Quantum Light’s Perception of Quantum Sound
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have proposed a novel method for using quantum light to observe quantum sound. Their recent publication explores the quantum interaction between light particles (photons) and molecular vibrations. This discovery could deepen our understanding of molecular-level light-matter interactions and their relevance in applications, from quantum technologies to biology.
Quantum Light’s Perception of Quantum Sound: whether energy transfer
Dr. Magnus Borgh from UEA’s School of Physics explained that a long-standing debate in chemical physics revolves around whether energy transfer within molecules involving light particles is fundamentally quantum or classical.
Molecules are intricate, vibrational systems, and this research aims to understand the impact of these vibrations on quantum processes within the molecule. Current investigation techniques rely on polarization, a classical phenomenon employed, for instance, in sunglasses to reduce reflections.
Methods derived from quantum optics, which explores the quantum characteristics of light and its interactions with matter at the atomic level, provide a means to directly explore authentic quantum phenomena within molecular systems.
Examining emitted light correlations reveals quantum behavior. These correlations quantify the probability of two photons being emitted in close proximity and can be assessed using conventional methods.
The exchange of phonons
Ben Humphries, a UEA theoretical chemistry PhD student, found that when molecules exchange phonons with their environment, it produces observable photon correlations.
Unlike photons, sound particles known as phonons are not as easily measurable. These recent discoveries offer a toolkit for exploring the realm of quantum sound within molecules.
Read the original article on sciencedaily.com
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