Quantum coupling
Encyclopedia
Quantum Coupling is an effect in quantum mechanics
in which two or more quantum systems are bound such that a change in one of the quantum states in one of the systems will cause an instantaneous change in all of the bound systems. It is a state similar to quantum entanglement
but whereas quantum entanglement can take place over long distances quantum coupling is restricted to quantum scales.
utilize the quantum coupling effect by suspending particles representing qubits in an array of ion traps. These particles are then induced into a state of quantum coupling by using optical pumping
by a laser. Information can be stored in this state by coupling two or more qubits. While the individual particles may fluctuate their values, the quantum states of the two qubits remain locked in relation to each other, via Coulomb force. Any action by one of the coupled ions instantaneously alters the other to maintain the relative value. This allows the computer to hold information despite the instability of the individual particles.
, C6H6, the charges of the individual carbon atoms exhibit coupling. There are three double bonds and three single bonds in alternating positions around the ring. The measurement of the energy in any individual bond will result in a puzzling result resembling an impossible "one and a half bond". This is because the bonds are in a quantum superposition of double and single bonds at any particular bond position. The coupling effect causes the charge at all points on the ring to be altered when a bond at any one point is altered, in order to maintain the relative charge between atoms. This results in an illusionary "bond and a half" bond between all 6 carbon atoms.
Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a branch of physics providing a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter. It departs from classical mechanics primarily at the atomic and subatomic...
in which two or more quantum systems are bound such that a change in one of the quantum states in one of the systems will cause an instantaneous change in all of the bound systems. It is a state similar to quantum entanglement
Quantum entanglement
Quantum entanglement occurs when electrons, molecules even as large as "buckyballs", photons, etc., interact physically and then become separated; the type of interaction is such that each resulting member of a pair is properly described by the same quantum mechanical description , which is...
but whereas quantum entanglement can take place over long distances quantum coupling is restricted to quantum scales.
Quantum coupling in action
Trapped ion quantum computersTrapped ion quantum computers
A trapped ion quantum computer is a type of quantum computer. Ions, or charged atomic particles, can be confined and suspended in free space using electromagnetic fields. Qubits are stored in stable electronic states of each ion, and quantum information can be processed and transferred through the...
utilize the quantum coupling effect by suspending particles representing qubits in an array of ion traps. These particles are then induced into a state of quantum coupling by using optical pumping
Optical pumping
Optical pumping is a process in which light is used to raise electrons from a lower energy level in an atom or molecule to a higher one. It is commonly used in laser construction, to pump the active laser medium so as to achieve population inversion...
by a laser. Information can be stored in this state by coupling two or more qubits. While the individual particles may fluctuate their values, the quantum states of the two qubits remain locked in relation to each other, via Coulomb force. Any action by one of the coupled ions instantaneously alters the other to maintain the relative value. This allows the computer to hold information despite the instability of the individual particles.
Other examples
In benzeneBenzene
Benzene is an organic chemical compound. It is composed of 6 carbon atoms in a ring, with 1 hydrogen atom attached to each carbon atom, with the molecular formula C6H6....
, C6H6, the charges of the individual carbon atoms exhibit coupling. There are three double bonds and three single bonds in alternating positions around the ring. The measurement of the energy in any individual bond will result in a puzzling result resembling an impossible "one and a half bond". This is because the bonds are in a quantum superposition of double and single bonds at any particular bond position. The coupling effect causes the charge at all points on the ring to be altered when a bond at any one point is altered, in order to maintain the relative charge between atoms. This results in an illusionary "bond and a half" bond between all 6 carbon atoms.