IBM applies quantum theory to information

IBM scientists have discovered a way to transport information on the atomic scale that uses the wave nature of electrons instead of conventional wiring. They described the breakthrough as an important step towards the future development of extremely fast and small chips for use in processors and network switches.

The phenomenon, dubbed the 'quantum mirage' effect, will enable data transfer within future nanoscale electronic circuits that are too small to use wires. "This is a fundamentally new way of guiding information through a solid," said IBM Fellow Donald M Eigler.

To create the quantum mirage, the scientists first moved several dozen cobalt atoms on a copper surface into an ellipse-shaped ring. When the scientists placed an atom of magnetic cobalt at one focus, a mirage appeared at the other focus. The same electronic states in the surface electrons surrounding the cobalt atom were detected even though no magnetic atom was actually there.

The ring atoms acted as a 'quantum corral' - reflecting the copper's surface electrons within the ring into a wave pattern as predicted by quantum mechanics.

IBM said improvement must be made before the technique becomes useful in actual circuits, and that a great deal of development work is still needed.

See also:

Spin doctors

Spinning electrons - or spintronics, as it's known - could herald a massive change in computing technology.  03 Sep 2001

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