Science: Quantum Oscillator Responds to Pressure

Frequency spectra are plotted versus mechanical deformation in the diagram. Every atomic quantum system leaves a characteristic white line. (Photo: KIT / CFN)

By means of Josephson junctions, researchers of the CFN measured the oscillations of individual atoms “tunneling” between two positions. This means that the atoms oscillated quantum mechanically. Deformation of the specimen even changed the frequency. These findings will enable scientists to research more appropriate how to use qubits for nanoelectronic components. In the far future, superconducting quantum bits might serve as components of high-performance computers. The findings are reported in Science Magazine: DOI: 10.1126/science.1226487.