Dec 10 2010
Applied Physics Letters, a journal published by the American Institute of Physics, has described a new laser-beam steering device that concentrates on light explosion onto individual atoms for quantum computer applications. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Duke University have developed the system
Image of laser beams being directed to a 5x5 array
The laser system looks like laser projectors used at planetariums and concerts. However, it is very compact, quick, atom level precise and focused on next-generation quantum computing solutions.
One of the promising quantum computing methods utilizes arrays of single atoms floated by electromagnetic forces. The inside states of the atoms, which symbolize the qubits, are influenced by the pulses of laser light to do the calculation. In that process, the laser source must be focused precisely so that light used for one particular atom should not influence the adjoining atoms.
The laser system¡¦s small micromirrors, which have twofold diameter of a human hair, target each atom in less than 5 microseconds that is nearly 1,000 fold quicker than complicated beam-steering mirrors created for switches of optical communications.
The scientists noticed that the laser pulses also changed the quantum characteristics of each atom. In the demonstration, an array of five rubidium-87 atoms was used in which each atom was placed without affecting the adjacent atoms at a distance of 8.7ƒÝ.