Condensate divided? Quantum unity stands
Atoms of an ultracold form of matter called a Bose-Einstein condensate share a single quantum-mechanical state even when the condensate is minced into many pieces.
References:
Anderson, B.P., and M.A. Kasevich. 1998. Macroscopic quantum interference from atomic tunnel arrays. Science 282(Nov. 27):1686.
Hall, D.S., et al. Measurements of relative phase in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates. Physical Review Letters 81(Aug. 24):1543.
Further Readings:
Peterson, I. 1997. Atom laser demonstrated in chilled drips. Science News 151(Feb. 1):71.
Weiss, P. 1998. Hydrogen atoms chill to quantum sameness. Science News 154(July 25):54.
Wu, C. 1995. Physics ‘Holy Grail’ finally captured. Science News 148(July 15):36.
Sources:
Brian P. Anderson
Yale University
Physics Department
New Haven, CT 06520Mark A. Kasevich
Yale University
Physics Department
New Haven, CT 06520Wolfgang Ketterle
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Physics Department
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139From Science News, Vol. 154, No. 22, November 28, 1998, p. 342. Copyright Ó 1998 by Science Service.
11/28/98
copyright 1998 ScienceService
