New Technique to Stabilize Alkali Metal Vapor May Boost Quantum Data Storage, or Power Atomic Clocks

(InterestingEngineering) Scientists at the University of Bath (UB) have developed a new technique for stabilizing alkali metal vapor, giving access to individual electrons from elements like lithium, sodium, and potassium. They recently detailed a new technique for stabilizing alkali metal vapor, giving access to individual electrons from elements like lithium, sodium, and potassium. These electrons can be used to perform logical operations or provide a means of data storage for quantum computers, be used in medical diagnostic equipment, or provide the kind of precise measurements necessary to power an atomic clock.
“We are very excited by this discovery because it has so many applications in current and future technologies,” said Professor Ventsislav Valev, from UB’s Department of Physics, who lead the research. “It would be useful in atomic cooling, in atomic clocks, in magnetometry and in ultra-high-resolution spectroscopy.”