2023-06-28 06:00:02
Matter, which we know well through its three main states of solid, liquid and gas, can exhibit more unusual behaviors under certain conditions. A team of researchers from the City University of Hong Kong (National motto: Sapientia and Virtus), led by Dr. Zhedong Zhang, set out to study so-called “exotic” phases. Their objective ? Decipher what they called the “phase induced by light (Light is all the electromagnetic waves visible to the eye…)”.
Schematic illustration of real-time molecule spectroscopy using light-induced phase.
Credit: Dr. Zhedong Zhang / City University of Hong Kong
In this light-induced phase, molecules stimulated by light radiation, such as laser pulses, display new properties. These properties are likely to be exploited in various applications ranging from optical communications to quantum computing (Quantum computing is the subfield of computer science that deals with computers…), including conversion technologies of energy (In the common sense, energy designates everything that makes it possible to carry out work, produce light, etc.)
However, the study of these behaviors is complex. Indeed, they occur on very short time and energy scales, on the scale of femtoseconds (10-15s), making their observation (Observation is the action of attentive monitoring of phenomena, without the will to les…) difficult with current theories and techniques.
Faced with this challenge, Dr. Zhang and his team developed a new quantum theory. This makes it possible to model the behavior of molecules in phase induced by light, thus overcoming the limitations of previous theories. Moreover, this theory reveals that these molecules can present a cooperative movement, like a “wave”, even at ambient temperature. A real revolution, since this phenomenon had so far only been observed at very low temperatures.
This major breakthrough might pave the way for new technological applications. Indeed, it might facilitate the design of more efficient light conversion and emission devices, or even advanced optical detection techniques. In addition, it might promote the development of new approaches in various fields such as optical communications, biological imaging (Imaging consists primarily of the manufacture and sale of physical images that…) or catalysis ( Catalysis is the action of a substance called catalyst on a chemical transformation…) chemical.
Researchers plan to further explore light-induced phases and their impact on quantum materials, opening a new field of exploration (Exploration is the act of searching with the intention of finding something unknown.) in quantum physics (Quantum physics is the general name of a set of physical theories…).
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