An international team of scientists, led by researchers from the Bose Institute in Kolkata, has devised an experiment to explore the limits of quantum theory for objects much more massive than typical microphysical objects. This experiment aims to understand the boundary between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics for larger objects.
The experiment seeks to test the domain of validity of quantum theory for arbitrarily massive objects. This involves demonstrating quantum behavior in objects much larger than those previously tested.
This could help bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics, providing insights into how quantum principles apply to macroscopic objects.
Quantum theory, also known as quantum mechanics, is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the behavior of particles at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It's one of the most successful theories in science, having been confirmed by numerous experiments and observations.
Notably, the boundary between the quantum mechanical microworld and the large scale macroscopic classical world of everyday objects obeying Newtonian Laws remains unspecified. The question--up to what level the quantum mechanical principles be valid for macroscopic objects-- continues to be one of the most fundamental open questions in contemporary physics.
Prof. Dipankar Home from Bose Institute, Kolkata, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with D. Das, S. Bose (University College London) and H. Ulbricht (University of Southampton, UK) have formulated a novel procedure for demonstrating an observable signature of quantum behaviour for an oscillating object like pendulum having any large mass.
He emphasized that the findings could pave the way for developing high-precision quantum sensors, which are crucial for emerging quantum technologies.
The team performing experiment, include researchers from University College London and the University of Southampton, used lasers to suspend a single nanocrystal of silica (a microscopic glass bead) as it oscillates around the focal point of a small parabolic mirror. This setup allows them to detect measurement-induced disturbances in the quantum mechanical pendulum.
The findings could pave the way for developing high-precision quantum sensors, which are crucial for emerging quantum technologies. It also addresses fundamental questions about the applicability of quantum principles to macroscopic object.
This experiment is a significant step towards understanding the quantum mechanical nature of larger objects and could have practical applications in quantum technology.
Quantum theory has led to many technological advancements including Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, and medical imaging.
The famous Double-Slit experiment demonstrated wave-particle duality by showing that particles create an interference pattern when not observed, but act as particles when observed.
Quantum theory continues to be an area of active research, with scientists exploring its implications for our understanding of the universe.
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