Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Report: Diamonds has open the door to quantum computing

Quantum physics is of course known for bizarre phenomena that usually jostle with the laws of classical physics. The interaction between physical objects proposed by the scales usually bumps into concrete impediments theorists, when faced with the typical connections for the proposed new school.


The phenomenon known as quantum 'entanglement' (involvement) theoretically connects two objects even if they are separated by distances immeasurable and also studies the factors that affect both objects in time and space, and the potential of these interactions.

The entanglement in a nutshell, occurs when particles such as electrons or photons physically interact and then separate. What defines the phenomenon is, in terms of quantum, is the assumption that both particles share an undefined state until they are measured.

It is measuring the interference it causes, among other factors, the connection takes the name of the phenomenon itself. That is, particles potentialities pluggable (but separate) that respond to the intervention of a measurement and thus causing the state of correlation or, if allowed to simplify the term, contact.

Scientists from the United Kingdom, Singapore and Canada have achieved a remarkable achievement in this field of study. They were able to physically demonstrate the phenomenon by means of diamonds and the common conditions encountered in any laboratory.

Ben Sussman, quantum physicist of the National Research Council of Canada, explains:

"It's hard to understand that we can practically hold in our own hands this little 'thing' quantum 1 mm thick"

He is not shy in saying that the succession of attempts that resulted in these results is very important for engineers and researchers for years looking for a way to explore the phenomenon of entanglement for purposes of investment in technologies such as quantum computing debated.

And indeed, this is a big step toward being able to appreciate a scientific demonstration that goes beyond the theoretical calculations proposed in papers and other specialists.


'Illustration: quantum experiment with diamonds AAAS'
The experiment consisted of placing two pieces of diamond (above in purple) and engage them - creating a state of quantum entanglement - through short laser pulses (green). With this set up properly, it was possible to measure the light given off from both simultanemanente diamonds (blue and red), so that scientists could then prove the desired quantum state with experience.

One other factor that caught the attention of the scientific community was that this experiment was done at room temperature and solid materials in their natural state. The common methodology for trials of type always includes the modification of states of very different samples of simple natural diamonds and also special conditions such as freezing temperatures.

The next step is to make possible the establishment of the phenomenon and connecting elements larger in size. Again, there have been situations where scientists have managed to "entangle" superconducting integrated circuits, but only with their temperatures reduced to extremely low levels.

What seems like a recipe for the new generation of holistic specialists is then the news that ordinary objects have indeed the potential to exhibit this behavior / state.

What one side is the only potential partner with the results of the experiment the AAAS with a brick on the other, the experience itself only paves a very long road still to be covered, until it can fully satisfy the next candidate for Gandalf.

That is, can tell you that speak so things like "science proves beyond doubt that we learn to measure just right that we can connect to a cosmic onion" and so on ...

Romps with these poor souls apart, scientists warn the fact that quantum phenomena easily break or dissociate when larger objects.

The reason this happens because of a physical property that facilitates the demonstration of entanglement in states of very small objects, known as 'coherence'. This condition suffers a kind of erosion when it interacts with other elements, such as atoms of the elements that are close to being 'connected'.

Sussman explains:

"Consistency is the factor which determines the potential extent of a quantum system. If there are many elements heat bouncing back and forth on this system, the quantum potential disappears. "

Ian Walmsley, professor of experimental physics at Oxford University, explains that:

"It is easier to maintain consistency in the smallest objects of them are practically isolated from other particles that can disrupt their interactions. Things are complicated in several other large objects containing moving parts. "

Major focus of research, Sussman and his colleagues note that:

The ductility (toughness) of diamonds shows they are more resistant to disturbances that can destroy the coherence;
The maximum speed of the experiment (the researchers used laser pulses of no more than 60 femtoseconds long - equivalent to 0.00006 of a 1 [ns] * - shows that there was no time for disturbances to destroy the state of coherence, as well as fenomológicos effects of the quantum state in question.