Inspired by iconic science fiction movies like Star Wars, a group of scientists at the University of Adelaide in Australia have created a light-driven energy trap, or, as it’s better known, a tractor beam. Although the group is yet to haul in a Millennium Falcon, they are seeing potential applications for more secure communications and advanced sensing technologies.
The energy trap pulls atoms into a microscopic hole at the center of a unique optical fiber. The interaction of the infrared light with the atoms causes a change in energy that drives the atoms to the most intense part of the light beam. Unfortunately, unlike the colorful blues and greens seen on the movie screen, this tractor beam is comprised of invisible infrared light.
In lab experiments, the beam grabs hold of atoms floating in a chamber that is nearly emptied of gas, similar to the conditions of outer space. Every atom that enters the tractor beam is pulled into the fiber without a chance to escape. Once sucked into the fiber, the atoms can be held for long periods of time.
Initial experiments on these trapped atoms focused on using them as elements of a quantum memory, which could lead to the development of a completely secure communications network for defense and intelligence applications.
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