Physicists Shine New Light On Ultra Fast Atomic Pr Newswise

Physicists Discover New Way to Control Atoms with Light

Ultra-Fast Atomic Control Opens Doors to Quantum Computing and Other Applications

Newswise, October 13, 2023

A team of physicists has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize quantum computing and other fields. They have developed a new way to control atoms with light, which is much faster and more precise than previous methods.

The new technique, called "femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy" (FSRS), uses ultra-fast laser pulses to excite atoms and then probe their response. This allows physicists to control the atoms' motion and interactions with unprecedented precision.

FSRS has a wide range of potential applications, including quantum computing, atomic clocks, and precision measurements. It could also lead to new insights into the fundamental nature of matter.

How FSRS Works

FSRS works by using two laser pulses to excite atoms and then probe their response. The first pulse, called the "pump" pulse, excites the atoms to a higher energy state. The second pulse, called the "probe" pulse, then probes the atoms' response to the first pulse.

By carefully controlling the timing and intensity of the pump and probe pulses, physicists can control the atoms' motion and interactions with unprecedented precision.

Applications of FSRS

FSRS has a wide range of potential applications, including:

• Quantum computing: FSRS could be used to create quantum bits (qubits), the basic units of information in a quantum computer.
• Atomic clocks: FSRS could be used to create atomic clocks that are more precise than any existing clock.
• Precision measurements: FSRS could be used to make precision measurements of atomic properties, such as their mass and energy levels.
• Fundamental physics: FSRS could be used to gain new insights into the fundamental nature of matter.

Conclusion

The discovery of FSRS is a major breakthrough that could have a profound impact on a wide range of fields. It is a testament to the power of basic research and the potential for new discoveries to emerge from the most unexpected places.

References

• Physicists discover new way to control atoms with light (New Scientist)
• Physicists shine new light on ultra-fast atomic control (Phys.org)
• Femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy of ultracold atoms (Nature)