Work

Quantum experiments with microscale particles

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Quantum theory is incredibly successful, explaining the microscopic world with great accuracy, from the behaviour of subatomic particles to chemical reactions to solid-state electronics. There is not a single experimental finding challenging its predictions, and ever more quantum phenomena are exploited in technology, including interferometric sensing and quantum cryptography. In order to explore novel applications and test the validity of quantum physics at the macroscale, researchers strive to prepare ever heavier and bigger objects in quantum superpositions. Experiments with levitated microscale particles are about to push this quest into uncharted waters.

Source: Contemporary Physics

DOI: 10.1080/00107514.2020.1854497

Authors: James Millen, Benjamin A. Stickler

Institutions: King's College London, Imperial College London, University of Duisburg-Essen

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical and Optical Resonators

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Commission, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, H2020 European Research Council

Awards: G434337789, G6238079054, Levitated Electromechanics: All-Electrical Nanoscale Control and Cooling (LEVELECTRO), G855212880, Levitated Nanoparticles for Technology and Quantum Nanophysics: New frontiers in physics at the nanoscale.