The study focused on a titanium atom, specifically Ti-47. "A Ti-47 atom, to be precise," explained lead researcher Sander Otte. "It contains one neutron fewer than the more common Ti-48, which gives the nucleus a slight magnetic property." This magnetism, or 'spin,' can be thought of as a compass needle that represents quantum information through its orientation.
Hyperfine Interaction and Electron Spin
Under normal conditions, the nucleus of an atom remains unaffected by its surrounding electrons due to the large distance between them. However, through a weak phenomenon known as the hyperfine interaction, the nucleus' spin can be influenced by the spin of one of the atom's electrons. Lukas Veldman, who recently completed his PhD dissertation on the project, noted, "The hyperfine interaction is so weak that it only works within a very specific and finely tuned magnetic field."
Once the ideal experimental conditions were established, the team applied a voltage pulse that pushed the electron spin out of equilibrium, causing both the electron and nucleus to wobble together briefly. Veldman added, "It's exactly how Schrodinger predicted it." His theoretical calculations closely matched the observed results, confirming that quantum information remained intact during the interaction.
Quantum Information Potential
The research suggests that the nuclear spin of an atom could be a promising candidate for storing quantum information, thanks to its isolation from environmental disturbances. While this application is still in development, Otte emphasized the broader significance of their work: "This experiment gives humans control over matter at a nearly incomprehensible scale. For me, that makes all the effort worthwhile."
Research Report:Coherent spin dynamics between electron and nucleus within a single atom
Related Links
Delft University of Technology
Understanding Time and Space
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