Because quantum motion, or noise, is theoretically an intrinsic part of the motion of all objects, Schwab and his colleagues designed a device that would allow them to observe this noise and then manipulate it. The micrometer-scale device consists of a flexible aluminum plate that sits atop a silicon substrate. Credit: Chan Lei and Keith Schwab/Caltech
For the 1st time, Caltech and other researchers have found a way to observe and control quantum motion of an object that is large enough to see. Even large objects obey quantum physics, ie they are never quite at rest.
In classical physics, physical objects indeed can be motionless. Drop a ball into a bowl, and it will roll back and forth a few times, then gravity and friction will cause the ball to come to a stop.
“In the past couple of yea...
Read More
Recent Comments