Doctor of the Laboratory of Quantum Systems from Sussex, Amrut Gaj, did the impossible. During quarantine, she worked remotely, i.e., she performed manipulations in an empty laboratory. In one of her experiments she was able to obtain Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). This is the first such case in the history of science to open up possibilities for quantum physics. Now it will be possible to manipulate even in inaccessible environments such as Antarctica or space.
Gudge's colleagues admire the Professor's efforts. They claim that no one has ever managed to get a BEC remotely before. And this is not an achievement of one laboratory, this is an achievement of world science. A remote laboratory module is important for research applications, for correct functioning of experimental systems. Scientists can now focus on more, testing quantum theories in previously inaccessible environments.
BEC by weight of gold
BEC condensate is a myriad of rubidium molecules that are at the lowest possible temperature. It is much lower than the freezing temperature of any substance. In this state, the atomic lattice reveals completely different quantum properties, similar to those of weak magnetic fields.
Until now, specialists have been present at the synchronization of cooling phases and preparation of low-temperature rubidium gas, which require maximum control of photons, magnetic field and current. Although these stages were embedded in microchips, there was always total monitoring of the environment.
A group of scientists from the University of Sussex, which included Professor Amrutha Hajj, created a fundamentally new laboratory for BEC, which could, through a program, obtain this state by means of magnetic and quantum sensors. The object of magnetic microscopy was atomic gases, which affected different materials: ionic cellular channels and brain. In doing so, the gases were strictly controlled for a more detailed study of materials, indicators and devices.
Sensors were already used in super-sensitive devices:
rechargeable batteries;
sensors;
solar cells;
means for visualization of internal organs.
But the isolation allowed scientists to take these devices to the next level. Shortly before quarantine was declared, the laboratory set a magneto-optical trap. Employees came here a couple of times for routine maintenance, and Amrutha Haj could perform calculations with it remotely at home. Her powers included running the necessary units, everything that could be done with all the laboratory computers.
In this environment, the process of obtaining BEC condensate was slower than usual. On the contrary, the laboratory had to wait for substances to cool between runs, so the process was unstable. But even in this case, the steps were quite difficult because the control and error correction was done manually. When the new BEC was born, nobody could believe that it was possible. This means that quantum technologies are not standing still, predetermining the future of the new technological society.