Researchers Recreate Quantum Effect Using Ultracold Atomic Gases
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An international team led by researchers from LENS, CNR-INO, the University of Florence, RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has, for the first time, observed Shapiro steps in ultracold atomic gases.
The teams, following a protocol developed at TII, the University of Hamburg, and the University of Catania, demonstrated this quantum phenomenon—quantized responses to external oscillation—in a non-superconducting system. This achievement offers a new window into real-time observation of quantum mechanics and lays the groundwork for advanced quantum sensors with potential to outperform existing technologies, representing a significant step toward the principles highlighted by the anticipated 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. First Observation of Shapiro Steps in Ultracold Atoms Researchers have, for the first time, observed Shapiro steps in ultracold atoms, a quantum phenomenon previously only seen in superconducting circuits. This milestone offers a new way to study quantum mechanics in real time and lays the groundwork for advanced quantum sensors and simulation. Two teams, one in Florence and one in Kaiserslautern, achieved this using ultracold atomic gases, following a protocol developed by researchers in Abu Dhabi, Hamburg, and Catania – results published back-to-back in Science. The experiments revealed that each oscillation of the atomic system generates precise numbers of vortex-antivortex pairs, or vortex rings, responsible for producing the observed step-like signals. This allows scientists to “slow down and magnify” the inner workings of quantum systems, offering a clearer view of quantum coherence. The findings directly tie the emission of these vortex rings to the quantized Shapiro steps observed, marking a key advancement in understanding quantum transport. This achievement introduces a new field called atomtronics—atomic electronics—where neutral atoms, guided by lasers, function like electrons in traditional circuits. Unlike electrons, these atoms offer greater control and coherence, paving the way for ultra-sensitive measurements of gravity, rotation, and magnetic fields. Researchers anticipate applications ranging from autonomous navigation and seismic monitoring to space-based exploration and the creation of “quantum compasses” and gravity detectors. Understanding and Observing Quantum Coherence Researchers have, for the first time, observed Shapiro steps in ultracold atoms, a quantum phenomenon previously only seen in superconducting circuits. This breakthrough allows scientists to slow down and magnify quantum systems, providing a new way to observe quantum coherence in real time. The experiments revealed that each oscillation generates precise numbers of vortex-antivortex pairs – miniature whirlpools – responsible for creating the step-like signals observed, directly linking them to the emission of vortex rings. This achievement builds the first atomtronic AC circuit, utilizing neutral atoms instead of electrons. Atomtronics offers greater control and coherence compared to traditional electronics, potentially leading to ultra-sensitive measurements of gravity, rotation, and magnetic fields. The observation of quantized Shapiro steps in an atomic system advances atomtronics toward becoming a practical platform for future quantum technologies, including quantum compasses and gravity detectors. The findings, published in back-to-back articles in Science, demonstrate a new platform for studying quantum coherence and lay a concrete foundation for future quantum sensing technologies. By recreating the Shapiro effect with ultracold atoms, researchers are essentially watching quantum mechanics in slow motion, opening powerful new possibilities for quantum simulation of superconducting circuits in conditions previously inaccessible. This work highlights the international relevance of quantum research and the power of collaboration. Advancing Atomtronics and Quantum Technologies An international team has, for the first time, observed Shapiro steps in ultracold atoms, a quantum phenomenon previously only seen in superconducting circuits. This breakthrough provides a new way to study quantum mechanics in real time and is foundational for advanced quantum sensors and simulation. The experiments, conducted by teams in Florence and Kaiserslautern, followed a protocol developed in Abu Dhabi, Hamburg, and Catania, and have been published as ‘back-to-back’ articles in Science. The observation of these steps involved recreating the effect with ultracold atoms, allowing researchers to slow down and magnify quantum system workings. Each oscillation generated precise numbers of vortex-antivortex pairs, or vortex rings, responsible for the step-like signals. This achievement represents the first time quantized Shapiro steps have been linked to the emission of vortex rings in an atomic system, deepening our understanding of quantum transport and advancing the field of atomtronics. Atomtronics, utilizing neutral atoms guided by lasers, offers greater control and coherence than traditional electronics. This new platform promises ultra-sensitive measurements of gravity, rotation, and magnetic fields. Researchers have built the first atomtronic AC circuit using neutral atoms, creating devices for measuring subtle forces with unprecedented resolution and potentially enabling applications like quantum compasses and gravity detectors. Using ultracold atoms is like watching quantum mechanics in slow motion. Dr. Giulia del Pace Source: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads9061 Tags: