Energetic Laser Pulses Cause Quantum Entanglement in a Flash

A research team at the University of Maryland's Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) has produced quantum entanglement between a single atom's motion and its spin state thousands of times faster than previously reported. This work demonstrates unprecedented control of atomic motion and could lead to faster and better quantum computer logic gates. The researchers used highly energetic laser pulses to perform qubit operations. Previously, the JQI team set a record for the fastest spin flip in these systems (50 picoseconds). Now, they have continued their work by blasting the ion so strongly that the qubit quickly becomes linked to its motion. Such speedy operations are more typically associated with solid-state systems like electrons in semiconductors or superconductors.