Voices From The Science World: Talking To An Atom
Voices From The Science World: Talking To An Atom
Scientists have used sound for talking to artificial atoms for the first time. This is a phenomenon through quantum physics that sound waves can take on the same properties as light. The relationship between atoms and light is a well documented fact. This has been studied extensively in the field of quantum optics. To attain this kind of interaction via sound waves has been more exciting and difficult for the scientist.
The researchers at Chalmers University of Technology located in Sweden have now attained success in making acoustic waves couple with artificial atoms. Per Delsing who is head of the experimental research group studying this phenomenon has been quoted by the media as saying, “We have opened a new door into the quantum world by talking and listening to atoms.”
Delsing has also been quoted as saying that the long term goal of the project is to harness quantum physics so that humans can obtain full advantages of this. Principles of quantum functioning can be seen in extremely fast computers wherein they do this via electrical circuits through the means of which the study was conducted. These electrical circuits obey the laws of quantum physics.
An artificial atom is just one instance of this type of quantum electrical circuit and it can replicate certain properties of an atom which is regular. Much like the regular atom, it can be charged with energy that is then emitted in the form of particle. This type of particle is generally light. What is different is that Chalmer's experiment is oriented towards absorbing and emitting energy in the form of sound.
Martin Gustaffson who is the first author of this research project has been quoted by the media as explaining how theoretical data suggested that the sound of the atmo is divided into quantum particles. Such a particle is then the weakest sound that can be detected according to Gustaffson. As sound moves at a much lower speed than light, acoustic atmos open up a new field of research regarding the quantum phenomena.
“Due to the slow speed of sound, we will have time to control the quantum particles while they travel. This is difficult to achieve with light, which moves 100,000 times more quickly”, according to Gustaffson. The lowering of the speed of sound also indicates it may have a shorter wavelength than that os light. This is because an atom that interacts with the light waves is always more smaller than the particular wavelength.
What is interesting about this discovery is that the atom can be larger than the wavelength of sound. This in turn implies that the properties of the atom in such a case can be controlled more easily, according to researchers. The atom can be designed to respond to only certain acoustic frequencies or ensure that the interaction with sound becomes stronger. The frequency used in the experiment by the researchers was 4.8 Ghz. This is 20 octaves above the highest note on the grand piano. Looks like the scientists could be making beautiful music with the new discovery that has the potential to revolutionise the understanding of quantum phenomena.
