MIT scientists have developed a groundbreaking method for positioning atoms, allowing them to be placed just 50 nanometers apart – a significant advancement compared to the previous limit of 500 nanometers. To put this in perspective, a red blood cell is about 1,000 nanometers wide.
This achievement, which overcomes the “light barrier” that restricted atom manipulation in the past, was made possible by a new technique developed by the MIT team. Traditional methods using lasers were limited by the wavelength of light, preventing atoms from being placed closer together.
The researchers began by cooling a cloud of dysprosium atoms with strong magnetic properties to near absolute zero. They then used two lasers with different frequencies and polarizations to create standing waves, separating the atoms into two groups based on the orientation of their spins.
One key aspect of the experiment was the stability of the laser system, which remained unaffected by external vibrations. This stable setup allowed for precise manipulation of the atoms at such close distances.
By utilizing this new method, the scientists not only enhanced the magnetic interactions between atoms but also observed novel quantum phenomena. These included collective vibrations and thermalization, where heat transfer between atom layers occurred through magnetic vibrations rather than physical contact.
The implications of this research are significant, as it paves the way for the development of quantum materials and potential applications in magnetic-controlled atomic systems for quantum computers. This innovative work marks a milestone in the field of atomic manipulation and opens up new possibilities for future technological advancements.