Entanglement with negative Wigner function of almost 3,000 atoms heralded by one photonHere we generate entanglement in a large atomic ensemble via an interaction with a very weak laser pulse; remarkably, the detection of a single photon prepares several thousand atoms in an entangled state...More generally, our results demonstrate the power of heralded methods for entanglement generation, and illustrate how the information contained in a single photon can drastically alter the quantum state of a large system.
Entanglement is a quantum phenomenon where two or more particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other. When a photon interacts with a group of atoms, it can create a chain reaction of entanglement, linking all the atoms together.
Entangling a large number of atoms allows for the creation of a highly complex quantum system, which can potentially be used for applications such as quantum computing and communication. It also allows for the study of quantum mechanics on a larger scale, providing insights into the fundamental nature of our universe.
The duration of entanglement depends on various factors such as the stability of the atoms and the environment they are in. In general, entanglement can last for a few microseconds to several seconds. However, with advancements in technology, scientists have been able to extend the entanglement duration to minutes.
Yes, the entanglement of the atoms can be detected and measured using various techniques such as quantum tomography, which reconstructs the quantum state of the system. Scientists can also measure the entanglement by observing the correlations between the entangled atoms.
The entanglement of a large number of atoms has the potential to revolutionize numerous fields, including quantum computing, communication, and metrology. It can also lead to the development of new technologies such as quantum sensors and quantum simulators, which can have a significant impact in various industries.