Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

L’annuaire du Collège de France

Single Atoms: Controlling the Quantum World

Dieter Meschede

Published Jan 1, 2013• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Single Atoms: Controlling the Quantum WorldAtoms and photons are the principal cases of microscopic particles, the hallmarks of quantum objects. For more than a century they have served as conceptual models to understand and investigate the microscopic structure of matter. More than 30 years ago it became possible to isolate and observe single ions in a trapping device. This experiment may be taken as a turning point in the history of approaching the quantum world: experimenters left the rol...

DOI
10.4000/annuaire-cdf.1130

Related papers

5. The quantum world of the atom

Geoff A. Cottrell

‘The quantum world of the atom’ considers the profound discoveries of the early twentieth century that exposed the inner structure of the atom and the revolutionary new physics of quantum mechanics—the behaviour of matter on very small scales. At the microscopic level, ‘particles’ of matter resemble waves, a feature that enables us to understand the structure, stability, and properties of atoms. Key discoveries and concepts are described: the fundamental constant of nature, Planck’s constant; Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle; the Schrödinger equation; quantum tunnelling; the wavelike characteristics of microscopic particles; and the two types of particles, fermions and bosons.

Oxford University Press eBooks•Mar 28, 2019•0 citations

First for single photons

The ability of physicists to control single quantum particles, such as individual atoms and photons, has improved greatly in recent years and has allowed many “thought experiments” to be actually performed in the laboratory Experimental techniques have now advanced to the stage where it is possible to repeatedly observe a single photon in a cavity without destroying it (G Nogues et al. l999 Nature 400 239).

Physics World•Aug 1, 1999•0 citations

How to Catch an Atom: Tales on Time-Telling and Future Applications

Noa Segev, David J. Wineland

This article is based on an interview between the two authors. Small particles, such as single photons, electrons, atoms or charged atoms (called ions), can experience a very different world from that which we usually perceive. While in our daily life, things seem to be reasonably predictable, continuous, and well-defined, in the “quantum” world of single or small numbers of particles, there are surprises and many unexpected “non-classical” behaviors. In addition to its complexity, the world of small particles opens up some very interesting possibilities for applications to practical problems. To take advantage of the amazing properties of small particles, scientists and other researchers have developed various techniques for holding and isolating photons, electrons, atoms, and ions and manipulating their behavior. In this article, we will try to give you a glance into the fascinating lives of small particles, tell you about techniques for working with them, and mention exciting new potential applications that take advantage of their unique behaviors.

Frontiers for Young Minds•May 31, 2023•0 citations

10 Hybrid quantum systems of atoms and ions

Christoph Zipkes, Lothar Ratschbacher, Stefan Palzer +1 more

In recent years, ultracold atoms have emerged as an exceptionally controllable experimental system to investigate fundamental physics, ranging from quantum information science to simulations of condensed matter models. Here we go one step further and explore how cold atoms can be combined with other quantum systems to create new quantum hybrids with tailored properties. Coupling atomic quantum many-body states to an independently controllable single-particle gives access to a wealth of novel physics and to completely new detection and manipulation techniques. We report on recent experiments in which we have for the first time deterministically placed a single ion into an atomic Bose Einstein condensate. A trapped ion, which currently constitutes the most pristine single particle quantum system, can be observed and manipulated at the single particle level. In this single-particle/many-body composite quantum system we show sympathetic cooling of the ion and observe chemical reactions of single particles in situ.

•Aug 16, 2016•16 citations

- Introduction

Janik Wolters

The two preceding quotations of Schro¨dinger and Pauli from the first half of the 20th century might suggest the opposite, but it is in fact research on individual quantum objects and on semiconductors which has seen tremendous progress in the last decades. Single quantum systems are not anymore only a theoretical concept that is applied in Gedanken experiments, but single atoms, ions, photons, or individual solid state quantum systems are frequently used in many real-world experiments.

•Aug 20, 2015•0 citations

The Physics of Quantum World of Particles

Varinderjit Kaur

The quantum world has always ignited human curiosity to unveil and speculate on the fascinating secrets of microscopic particles. This curiosity has opened a window to other branches of physics pushing the boundaries of classical understanding. After years of experimentation and analysis, scientists revealed that at microscopic dimensions, Newtonian mechanics failed not only quantitatively but even qualitatively and conceptually, clearing the way for new ideas. The nature of the difference between Newtonian mechanics and quantum mechanics is presented, with the core difference being the inherently probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. This probabilistic foundation has led to revolutionary concepts like wave-particle duality and entanglement, fundamentally challenging classical ideas of causality and locality. The present article provides a well-focused and comprehensive overview of foundation ideas, concepts, and applications of quantum mechanics that make it principally different from Newtonian mechanics.

Journal of Advanced Research in Electronics Engineering and Technology•Dec 2, 2024•0 citations
Single Atoms: Controlling the Quantum WorldAtoms and photons are the principal cases of microscopic particles, the hallmarks of quantum objects. For more than a century they have served as conceptual models to understand and investigate the microscopic structure of matter. More than 30 years ago it became possible to isolate and observe single ions in a trapping device. This experiment may be taken as a turning point in the history of approaching the quantum world: experimenters left the rol...
‘The quantum world of the atom’ considers the profound discoveries of the early twentieth century that exposed the inner structure of the atom and the revolutionary new physics of quantum mechanics—the behaviour of matter on very small scales. At the microscopic level, ‘particles’ of matter resemble waves, a feature that enables us to understand the structure, stability, and properties of atoms. Key discoveries and concepts are described: the fundamental constant of nature, Planck’s constant; Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle; the Schrödinger equation; quantum tunnelling; the wavelike characteristics of microscopic particles; and the two types of particles, fermions and bosons.
This article is based on an interview between the two authors. Small particles, such as single photons, electrons, atoms or charged atoms (called ions), can experience a very different world from that which we usually perceive. While in our daily life, things seem to be reasonably predictable, continuous, and well-defined, in the “quantum” world of single or small numbers of particles, there are surprises and many unexpected “non-classical” behaviors. In addition to its complexity, the world of small particles opens up some very interesting possibilities for applications to practical problems. To take advantage of the amazing properties of small particles, scientists and other researchers have developed various techniques for holding and isolating photons, electrons, atoms, and ions and manipulating their behavior. In this article, we will try to give you a glance into the fascinating lives of small particles, tell you about techniques for working with them, and mention exciting new potential applications that take advantage of their unique behaviors.
In recent years, ultracold atoms have emerged as an exceptionally controllable experimental system to investigate fundamental physics, ranging from quantum information science to simulations of condensed matter models. Here we go one step further and explore how cold atoms can be combined with other quantum systems to create new quantum hybrids with tailored properties. Coupling atomic quantum many-body states to an independently controllable single-particle gives access to a wealth of novel physics and to completely new detection and manipulation techniques. We report on recent experiments in which we have for the first time deterministically placed a single ion into an atomic Bose Einstein condensate. A trapped ion, which currently constitutes the most pristine single particle quantum system, can be observed and manipulated at the single particle level. In this single-particle/many-body composite quantum system we show sympathetic cooling of the ion and observe chemical reactions of single particles in situ.
The quantum world has always ignited human curiosity to unveil and speculate on the fascinating secrets of microscopic particles. This curiosity has opened a window to other branches of physics pushing the boundaries of classical understanding. After years of experimentation and analysis, scientists revealed that at microscopic dimensions, Newtonian mechanics failed not only quantitatively but even qualitatively and conceptually, clearing the way for new ideas. The nature of the difference between Newtonian mechanics and quantum mechanics is presented, with the core difference being the inherently probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. This probabilistic foundation has led to revolutionary concepts like wave-particle duality and entanglement, fundamentally challenging classical ideas of causality and locality. The present article provides a well-focused and comprehensive overview of foundation ideas, concepts, and applications of quantum mechanics that make it principally different from Newtonian mechanics.