Oxford physicists achieve world-first breakthrough in quantum physics

Physicists at the University of Oxford have accomplished a landmark achievement in quantum science, demonstrating for the first time a fourth-order quantum effect known as "quadsqueezing".

The breakthrough, detailed in Nature Physics on May 1, was achieved using a single trapped ion confined between electrode structures and manipulated with precisely calibrated laser fields.

Remarkably, the Oxford team generated this elusive quantum interaction more than 100 times faster than would be expected through conventional experimental approaches.

The research opens significant new avenues for quantum simulation, sensing and computing technologies, marking a proud moment for British physics research.

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Numerous physical systems behave as oscillating objects, much like springs or pendulums, and in quantum mechanics, these are termed quantum harmonic oscillators.

Controlling such oscillations underpins modern quantum technologies, from ultra-precise measurement instruments to advanced computing systems.

Standard squeezing techniques redistribute quantum uncertainty, sharpening one property whilst increasing imprecision in another.

This principle already enhances gravitational-wave detectors such as LIGO.

However, more sophisticated interactions — trisqueezing and quadsqueezing — have long eluded experimentalists.

These higher-order effects are inherently feeble and diminish rapidly as complexity increases.

Consequently, the desired quantum behaviour typically becomes overwhelmed by noise before it can be observed, presenting a formidable experimental challenge.

The Oxford researchers devised an ingenious solution by applying two precisely controlled forces to a single trapped ion simultaneously.

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This technique builds upon theoretical work proposed in 2021 by Dr Raghavendra Srinivas and Robert Tyler Sutherland.

Each force individually produces a straightforward, linear effect, yet their combination yields something far more powerful through a phenomenon called non-commutativity.

Dr Oana Băzăvan, the study's lead author, explained: "In the lab, non-commuting interactions are often seen as a nuisance because they introduce unwanted dynamics. Here, we took the opposite approach and used that feature to generate stronger quantum interactions."

She added: "The fourth-order quadsqueezing interaction was generated more than 100 times faster than expected using conventional approaches."

The technique is already being extended to systems with multiple modes of motion and has been combined with mid-circuit measurements of the ion's spin to simulate a lattice gauge theory.

Because the method relies on tools already available across various quantum platforms, it could provide a broadly applicable route to advanced quantum simulation, sensing and computation.

Dr Raghavendra Srinivas, who supervised the research, expressed considerable enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

"Fundamentally, we have demonstrated a new type of interaction that lets us explore quantum physics in uncharted territory, and we are genuinely excited for the discoveries to come," he said.

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