The Russian Academy of Sciences Spectroscopy Institute and HSE physicists have developed a new method that allows you to keep Rubidia-87 atoms in a record trap more than 4 seconds. This discovery will significantly increase the accuracy of quantum sensors used in scientific research of dark matter, developing navigation systems and seeking minerals. Scientists are sure that this success will open new horizons in practical physics.
They are devices that use the properties of quantum mechanics to examine quantum sensors, materials and phenomena. They allow high accuracy to measure changes in magnetic and gravity areas and at the same time to monitor the acceleration and return of the world. For their work, it is important that the atoms used as the basis of these sensors remain in a trap for a long time as possible. However, scientists need to overcome complex technical difficulties, because atoms move constantly because of heat.
The secret of the new method is the use of lasers and magnetic fields that slow down atoms and help to keep them in the right area. First, scientists cool the atoms up to 100 microokeal, which helps to slow down their movements. Then, with the help of lasers and a magnetic field, the atoms are kept in a trap. This allows you to create conditions in which they stay in more than 4 seconds in the right area, which is sufficient to make correct measurements. In the future, it will make these quantum sensors more effective and compact.
Source: Ferra
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
