THE TERM `quantum system' is used to describe a system, which is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, as opposed to being governed by the classical laws of physics such as mechanics, gravity and Einstein's general theory of relativity.
Exists in nature
Such a system exists in nature at the atomic and sub-atomic level. Constructing a simulator, which mimics this quantum behaviour is key to building a quantum computer, which can perform at speeds billions of times faster than conventional silicon based computers. Scientists have proven theoretically a novel way to build such a simulator.
The uniqueness of the proposed simulator is that it could let researchers control how individual particles move and interact with each other.
Similar system
Dr Michael J Hartmann, who led the study along with his colleagues Mr. Fernando Brandão and Professor Martin Plenio from Imperial College London's Department of Physics and Institute for Mathematical Sciences, said: "Our research has successfully shown that it is possible to create a simulation of a system governed by the laws of quantum physics, in which scientists could have control of individual particles.
This is a key theoretical discovery because in order to build the quantum computers of the future — which harness the power of atoms to perform calculations billions of times faster than normal computers — we will need to be able to manipulate quantum systems in this way."
Short-term benefits
Professor Plenio adds: "In the short term the simulator could be used to test the capabilities of materials at the atomic and sub-atomic level when quantum physics governs atoms' behaviour." The proposed simulator would consist of atoms and photons - particles of light - in an array of very small silicon cavities, measuring just 50 micrometres across, according to an Imperial College London press release.
Photon jumping
The researchers show that the atoms and photons inside the cavities would form a strongly-interacting many-body system, with photons jumping from cavity to cavity, and at the same time being scattered off each other - all examples of quantum behaviour. — Our Bureau
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