NIST physicists have demonstrated quantum entanglement in a mechanical system for the first time, using two pairs of vibrating ions. Each pair of ions, consisting of one beryllium and one magnesium atom, vibrated in unison even when separated by 240 micrometers. This achievement extends the boundaries of quantum behavior to macroscopic systems and provides insights into where and how “classical” objects may exhibit unusual quantum properties.
The demonstration also showcased techniques that will help scale up trapped-ion technology to potentially build ultra-powerful quantum computers. If they can be built, quantum computers may be able to solve certain problems, such as code breaking, exponentially faster than today’s computers.
The NIST experiments suggest that mechanical oscillators can take part in both the quantum and classical worlds, possessing some features of each, depending in part on the energy and other properties of the vibrations. The experiments also achieved the first combined demonstration of arranging different ions into a desired order, separating and re-cooling them while preserving entanglement, and then performing subsequent quantum operations on the ions. These techniques could help scientists build large-scale quantum computers that use hundreds of ions to store data and perform many computational steps.
Keywords: Entanglement, Quantum, Ions, Oscillators, Mechanical
