Extremely cold atoms were thrown with one laser beam and caught with another. The technique could be used in quantum computing
Optical tweezers are very focused laser beams
Shutterstock/luchschenF
Lasers have been used to throw and catch extremely cold, single atoms. The technique could be used to assemble quantum computers in the future.
To arrange atoms that are almost as cold as absolute zero into different configurations, researchers typically grab and carry them using very focused laser beams called optical tweezers. Jaewook Ahn at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea and his colleagues wanted to find a way to minimise the amount of time the optical tweezers …
No commitment, cancel anytime*
Offer ends 14th March 2023. *Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.
Existing subscribers, please log in with your email address to link your account access.
Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)
MORE FROM NEW SCIENTIST
Gravitational wave hunters will get an ultracool new tool in 2023
We have been detecting gravitational waves since 2015, but there is still much more to learn. The Matter-wave Laser Interferometric Gravitation Antenna will use ultracold atoms to spot ripples in space-time at lower frequencies than ever before
Achieving nuclear fusion would be building on the shoulders of giants
It took generations of work by engineers and scientists to reach this month’s nuclear fusion milestone, but there are big challenges ahead, says Matthew Sparkes
Biggest science news stories of 2022 as chosen by New Scientist
Nuclear fusion, infectious diseases and an incredible new space telescope were ongoing stories in 2022, but what were some of the other big scientific developments, discoveries and events of the year?
Canada geese return twice as quickly if you try to shoo them away
Geese chased out of a park in Chicago returned to the area twice as quickly on days when they were harassed, compared with days when they left of their own accord
