Single Atom Light Switches

[Steven Mill]

Hi there, it’s Steven Mill! Check my last article and feel free to give your impressions.

Introduction

Technological advancements have urged the humans to explore a variety of new research and development arenas. Subject specialists and field engineers are committed to explore and probe each and every aspect of the universe. They are determined in making such discoveries possible that are of maximum benefit to mankind.

In the same quest of making almost every phenomenon discernable as well practically utilizable, researches and experiments have been conducted on Single atom light switches.

What is a single atom light switch?

Quantum scientists have been trying hard for the past few decades in bringing about such a technology that thoroughly manipulates the laws of quantum mechanics for their own operation and benefit. Development of a single atom light switch is an extension of this phenomenon.

The basic principle behind single atom light switches is to make use of single atoms and light particles (photons of light). So, it could be said with surety that the combination of a single atom and light particles existing in the form of photons gives rise to a unique entity that is termed as ‘single atom light switch’.

Working of a single atom light switch

Even though the concept behind single atom light switches seems exceedingly simple, the process in reality is quite difficult. Research and experiments have indicated that in quantum light switch, the single atom plays the role of a transistor in photons.

The process of interaction between light and atom is controlled by placing the atom in a specially designed high-finesse cavity. It is ensured to take such a position where a photon can make a large number of round trips among the cavity mirrors. Atoms of resistant chemical materials such as rubidium have been used for the construction and experimental purposes of single atom light switch.

The above-mentioned picture depicts rubidium atoms being used as a light switch.

Implications in future and current settings

Given the fact that single atom light switches are acknowledged for being a great research product, they have some very long-lasting present and future implications. Some of them are as follows:

• Advanced computing: Keeping in view that a photon is a quantum particle of light researchers at Max Planck Institute of Quantum optics have conducted some valuable experiments. Physicists have demonstrated that the combination of an atom and light photons could be controlled and manipulated to give rise to logic gates. These quantum optic gates would replace the conventionally used binary gates in computing systems.
  Advanced computing, speed, accuracy as well as a secured data system awaits us once single atom light switches start being formally implemented. Along with this, rapid calculations at enormous pace, extensive climate models and drug behaviors would also be easily calculated using high paced quantum theoretical machines.



• Long distance communications: Previously, quantum communication making use of flying photons and data processing with atoms and ions were considered distinct fields. But, owing to the successful discovery of single atom light switch, incredible quantum gates have been constructed. Their implementation in network systems would ensure stable and efficient long distance communications.



• Quantum information processing: – Researchers at Max Planck institute have come up with the discovery of single photon switch. Existence of this switch means development of quantum logic gates which would totally base on light to process data. Aided with optical transistors, this optical gate would entitle humans with a lot of perks.
  High bandwidth, low dissipation power etc. are some of the factors that would definitely be ensured once quantum logic states start being formally implemented. This would consequently accelerate the pace of quantum information processing. Picture below depicts the quantum switch.



• Quantum Web: Researchers at Harvard University have developed a novel quantum switch. From a technical standpoint, quantum physics specialists state that in near future these switches would be linked via fiber optic cables. This in turn would form the basis and central core for ‘Quantum Internet’. Because this highly specialized switched is turned off and on from a single light photon, thus it would become possible for all of us to access 100% secure internet connection.
  Moreover, it has also been stated that laws of quantum physics would be perfectly utilized to secure information exchanges, a phenomenon known as ‘quantum cryptography.’

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the remarkable and inspiring discovery of single atom light switch has qualitatively enhanced the scope of quantum physics. Along with this, it has also opened up the domain of quantum to comprehensively interact with classic and real world realms.

The fact that a single atom is able to control the passage of light ensures very bright and prospective future for domains such as quantum computing and communications. It can also be stated with high levels of surety that owing to the combination of atomic physics with photonics (study of light), abundant efficient quantum devices could emerge in the coming years and facilitate us to a great extent.

What is your opinion on Single Atom Light Switches?

Steven Mill.

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