Substances come in three common forms: solids, liquids, and gases. In addition, scientists have recognized a fourth form that occurs at extremely high temperatures, called plasma.
This image shows the distribution of rubidium atomic velocities, which confirms the existence of Bose-Einstein condensates. The colors in the graph show how many atoms are at this speed. Red indicates that only a few atoms have a velocity that velocity. White indicates that many atoms are at this speed. The lowest speed is displayed in white or light blue.
The fifth material form, called Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), occurs at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero (-273.15°C or -459.67°F). At such temperatures, atoms lose their respective characteristics and begin to behave like a whole.
Indian physicist Satya Nath Bose
This unique form of matter was first theorized by Albert Einstein and Indian physicist Satya Nath Bose in the early 20th century. However, it wasn't until 1995 that scientists were able to create the first BEC in a laboratory setting.
According to a recent paper in Nature, scientists succeeded in creating a fifth form of matter for an astonishing six minutes.
This major achievement has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of quantum mechanics and open the door to new technological advances. In this article, we will explore the significance of this achievement, the nature of BEC, and the potential applications of this new discovery.
Understanding Bose-Einstein condensates
Before diving into the details of the experiment, it is necessary to understand what a Bose-Einstein condensate is. BEC is a form of matter composed of bosons, a class of particles that follow Bose-Einstein statistical laws, such as photons, phonons, and helium atoms.
Schematic diagram of the structure of helium atoms. The grayscale in the figure shows the integral intensity of the probability density function corresponding to the atomic orbital of the electron cloud at 1s. The nucleus is for illustrative purposes only, with protons represented by pink and neutrons represented by purple. In fact , the nucleus ( and the wave function of the nucleon in it ) is also spherically symmetric. (This is not true for more complex nuclei.)
When bosons are cooled to a low enough temperature, they converge in a quantum state, forming a giant wavefunction with coherence and superfluidity. This means that all atoms in the BEC have the same energy, momentum, and spin, and can flow unimpeded. A BEC can be thought of as a giant atom or a giant quantum wave.
Experimental results: Extended the existence of BEC
Previously, scientists have struggled to maintain the stability of BECs, often for only a few seconds. During this experiment, the researchers used a combination of magnetic field and laser cooling to cool the rubidium atoms to extremely low temperatures, just a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero.
Rubidium is a chemical element with atomic number 37 and symbol Rb. It is part of the first group of the periodic table, more specifically alkali metals. Its chemical properties are close to potassium. In Earth and other geodes, it is often found to be a substitute for potassium in the same minerals.
The six-minute extension allows scientists to study the nature and behavior of BECs in greater detail than ever before. This achievement not only expands our understanding of this elusive form of matter, but also demonstrates the potential for further research and practical application.
Potential applications and future research
Successfully creating a stable Bose-Einstein condensate and maintaining it for a long time can have a profound impact on a variety of scientific and technological fields. Some potential applications include:
- Quantum computing: BEC can be used to develop components of quantum computers, which have the potential to perform complex calculations at speeds far faster than classical computers.
- Superconductors: Studying BECs could facilitate the development of more efficient superconductors that can conduct electric currents without any resistance. This can significantly improve power transmission and electronics.
- Precision sensors: The unique nature of BECs makes them ideal for manufacturing highly sensitive sensors that can be used in areas such as navigation, geophysics, and environmental monitoring.
Large quantum computers can widely crack the encryption schemes used and help physicists with physical simulations; However, the current state of the art is still largely experimental and impractical.
In addition, studying BEC can also help us explore some basic physics problems, such as gravity, dark matter and dark energy. BEC can also simulate astronomical phenomena such as black holes, neutron stars, and the early universe.
All in all, this is a historic achievement. This achievement not only enhances our understanding of quantum mechanics, but also provides possibilities for future scientific and technological innovation. We look forward to learning more about BEC experiments and discoveries, and their impact on human society."