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Researchers at Stanford University report the first direct observation of quantum jumps in sound, achieving a milestone in the century-long study of quantum phenomena.
The phenomenon of quantum jumps describes abrupt transitions of energy states, a concept with roots that extend back to the beginning of the last century. Although the first demonstrations occurred four decades ago with experiments involving ions, and again two decades later in experiments with photons, quantum jumps had never been observed in sound—until now.
In new research published in the journal Science by Amir Safavi-Naeini, a Stanford Associate Professor of Applied Physics, and colleagues, the team reports the first known recording of the phenomenon.
Safavi-Naeini says the breakthrough could help advance quantum technologies that use mechanical vibrations, or sound, to store, manipulate, or detect quantum information.
But what, precisely, does the team’s recent observation of a single phonon—that is, a discrete quantum of mechanical vibration, or sound—jumping from one energy state to another tell us about the quantum nature of sound that past experiments hadn’t yet revealed?
thedebrief.org
The phenomenon of quantum jumps describes abrupt transitions of energy states, a concept with roots that extend back to the beginning of the last century. Although the first demonstrations occurred four decades ago with experiments involving ions, and again two decades later in experiments with photons, quantum jumps had never been observed in sound—until now.
In new research published in the journal Science by Amir Safavi-Naeini, a Stanford Associate Professor of Applied Physics, and colleagues, the team reports the first known recording of the phenomenon.
Safavi-Naeini says the breakthrough could help advance quantum technologies that use mechanical vibrations, or sound, to store, manipulate, or detect quantum information.
But what, precisely, does the team’s recent observation of a single phonon—that is, a discrete quantum of mechanical vibration, or sound—jumping from one energy state to another tell us about the quantum nature of sound that past experiments hadn’t yet revealed?
Quantum Leap: Stanford Team Reports Breakthrough First Observation of Quantum Jumps in Sound
Researchers at Stanford University report the first direct observation of quantum jumps in sound, achieving a milestone in the century-long study of quantum phenomena.
thedebrief.org
