Mechanical Schrödinger's Cat ⚡ экспресс
A method for generating macroscopic quantum superpositions (Schrödinger's cat states) in a nanomechanical resonator has been proposed. The idea: connect the resonator to a qubit (two-level system) via two types of interaction, then drive the qubit at twice the resonant frequency. This triggers resonant exchange with the birth of phonon pairs, and subsequent dissipative stabilization forms a deterministic cat state. The scheme uses only one qubit without extra resonators, simplifying implementation in superconducting circuits. Interestingly, the process vaguely resembles stimulated emission in a laser, but for mechanical vibrations.
A child's swing cannot move forward and backward at the same time. But physicists propose a method for a nanostring — a mechanical resonator. They connect a qubit (an artificial atom) to it and drive it with an electrical signal at twice the string's natural frequency. This makes the string oscillate in two opposite directions at once — just like the famous Schrödinger's cat, only mechanical.
Surprisingly, energy losses don't harm but help: they stabilize this weird state. It's akin to how an increase in entropy (disorder) in open systems sometimes leads to order. To verify it, they use spectroscopy — a precise vibration analysis, much like tuning a musical string by ear.
The method is far simpler than previous ones: no bulky traps or numerous instruments. Just one qubit and a resonator. The largest object for which quantum superposition was previously observed was a molecule of 2000 atoms. Here, we have a string made of billions of atoms — a true quantum giant. Such states will open the door to sensors of incredible precision and robust quantum computing.
🎯 In 2019, scientists cooled a nanostring to a state where it completely stopped trembling from heat.
🎬 Schrödinger's cat states are often played with in science fiction — from stories of reality splitting to quantum computers of the future.