Most research is about trying to keep electrons isolated from the magnetic environment. What is unique about this experiment is that we did the opposite and used it as a resource
- Mete Atature
A new method of controlling the “spin” of an electron, one of the fastest-developing research topics in quantum-based technologies and widely seen as the potential foundation of numerous future advances, has been demonstrated by scientists.
In quantum physics, the “spin” of a particle refers to its intrinsic angular momentum. This can be controlled so that it is aligned with one of two directions, typically referred to as “up” or “down”.
Usually, researchers define the direction by applying a magnetic field to orientate the electron, called the “quantisation axis”. The process can, however, be distorted by the natural magnetic environment around the electron itself, which is usually seen as one of the biggest obstacles to controlling spin.
Uniquely, the new study, by a team at the University of Cambridge and the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) in the USA, instead turned this magnetic field into a natural advantage which allowed the electron to be held in place. The researchers did this by firing two precisely-tuned lasers at the particle, creating what they call a “dark state” from which it could be manipulated and measured.
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Image:Spin manipulation in a noisy environment. In the quest for ever more precise manipulation of quantum systems, any uncontrolled interaction with the environment is usually considered detrimental.
Credit: Carsten Schulte
Reproduced courtesy of the University of Cambridge
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