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Quantum experiments with microscale particles

James Millen, Benjamin A. Stickler

2020Contemporary Physics51 citationsDOIOpen Access PDF

Abstract

Quantum theory is incredibly successful, explaining the microscopic world with great accuracy, from the behaviour of subatomic particles to chemical reactions to solid-state electronics. There is not a single experimental finding challenging its predictions, and ever more quantum phenomena are exploited in technology, including interferometric sensing and quantum cryptography. In order to explore novel applications and test the validity of quantum physics at the macroscale, researchers strive to prepare ever heavier and bigger objects in quantum superpositions. Experiments with levitated microscale particles are about to push this quest into uncharted waters.

Topics & Concepts

Microscale chemistryQuantumMaterials sciencePhysicsQuantum mechanicsPsychologyMathematics educationMechanical and Optical ResonatorsQuantum Information and CryptographyAdvanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics