Quantum tractor beam could tug atoms, molecules
Electron beams could enable ‘matter wave’ treknology, theoretical study suggests
DO THE WAVE Quantum matter acts like both a particle and a wave, as demonstrated by the famous double-slit experiment (illustrated above). Electrons sent through a pair of slits interfere like waves, creating peaks and troughs. This wave nature of matter could be used to create a tractor beam that could reel in atoms or molecules, a new study proposes.
Russell Kightley/Science Source