Quantum Entanglement in Helium Atoms
Why in News?
- Recently, scientists successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement in Helium atoms.
| UPSC Relevance: GS-3 Science and Technology: Quantum Technology Prelims: Basics of Quantum Computing; Quantum Entanglement & its Applications. |
What is Quantum Entanglement?
- Quantum entanglement occurs when two particles become so deeply linked that they share a single existence.
- When two or more particles become entangled, the state of one particle becomes linked with the state of the other(s), regardless of the distance between them. Thus, changes to the state of one particle instantaneously affect the state of the other.
- Albert Einstein famously called entanglement “spooky action at a distance” because it defies everyday logic. In classical physics, objects usually only affect things directly next to them.
Quantum Entanglement in Helium Atoms:
- Researchers collided clouds of Helium atoms. The collisions produced pairs of atoms whose momenta were entangled (momentum entanglement).
- Neither atom had a definite direction until a detector measured it. However, once the momentum of one atom was measured, it instantly determined the momentum of the other atom (of its partner), no matter how far apart they had travelled.
- The experiment shows that even relatively heavy particles can share a single quantum state. Their properties (momentum, in this case) remained interconnected even when separated.
Significance:
- Moving closer to Unified Theory of Everything: So far, quantum entanglement has been observed in much lighter particles like electrons, photons, etc. The recent discovery of quantum entanglement in heavy particles (matter) opens ways for researchers to study the link between quantum physics and gravity — a famous unsolved problem in physics.
Applications of Quantum Entanglement:
- Quantum Computing: Entangled qubits in a quantum computer can be manipulated collectively, allowing for the parallel processing of information in a way that classical bits (classical computers) cannot achieve.
- Quantum Cryptography: Used in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Provides ultra-secure communication because any interference can be detected.
- Quantum Teleportation: Transfer of quantum state information across distances. Useful in future communication networks.
- Precision Measurement: Improves accuracy in sensors and atomic clocks.
- Understanding Quantum Gravity: Helps explore the connection between the General Theory of Relativity (gravity) and Quantum Mechanics.
UPSC PYQ 2025
Q. Consider the following statements:
I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing.
II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III
Answer: (c)
UPSC PYQ 2022
Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
Answer: (b)