World-first quantum entanglement of molecules at 92% fidelity, UK achieves āmagicā
In a major accomplishment for quantum mechanics research, scientists at Durham University in the UK have achieved the first-ever quantum entanglement of molecules. The team used precisely controlled optical traps or āmagic-wavelength optical tweezersā to create environments that support long-lasting entanglement, a press release said.
Quantum entanglement is an important phenomenon where two particles are linked irrespective of distance. In such a condition, the state of one particle influences the other and is being explored to develop futuristic computational approaches. The phenomenon has various applications ranging from quantum sensing to computing.
Interesting Engineering has previously reported how quantum entanglement can transmit information between two or multiple nodes and achieve lightning-fast communication.
Additionally, the entanglement can be achieved over existing fiber optic cable networks, enabling real-world deployment of quantum networks without building extensive infrastructure.
First-ever entanglement of molecules
Although quantum entanglement between atoms has been demonstrated multiple times before, a research team led by Simon Cornish at Durham University achieved a major milestone by demonstrating it with molecules for the first time.
Since molecules have additional structures and properties, such as vibration and rotation, scientists believe they can leverage them in quantum applications.
āQuantum entanglement is very fragile, yet we can entangle two molecules using incredibly weak interactions and then prevent loss of the entanglement for a time approaching one second,ā explained Cornish in the press release.
However, to achieve this, the research team needed to create a stable environment that supports the coherence of molecules over extended periods.
The team deployed specially tuned laser light to control the molecules with high precision. This resulted in extremely high entanglement fidelity of over 92 percent, even when errors were accounted for.
āThe results highlight the remarkable control we have over individual molecules,ā added Cornish in the press release. Stability is important for applications that involve long measurement periods and storage of quantum information.
āOur work demonstrates the incredible potential of molecules as building blocks for next-generation quantum technologies,ā said Daniel Ruttley, a post-doctoral research associate at the university, who was also involved in the work.
āLong-lived molecular entanglement could be exploited to construct quantum computers or precise quantum sensors and to understand the quantum nature of complex materials.ā
Long-lived entanglement could also help achieve precision measurements in quantum sensing, simulate complex quantum materials, and further newer forms of quantum computation.
The research could also help in the development of quantum memories. Much like binary data storage devices, these systems could help store quantum information for longer durations and advance quantum networks.
The research is an important step in the advancement of quantum computing systems. While much of the work in this domain has been focused on attaining computations with a higher number of quantum bits or qubits and error correction, we also need to delve deeper into quantum phenomena such as quantum entanglement to make major advancements in technology.
The research findings were published in the journal Nature.
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