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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
06:42
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
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Electric field for tuning quantum entanglement in supported clusters
Oleg O Brovko1, Oleg V Farberovich, Valeri S Stepanyuk
1Max-Planck-Institut für Mikrostrukturphysik, Weinberg 2, 06120 Halle, Germany.
Summary
Researchers demonstrate that electric fields can control quantum entanglement in atomic spins on metal surfaces. This breakthrough allows for the
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Quantum entanglement is a key phenomenon in quantum mechanics, widely observed in various systems.
- Controlling quantum entanglement with external fields is a significant challenge in quantum technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and control of quantum entanglement in atomic spins of metal clusters on metal surfaces.
- To demonstrate the ability to manipulate entanglement using external electric fields.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a combination of ab initio calculations and model Heisenberg-Dirac-Van Vleck quantum spin Hamiltonian calculations.
- Examining a prototype system of manganese (Mn) dimers on a silver (Ag(001)) surface.
Main Results:
- Quantum entanglement was identified in the atomic spins of metal clusters supported on metal surfaces.
- External electric fields were shown to 'switch on' entanglement in an initially unentangled system.
- Electric fields significantly altered the critical temperature parameter of entanglement.
Conclusions:
- Atomic spins on metal surfaces can exhibit quantum entanglement.
- External electric fields provide a mechanism for precise control over quantum entanglement in such systems.
- The control is achieved through field-induced changes in the internal magnetic coupling of nanostructures.
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