Levitating Nanodiamonds: Pushing the Boundaries of Quantum Mechanics and Industrial Applications

Levitating Nanodiamonds: Pushing the Boundaries of Quantum Mechanics and Industrial Applications

Sub : Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT

Why in News

Physicists at Purdue University, USA, have successfully levitated fluorescent nano diamonds (FNDs) in a high vacuum, spinning them at extremely high speeds. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough, paving the way for potential advancements in fundamental physics and multiple industries, especially for quantum research and sensing technologies.

About Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs): They are nanometre-sized diamonds made of carbon nanoparticles produced under high temperature and pressure.

FNDs are non-toxic and stable under light, making them ideal for biomedical applications like cell tracking and high-resolution imaging.

They exhibit long fluorescence lifespans and do not blink under prolonged irradiation, unlike many other nanomaterials.

FNDs contain nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, which are vital for quantum computing and sensing technologies. FNDs are used in microscale temperature sensing and correlative microscopy.

Recent Breakthrough: Levitating and Spinning FNDs

In a recent study published in Nature Communications, physicists successfully levitated FNDs in a high vacuum and spun them at ultra-high speeds. This accomplishment opens the door for multiple industrial applications, particularly in sensor technology.

Industrial Applications of FNDs

FNDs are highly sensitive to acceleration and electric fields, making them ideal for use as sensors in various high-value industries.

The researchers suggest that the Berry phase generated by the rotation of FNDs could be useful in developing advanced gyroscopes for rotation sensing.

FNDs can be doped with elements like nitrogen to enhance their electrical, magnetic, thermal, and optical properties.

Doping creates nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers, which are key to the electron spin qubits in FNDs. These NV centers help in producing a macroscopic quantum superposition effect, which has implications for quantum computing.

About Carbon Nanoparticles

Carbon nanoparticles are nanoscale carbon materials with unique properties, including high surface area and electrical conductivity. Include carbon black, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene.

Used in drug delivery, cancer therapy, energy storage (batteries), electronics, and environmental remediation.

Biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and potential for targeted therapy in medical applications.

What is Quantum Spin?

It is an intrinsic property of particles like electrons and nuclei, analogous to angular momentum in classical physics.

Spin has two states: up and down, which are used in quantum computing to represent data as qubits (0s and 1s).

Spin is essential in magnetic hard drives and quantum computing, making it crucial for data storage and processing.

What is Berry Phase?

It is a geometric phase acquired by a particle’s wave function when subjected to cyclic changes, discovered by Michael Berry in 1986.

It is crucial in quantum mechanics for understanding particle behavior in complex systems like topological insulators. The Berry Phase can be used in quantum sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers.