow.

SourceYale University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 17, 2016

Einstein saves the quantum cat

Researchers have discovered that time dilation caused by gravity can explain the suppression of quantum behavior in larger objects, such as molecules and dust particles. This effect destroys quantum superposition and forces these objects to behave classically.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 16, 2015

Data structures influence speed of quantum search in unexpected ways

A new analysis found that highly connected databases don't always support fastest quantum computing, with low connectivity yielding fast search in some cases. Researchers used the properties of superposition to model a quantum particle's movement through a database, demonstrating the unexpected influence of data structure on search speed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 17, 2015

Atoms can be in 2 places at the same time

Researchers at the University of Bonn have shown that cesium atoms can indeed take two paths at the same time, contradicting the macro-realistic view. The team's experiment uses optical tweezers to manipulate a single Caesium atom and measures its final position indirectly.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 20, 2015

Diamonds are a quantum computer's best friend

Scientists propose a new quantum computer architecture based on microscopic defects in diamond, which could lead to the development of reliable quantum computers. The architecture has great potential for miniaturization and mass production, similar to how transistors were miniaturized in classical computer science.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 7, 2014

Mapping the optimal route between two quantum states

Scientists from Chapman University and several other institutions develop an experiment to track quantum trajectories, comparing them to a recent theory predicting the most likely path. The results show good agreement between theory and experiment, verifying the theory and opening the way for active quantum control techniques.

SourceChapman University·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2014

Finding quantum lines of desire

Researchers use a superconducting quantum device to record and analyze the paths a quantum system takes between two states, revealing the existence of a quantum equivalent of classical 'least action' path. The findings have implications for controlling biological and chemical systems using lasers.

The world's first photonic router

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a photonic router – a quantum device based on an atom that enables routing of single photons by single photons. This achievement brings closer the goal of building quantum computers, which rely on superposition and photonic communication to process data in parallel.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2014

Shaken, not stirred: Control over complex systems consisting of many quantum particles

Researchers at TU Vienna develop a new method to utilize quantum mechanical vibrations for high precision measurements in complex multi-particle systems. They successfully control hundreds of Rubidium atoms in an ultracold Bose-Einstein condensate, enabling the use of collective motional states for interferometric measurements.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2014

Tricking the uncertainty principle

Researchers at Caltech found a way to sidestep quantum 'noise' that limits precision of ultrasensitive position measurements, enabling detection and avoidance of quantum fluctuations. The study provides a solution for rerouting some of the noise away from the measurement, allowing for increased sensitivity without compromising accuracy.

Flipping the switch

Physicists at Harvard University have successfully created quantum switches that can be turned on and off using a single photon. This technological achievement could lead to the creation of highly secure quantum networks, enabling perfectly secure communications over long distances.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2014

Record quantum entanglement of multiple dimensions

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have achieved a groundbreaking quantum entanglement with a minimum of 103 dimensions using only two particles. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly complex states that can facilitate experimental development of quantum computers and enhance cryptography security.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2014

No qualms about quantum theory

A colloquium paper reviews selected issues with quantum theory, clarifying the distinction between mathematical tools and physical phenomena. The author debunks myths surrounding Schrödinger's cat state, measurement problem, and other misconceptions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 26, 2013

Quantum state world record smashed

Researchers have achieved a world record by storing a fragile quantum state at room temperature for 39 minutes, overcoming a key barrier towards building ultrafast quantum computers. This breakthrough could lead to long-term coherent information storage and potential applications in ultra-secure authentication devices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2013

Quantum world record smashed

A team has achieved a world record 39 minutes for a fragile quantum state to survive at room temperature, paving the way for ultrafast quantum computers. The discovery demonstrates robust and long-lived qubits that could enable efficient quantum calculations.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2013

A single-atom light switch

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology develop a single-atom light switch that can redirect light between two fibre optic cables. The system utilizes a Rubidium atom to act as a switch, allowing for the manipulation of light and enabling quantum phenomena for information and communication technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2013

Making big 'Schroedinger cats'

Physicists at the University of Calgary successfully tested quantum mechanics on a large scale, creating a system in two substantially different states at once. This breakthrough demonstrates the application of quantum superposition principles to everyday macro objects.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 21, 2013

Causing collapse

Weizmann Institute researchers found that measuring a single atom's spin can collapse its superposition into one state. By adjusting the polarization of the emitted photon, they demonstrate that observers can influence the spin collapse, suggesting an 'action-at-a-distance' effect.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 2013

Invisible tool enables new quantum experiments

Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed a novel way to manipulate massive particles using nanosecond long flashes of laser light, enabling precise measurements of small forces and fields. This breakthrough allows for the investigation of quantum wave nature in both single molecules and clusters of molecules.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 11, 2013

Quantum causal relations: A causes B causes A

Researchers from the University of Vienna and Université Libre de Bruxelles have shown that in quantum mechanics, a single event can be both a cause and an effect of another one. This challenges our understanding of causality and has far-reaching implications for foundations of quantum mechanics, quantum gravity, and quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2012