The interaction between atoms and light is well known and has been studied extensively in the field of quantum optics.
However, to achieve the same kind of interaction with sound waves has been a more challenging undertaking.
The researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have now succeeded in making acoustic waves couple to an artificial atom.
“We have opened a new door into the quantum world by talking and listening to atoms,” said Per Delsing, head of the experimental research group.
“Our long term goal is to harness quantum physics so that we can benefit from its laws, for example in extremely fast computers. We do this by making electrical circuits which obey quantum laws, that we can control and study,” said Delsing.
