Physicists create new family of Schrödinger-cat states
Phys.org • • science
Key Points:
- Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a new method to create quantum superpositions from highly nonclassical components, extending beyond traditional cat states made from coherent-state wave packets.
- The experiment utilized the motion of a single trapped ion, combining its internal qubit-like state with its motional quantum harmonic oscillator to engineer a wide variety of exotic quantum states.
- By entangling the ion's internal state with its motion and performing mid-circuit quantum measurements, the team achieved programmable control over the size, rotation, and separation of superposition components.
- Quantum state reconstructions showed interference patterns and Wigner negativity, confirming the creation of true quantum superpositions that cannot be described classically.
- The researchers aim to further explore the fundamental nature and practical applications of these novel quantum states in collaboration with theorists.