Quantum Dots
Semiconductor quantum dots and nanocrystals
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A New Quantum Mystery: The Fractional Fermi Sea
Physicists working with ultracold cesium atoms have explored an unusual way to control how quantum particles behave. By repeatedly changing the forces between the atoms-from strong repulsion to strong attraction-researchers can drive the system into a highly excited state that still maintains an unexpected degree of order. They call this unusual state a “fractional Fermi sea.” Normally, quantum particles follow specific rules when occupying energy levels. In this new state, the particles show different patterns of organization, challenging established theories of how interacting quantum particles behave.
First Room-Temperature Quantum Statistical Metacrystal
Physicists led by Louisiana State University engineered a room-temperature quantum material called a quantum statistical plasmonic metacrystal. Using focused ion beams to carve microscopic slits (acting as meta-atoms) into a gold thin film on glass, the material distinguishes subtle quantum statistical differences in incoming light waves and routes distinct quantum states along separate pathways.
Telecom Quantum Dot Spin-Photon Interface
Researchers engineered InAs/InAlGaAs quantum dots emitting at 1.55 μm in the telecom band and demonstrated more than 20 ns of hole spin coherence at 20 mT, advancing telecom-compatible quantum interfaces.