Scientists at NIST have successfully created a beryllium atom that exists in two separate locations simultaneously, demonstrating a fundamental quantum mechanical phenomenon called superposition. The atom was cooled to near absolute zero and confined to a tiny space, allowing its electron to exist in two states at once. By applying precise laser pulses, the scientists separated these states by 80 nanometers, creating a “Schroedinger cat” state where the atom was in two places at once.
This groundbreaking experiment provides a glimpse of quantum superposition at a scale never before seen. The findings have implications for developing more precise atomic clocks and studying quantum decoherence, which is important for quantum computing and cryptography. However, the practical applications of this research are limited to the quantum realm, and won’t allow humans to be in two places at once.
NIST’s work in quantum mechanics and atomic physics supports economic growth by developing and applying advanced technologies and standards.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/1996/05/schroedingers-cat-atomic-cage
Keywords: superposition, quantum mechanics, decoherence, Schroedinger’s cat, quantum states
